Frieze Week has surged back into London for 2026, unleashing a flurry of art, performances, and vibrant gatherings. This event invites art enthusiasts to delve into a stunning array of city-wide art showcases, with artists pushing boundaries and exploring compelling themes.
Highlights of Frieze Week London
Among the theatrical offerings, “The Front” by Sam Cottington makes an exceptional entry. Staging at London Performance Studios on October 16 and 17, it unravels the narrative of two immortals, Carol and Stephen, journeying through history. From the battlefields of WWII to modern Berlin, their story presents a unique exploration of historical experience.
Kinetic Installations by Yuko Mohri at the Barbican
Japanese artist Yuko Mohri reimagines discarded materials from the Barbican into an installation entitled “In Concert.” Her work, composed of clanging cymbals, water-filled tubes, and renovated street lamps, creates an evolving symphony of sound and movement in The Curve. Lauded for her kinetic sculptures, Mohri’s latest work underscores themes of decay and renewal through these art events.
Her work, composed of clanging cymbals, Japanese artisans craft unique pieces for the V&A, resonating with themes of innovation and global collaboration.
Rebecca Warren Returns to Maureen Paley
A much-anticipated return after 15 years, Rebecca Warren graces Maureen Paley with sculptures distinguished by their blend of bodily and abstract forms. Her creation, “There Will Be Another You (2026),” morphs human forms into mesmerizing bronze figures, resonating through the gallery’s East London spaces during the exhibition series.
Esteban Jefferson’s “British Museum” at Herald St
Artist Esteban Jefferson examines the British Museum‘s curation methods with his exhibit “British Museum.” Based at Herald St, it critically examines the empty spaces left by looted artifacts, alongside air purifiers and other preservation tools, questioning the museum’s authoritative narratives through his provocative paintings featured in this cultural gathering.
Frieze Artist-to-Artist: Paul Robas by Alice Amati
Alice Amati curates a booth showcasing Paul Robas for the Frieze Artist-to-Artist initiative. Robas’s transition of images between digital and encaustic mediums highlights the ghostly impressions of art over time, capturing a delicate balance between light and shadow in these art exhibitions.
Anal House Meltdown at Bolding Gallery
The Anal House Meltdown event electrifies Bolding Gallery for a single night on October 16. Founded by artists including Eddie Peake, this event is notorious for its unpredictable settings and unrestrained celebration of queer culture, making it a must-attend during Frieze London.
Daniel Crouch Rare Books at Frieze Masters
Daniel Crouch Rare Books presents a selection from Andrew Edmunds’s storied collection. With over 1,200 prints by James Gillray and works by Hogarth and Rowlandson, the exhibit showcases the satirical prints that humorously scrutinize societal issues, from fashion to politics during the festival.
Retrospective of Es Devlin at Design Museum
Celebrating a legacy of transformative stage design, Es Devlin presents her European retrospective at the Design Museum. From intricate stage maquettes to illuminated botanical drawings, Devlin’s work opens a window into three decades of innovative artistry during this prestigious London event.
Celebrating a legacy of transformative stage design, Bauhaus meets modern audio in these immersive spaces in London.
Self-Portraits by Issy Wood at National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery inaugurates a program with Issy Wood’s self-portraits. Her tightly-cropped paintings blend portraiture and still life, offering unique perspectives on identity and presence. For the first time, audiences can view 11 introspective pieces created since 2020 in this year’s art presentations.
Georg Baselitz “Heroes” at Thaddaeus Ropac
The Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery hosts an exhibition devoted exclusively to Georg Baselitz’s “Heroes” series. Created amid the cultural flux of 1965, these paintings depict monumental figures amid desolate landscapes, a signature interpretation of post-war resilience and unrest featured in this significant art occasion.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is exhibiting kinetic installations at the Barbican?
Japanese artist Yuko Mohri is exhibiting kinetic installations at the Barbican. Her installation, entitled ‘In Concert,’ reimagines discarded materials from the Barbican into a symphony of sound and movement in The Curve.
What can visitors expect at Bolding Gallery during Frieze Week?
During Frieze Week, the Bolding Gallery will host the Anal House Meltdown event. This event, founded by artists including Eddie Peake, is known for unpredictable settings and a celebration of queer culture.
Where can Es Devlin’s retrospective be seen during Frieze Week?
Es Devlin’s retrospective can be seen at the Design Museum during Frieze Week. The exhibition will showcase three decades of her transformative stage designs.