LA ART WEEK 2025: CREATIVE RESILIENCE ON DISPLAY

Written By Renée Vara

LA Art Week showcased the resilience and adaptability of the contemporary art world, demonstrating that the creative force continues to drive the market and marketplace despite fluctuating market conditions and economic pressures. What stood out most was the absence of the pressured edginess one might have expected from dealers navigating the current art market challenges of uncertainty with increased costs, hyper-selectivity, lower demand, and more caution. Instead, there was a palpable aura of enthusiasm from artists, gallerists, and collectors embracing the moment rather than retreating into uncertainty. Beyond the art itself, the overall energy of the fair was notably upbeat, social, and engaging.

It also proved to be as successful as many major art fairs over the past six months. The atmosphere was undeniably positive, and the progressive approaches to materials, methods, issues, and styles witnessed felt refreshing and more experimental. The diversity of visitors, participants, and exhibited works, as well as the range of artistic voices on display, reflected contemporary art's dynamic and evolving nature of what is now relevant to the art market. The overall sales and commitment of buyers reinforced Los Angeles as not only a thriving cultural hub but also a viable commercial one. In addition, the obstacles overcome by so many participants only strengthened the reality that LA now represents a “serious” marketplace - an acknowledgment that has been slowly building but just reached a new critical level over the last two years. Even if the overall contemporary art market feels like it's in a fragile state given the macro-market pressures, the experience of the week appeared insulated, at least for now, by the sheer tenacity of the LA art scene and those who ventured to support it. 

While some skeptics had questioned the strength and morality of this year’s turnout - particularly given the reduced presence of New York-based collectors - the sheer volume and engagement of attendees told a different story. Furthermore, many local artists and dealers expressed gratitude to LA art pilgrims for making an effort to support LA's cultural scene. One event highlighting this sentiment was Future Fair, which partnered with the For Freedoms LA chapter to host a curated show whereby proceeds are being donated to local artists in need (you can continue to support here). In addition, Frieze Art Fair donated several booths to nonprofits, including the stellar Ambos, a nonprofit curated booth that exhibited residents’ collective work to subsidize recent funding shortfalls for their programming at the border. 

Ultimately, last week was more than just an ordinary fair week; it was also a subtle act of resistance to the multitude of threats to creative freedom and expression, including the geopolitical climate impacting DEI, climate change, and cultural funding. In its effort to let the “show go on,” it served as a statement on the enduring spirit of contemporary creatives - bold, innovative, and unshaken. Based on my experience in the trenches and my conversations with galleries, artists, and foundations, those who questioned the ethics of proceeding with the week's events that challenged the overall positive impact had misunderstood the importance of demonstrating community, support, and shared values to the local art scene that needed it the most.

For additional noteworthy perspectives on LA Art Week: Artnet, ArtNews, Artsy, Artlyst, and Hyperallergic.

Frieze Art Fair

Renée Vara
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