Frieze Los Angeles has returned to the Santa Monica Airport for its seventh edition, marking the first iteration since the fair was acquired by Ari Emanuel’s live events venture, Mari. The event features nearly 100 galleries from 22 countries, balancing global powerhouses like Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth with a strong contingent of local Los Angeles mainstays. Fair director Christine Messineo emphasized the fair's role as a central gathering point for the international collecting community within the city's sprawling landscape.
This edition is significant as it tests the fair's growth under new ownership and its ability to maintain momentum in a shifting market. Local dealers are using the platform to challenge stereotypes of Los Angeles as a superficial art market, showcasing rigorous solo presentations and group shows. The expansion of booths by regional dealers like Jessica Silverman and the continued presence of Latin American and Asian galleries signal that Los Angeles remains a critical hub for high-level commercial exchange and institutional networking.