in Frieze | 06 MAY 20

Komal Shah: Top 5 Picks from Frieze Viewing Room

The influential collector selects her highlights including works by Kevin Beasley, Mary Heilmann, Arghavan Khosravi, Gladys Nilsson and Lorna Simpson

in Frieze | 06 MAY 20

Lorna Simpson, Chicago, 2020
Gallery Hauser & Wirth

Lorna Simpson, *Chicago,* 2020. Ink and screenprint on gessoed fiberglass. Unique. 170.2 x 127 x 3.6 cm / 67 x 50 x 1 3/8 in. © Lorna Simpson. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photo: James Wang

This body of works superimpose faces from ads in ebony or jet, highlighting a universal stereotype of beauty that these faces confirm to. I remember being very taken with similar works in her show “Darkening” in 2019 at Hauser & Wirth, but this work has already evolved in its painterly punch.

Mary Heilmann, Night Swimmer, 1998
Gallery 303

Mary Heilmann, *Night Swimmer*, 1998. Courtesy of Gallery 303

A brilliant colorist, Mary Heilmann pays homage to her two loves - the California coast with its the ultramarine waters and white froth, and music, as in the REM song. Fantastic example of how she captures a place, moment and mood. No wonder she continues to inspire so many artists today!

Kevin Beasley, Untitled, 2018
Casey Kaplan Gallery (main section)

Kevin Beasley, *Untitled*, 2018. Polyurethane resin, foam, housedresses, kaftans, t-shirts79 x 79 x 39” / 200.66 x 200.66 x 99.06cm. Photo: Jason Wyche. ©Kevin Beasley. Image courtesy the artist and Casey Kaplan, New York

This vibrant, powerful free standing slab incorporates his poignant "ghost" sculptures made from family housedresses, with a visual artistry that is unparalleled. Every side and corner holds a new surprise; and the back is simply stunning.

Gladys Nilsson, Tester 2019
Garth Greenan Gallery

Gladys Nilsson, *Tester* 2019. Courtesy of Garth Greenan Gallery

Playful and satirical, with a dense color palette, this work tickles the imagination. Is the woman (in her seat of power) testing the waters? A great example of an ex-“Hairy Who” artist who continues to make incredible work at 80.

Arghavan Khosravi, The Balance, 2020
Rachel Uffner Gallery

Arghavan Khosravi, *The Balance,* 2019, acrylic on found fabric mounted on wood panel, 40 1/2 x 31 1/2 in (102.9 x 80 cm).. Courtesy the artist and Rachel Uffner Gallery

I have been watching this young artist solidify her artistic language with a combination of Persian motifs and global politics. I love the clever use of a monochromatic palette and juxtaposition of the paisley collage to sharpen the focus on the tough “balancing act” for women.

Other artists of interest (if I had a top 10) would include: Torkwase Dyson, Kapwani Kiwanga, Carrie Moyer, Harmony Hammond and Maja Ruznic.

Read our interview with Komal Shah here