Understated isn’t a word which comes to mind when describing Frieze. Each year the stands become more adventurous, the artwork all encompassing, a circus of frenzied activity until one retires to the reserved comfort of the Masters tent. Yet, with the same visual dynamism (and visitor numbers) as years before, we see less installation and more white cube display (with some exceptions including Jim Shaw, whose grotesque wallpaper of a melted Trump could entertain for hours). The result is a rested overall hang where each artwork is given copious breathing room. The return to established museological techniques is a surprise, but a welcome one; the familiar parameters allowing us a conversation built upon more than astonishment, the safety perhaps a nod to the uncertainty of the quite frankly mind numbing sociopolitical climate. That said, safe is still made exciting …after all, it wouldn’t quite be Frieze without a gigantic carrot hanging from the ceiling, courtesy of John Baldessari.
E6. Simon Lee Gallery: Jim Shaw
D11. Buchholz: Lutz Bacher
C7. Victoria Miro: Idris Khan
C9. Stephen Friedman Gallery: David Shrigley
A20. Jack Shaman Gallery: Nick Cave
A13. Shanghart Gallery: Ouyang Chun
A11. Galerie Eigen+Art : Martin Eder
A2: Kamel Mennour: Tatiana Trouve
B14. Galerie Greta Meert: Edith Dekynott
Words: Laura Frances Green