Frieze Sculpture has once again transformed Regent’s Park into a dynamic open-air gallery for its 12th edition, featuring works by 22 international artists. Known for pushing artistic boundaries with avant-garde installations, this year’s exhibition presents a diverse array of sculptures that amuse, provoke, and sometimes perplex viewers. Among the varied collection, one piece that invites quiet contemplation is The Shadow by Albano Hernández.
Albano Hernández presented by Pi Artworks, The Shadow, 2024 / Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind/ Frieze.
Albano Hernández presented by Pi Artworks, The Shadow, 2024
Hernández’s The Shadow plays a subtle game with perception. At first glance, it appears as a simple tree shadow on the grass, indistinguishable from the natural environment around it. However, upon closer inspection, viewers realize it is a painted silhouette. This interplay between reality and art draws on Hernández’s broader interest in materiality and ecological themes, reflecting on global deforestation through the metaphor of a ‘non-tree.’ As the grass grows and the paint fades, the work transforms, embodying the fleeting nature of existence. While The Shadow may not be the most visually dominant piece in the exhibition, it succeeds in creating a profound dialogue between art and nature, challenging viewers to look beyond what they initially perceive.
Leonora Carrington presented by rossogranada, The Dancer (El Bailarín), 2011
Fani Parali presented by Cooke Latham Gallery, AONYX and DREPAN, 2020
In contrast, other works in Frieze Sculpture 2024 take a much bolder approach. Theresa Chromati’s steadfast… is a striking and surreal form, blending scrotum-like shapes with chicken legs, instantly grabbing attention with its playful, bizarre aesthetic. Similarly, İnci Eviner’s Material of Mind Theatre, a sprawling collection of 25 stoneware sculptures resembling costumes, offers a theatrical and overwhelming visual experience. These pieces demand engagement through their bold use of form and color, standing in stark contrast to the subtlety of Hernández’s work.
İnci Eviner presented by Dirimart, Materials of Mind Theatre, 2024
Other notable installations include Libby Heaney’s Ent-(non-earthly delights), an oddly grotesque figure inspired by Hieronymus Bosch, and Nika Neelova’s Crude Hints, a mosaic that references Roman history in London. These works reflect a broad spectrum of artistic expression, ranging from the historical to the surreal. They contribute to the exhibition’s eclectic nature, offering something for everyone, whether they seek the quiet, contemplative engagement of The Shadow or the more overtly provocative pieces that dominate the park’s landscape.
Libby Heaney presented by Gazelli Art House, Ent- (non-earthly delights), 2024
The Duet, Theaster Gates, presented by White Cube, 2023
Nika Neelova presented by Noire Gallery, Crude Hints, 2024
Despite the presence of standout works, this year’s edition of Frieze Sculpture has been noted for lacking the cohesion and bold impact typically associated with the event. While individual pieces capture attention and provoke thought, the overall collection comes across as somewhat disjointed, with some installations feeling more decorative than intellectually stimulating. This shift raises questions about whether Frieze is moving away from its roots as a showcase of groundbreaking contemporary art, perhaps evolving into a more commercial platform focused on visual appeal rather than challenging artistic exploration.
Yoshitomo Nara presented by Pace Gallery, Ennui Head, 2020
Juliana Cerqueira Leite presented by TJ Boulting, Shovel, 2024
As the exhibition continues to attract both art lovers and casual park-goers, the broader question remains: Is Frieze Sculpture still a leading platform for contemporary art, or is it losing its experimental spirit? With the main Frieze Art Fair on the horizon, the art world waits to see whether the rest of the program will reignite the innovative energy that has long defined London’s art scene.
Juliana Cerqueira Leite presented by TJ Boulting, Sand, 2024
One thing is certain—pieces like The Shadow show that even in a diverse and sometimes overwhelming exhibition, moments of quiet brilliance can still stand out. Hernández’s work may not shout for attention, but it leaves a lasting impression, offering a reflective space for those willing to engage with its subtle message.
Theresa Chromati presented by VETA by Fer Francés, steadfast, step into me (allow silence to create the sounds you desire most), 2022
Ashwini Bhat presented by Project 88, What Will It Take For Us To Awake, 2024
Kirstine Roepstorff presented by 2112, Lightning rod, 2024
Woody De Othello presented by Jessica Silverman, Stephen Friedman Gallery and Karma, seeing both sides, 2024
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim presented by Lawrie Shabibi, The Form, 2024
Nathan Coley presented by The Page Gallery, I Don’t Have Another Land, 2022
