Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/666019
Those attending Frieze New York at Randall's Island Park may be in for a little surprise this year courtesy of artist David Horvitz. "We have hired a pickpocket, who instead of stealing bags and wallets will be dropping a small sculpture into people's pockets and purses, almost as a gesture of generosity," explains Frieze Projects New York curator Cecilia Alemani. "He will be very discreet, so you won't necessarily notice him, but he will be distributing around 200 sculptures every day to the lucky ones, so you might just go home and find a little sculpture in your bag." Now in its fifth year, Alemani—who has curated Frieze Projects New York since the fair's inaugural edition—sought to bring in a group of emerging and established artists who will give fairgoers a fresh perspective. "I wanted them not just to bring a sculpture or something that could have been visible in a booth but to break the pace and the rhythm by inserting encounters with the fair," says Alemani. This year's Frieze Projects section will allow viewers to interact with the artists' works. In addition to Horvitz's antics, Maurizio Cattelan will pay tribute to Daniel Newburg Gallery, which operated Downtown from 1984 until 1994, with a final exhibition of Cattelan's work, which also happened to be the Italian artist's American debut. Expect Cattelan's irreverent ideas to be in evidence. In addition, Heather Phillipson, a British artist who works with found objects, videos and sound, will have an installation throughout a handful of points at the fair that will offer a déjà-vu experience for visitors. "I can assure you that's going to be a lot of fun for the viewers to see," says Alemani. Outside, Eduardo Navarro will trail the clouds in the sky through dancers wearing a mirrored disc around their waists. Meanwhile, British artist Anthea Hamilton will revisit the prototype of the Kar-a-Sutra—a car designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini that was a precursor to the minivan and station wagon—through a performance that involves her own interpretation of the vehicle and a group of mimes. American artist Alex Da Corte will launch a giant balloon that will float above the tent. "It's a large festival of culture, but it goes way beyond contemporary art and the market," says Alemani. PHOTO BY PIER PAOLO FERRARI INSTALLATION ART High Line Art Director and curator Cecilia Alemani continues to shape Frieze Projects, making it one of the most anticipated platforms of the contemporary art fair. BY ANN BINLOT Maurizio Cattelan, whose Untitled is seen here, will present a special project for Frieze Projects. culturedmag.com 97