Frieze London & Art Basel Paris
Art Market Update Vol. 5: Frieze London & Paris+ par Art Basel
Light and Space | Female Artists and Their Women Collectors | Large-Scale Works
Frieze London ´23 VIP Opening
With Frieze London and Paris+ par Art Basel—taking place in quick succession over the past two weeks in particular—three current trends and rediscoveries in the art market have become clearly apparent.
I. Light and Space
The “Light and Space” movement is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in Southern California in the 1960s, particularly in Los Angeles.
Artists associated with “Light and Space” experimented intensely with light sources, translucent materials, and minimalist forms. Through the deliberate use of light and space, they created immersive artworks that challenged the viewer’s senses and redefined the perception of space, time, and matter.
A characteristic feature of “Light and Space” works is their ability to transform the viewer’s physical experience. Installations—often occupying entire rooms—use light as a medium to create a transformative environment. The audience is invited to enter these spaces and perceive subtle shifts in light intensity and colour, resulting in an immediate and deeply sensorial experience.
The “Light and Space” movement not only blurred the boundaries between artwork and viewer, but also prompted reflection on perception itself. At both Frieze and Paris+, a wide range of works from this movement could be found—including pieces by Berta Fischer and Ann Veronica Janssens, who appeared with several galleries. Both artists have had major museum exhibitions in recent years and, not least, paved the way for younger artists such as Sali Muller or Johannes Holt Iversen.
II. The Recognition of Female Artists and Their Women Collectors
It is no secret that women artists have played a subordinate role in art history—at least if one relies on the traditional academic literature found at most universities. Yet when we look at current research and discourse, it becomes clear that it is not a lack of outstanding women artists; rather, this one-sided historical narrative is largely the result of an—almost exclusively—male perspective.
Of course, there have always been women artists who were equal to their male counterparts—and at times more innovative, versatile, or even stronger. What was often missing, however, was the kind of mediation and communication work that is now increasingly coming to the fore. Female art is finding its way more and more into major, influential galleries and museums. While art fairs are still dominated by male artists—such as Damien Hirst’s unmissable presence at Gagosian at Frieze (see photo above)—it is evident that women artists are gaining significance and demand on the international art market. This shift is due in no small part to the growing number of women collectors.
Women are increasingly entering the art market—both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.
III. Large-Scale Works
Historically, the use of monumental dimensions in painting was often closely tied to religious, political, or social narratives. During the Renaissance, for example, frescoes served not only as aesthetic masterpieces but also as a means of visualising theological concepts on a monumental scale. The preference for large formats in art history can also be attributed to their visual dominance and their capacity to convey expanded narrative complexity. Large-scale works enabled artists to present epic narratives and to emphasise details in a way that would not be possible within smaller formats.
In contemporary art, artists are increasingly working with oversized formats—whether in painting, sculpture, or installation—to create an immediate and powerful impact on audiences. Large-scale works establish a physical presence in space that invites viewers to enter into the environment and build a direct relationship with the art. This approach reflects a shift from purely visual experience toward a more multi-sensory artistic practice.
Moreover, the large format allows artists to explore new materials and techniques on an expanded scale, creating room for experiments with texture, light effects, and spatial relationships that may not be as effective in smaller works. The current trend toward large-scale work can also be linked to a vibrant market: never before have there been so many collectors eager to express their passion publicly and actively seeking out works that carry immense force—quite literally—through their size.
