Alex Gartenfeld's Top Picks from Frieze New York Viewing Room 2023
The Artistic Director of ICA Miami selects new paintings by Steve Locke, and iconic works by Carlos Villa, Rosa Barba and Betye Saar, amongst others
The Artistic Director of ICA Miami selects new paintings by Steve Locke, and iconic works by Carlos Villa, Rosa Barba and Betye Saar, amongst others
The booth of Michael Rosenfeld is of particular interest to me, comprising a number of Feminist works. The focus is on the legacy of Roe v. Wade, with works all made in 1973 — the year of the Supreme Court ruling. I was struck by Claire Zeisler's fabric work, and glass work with copper by Claire Falkenstein. Both are absolute masters of their craft. There is also an iconic work by Nancy Grossman, and a very strong piece by Betye Saar.
Alexander Gray Associates has a group of really beautiful 'cruising' paintings by the artist Steve Locke. cruisers (Vest), a new work by the artist, is a particularly poetic and musing picture.
Carlos Villa, who recently had a major traveling retrospective, was an important artist and activist, is represented by what promises to be a stunning survey at Silverlens. Kite God Coat (1979), is an iconic, biopmorphic relief comprising of rooster and pheasant feathers. It’s a monument and a tribute to the multi-faceted practice of this artist and advocate.
Rosa Barba is a highlight of Esther Schipper's fair presentation. Barba’s kinetic investigations of 35mm film are arresting to watch on loop. They are erudite works, and a lot of fun
I really enjoyed the historic works of Mónica Giron at Barro. This series – titled Ajuar Para Un Conquistador or Trousseau for a Conqueror – comprises of pullovers, socks and scarves for Patagonian birds, referencing the history of Argentina and the global climate crisis. The works have an extraordinary control, color, form and a poignant scale.
About Alex Gartenfeld, Artistic Director, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
Alex Gartenfeld is recognized internationally for his work with established and emerging contemporary artists. As part of the founding team for the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, Gartenfeld helped to lead the creation of the institution, its building, and mission. He also led the development of the exhibition that inaugurated ICA Miami’s new home – the institution’s first major thematic survey, The Everywhere Studio. Other ICA Miami exhibitions curated by Gartenfeld have included solo presentations of Terry Adkins, Ida Applebroog, Thomas Bayrle, Larry Bell, Judy Chicago, Hugh Hayden, Jadé Fadojutimi, Hugh Haydn, Donald Judd, Allan McCollum, John Miller, Paulo Nazareth, Senga Nengudi, Sterling Ruby, Ettore Sottsass, and Andra Ursuta, among others.
Main image: Steve Locke, cruisers (vest) (detail), 2023. Oil on canvas, 76.2 cm x 91.4 cm. Courtesy the artist and Alexander Gray Associates, New York © 2023 Steve Locke / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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