When Quilts Whisper and Paintings Transform at Frieze New York’s Living Gallery

At Frieze New York 2023, art didn’t just hang on walls—it pulsed with new energy and unexpected stories. Instead of relying on the weight of history, most galleries showcased works fresh from 2023, debuting rising talents and bold experiments. Sanford Biggers reimagined antique quilts as sculptural codes, referencing the Underground Railroad’s secret language, while Emma Prempeh’s glowing canvases layered memory and time with imitation gold leaf that will shift as years pass. Meanwhile, Jack Whitten’s monochromes and ghostly prints revealed decades of relentless reinvention, and Liao Wen’s hand-carved wooden figures, inspired by marionette puppetry, invited viewers to peer through peepholes and confront the body’s mysteries. From Pacita Abad’s jubilant textiles to Castiel Vitorino Brasileiro’s earthy self-portraits, the fair became a vibrant crossroads of heritage, innovation, and transformation. In this living gallery, art is less a relic and more a restless, evolving presence—always ready to surprise. #FriezeNY2023 #ContemporaryArt #ArtFairs