Frieze New York kicked off its preview day at the Shed in Manhattan with strong sales and high energy, as many attendees arrived fresh from the Venice Biennale. Galleries reported brisk presales and early placements, with White Cube selling major works by El Anatsui and Antony Gormley for seven-figure sums, and other dealers like James Cohan Gallery nearly selling out their booths. Collectors, advisors, and celebrities including Anderson Cooper, Michael Stipe, and Leonardo DiCaprio were spotted, while the Brooklyn Museum made acquisitions through the new Sherman Family Foundation Acquisition Fund.
The upbeat atmosphere marks a shift after two rocky years for the art market, with Frieze director Christine Messineo citing successful recent editions of Frieze Los Angeles and Expo Chicago. Sotheby’s and Christie’s both reported sales increases in 2025, and multiple artworks estimated around $100 million are coming to auction. The fair’s strong start suggests renewed confidence among collectors and dealers, signaling a potential recovery in the art market.