Million Dollar Masterpieces: Top Sales at Frieze Los Angeles 2024

View of Gagosian's booth at Frieze Los Angeles 2024

 

 

Frieze Los Angeles 2024 cemented its position as a powerhouse in the contemporary art market, boasting robust sales across established and emerging artists. While million-dollar masterpieces dominated headlines, the fair also presented a platform for diverse voices and artistic movements.

 

 

Significant Sales and Records

 

Leading the pack was Richard Serra's Pamuk (2009), a vibrant paint stick on paper, which fetched a staggering $2 million at Gladstone Gallery. This hefty sum underscores the solid demand for works by established "blue-chip" artists. Thaddeus Ropac wasn't far behind, selling two significant pieces: Robert Longo's charcoal masterpiece Untitled (Julien)  (2016) for a commanding $1.6 million, and a thought-provoking work by Anselm Kiefer, Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind  (2012/2022), for €1.3 million ($1.4 million). Michael Rosenfeld Gallery placed paintings by Beauford Delaney and Norman Lewis, each fetching between $1 and $2 million, demonstrating a resurgent interest in African American artists. 

 

Richard Serra, Pamuk, 2009, paintstick on handmade paper

 

Six-figures SALES

 

Beyond the top sellers, a flurry of six-figure sales fueled the fair's vibrancy.

 

• Gladstone Gallery reported an Alex Katz painting sold for $650,000, and Ugo Rondinone’s the sun at 12 am (2019) for $480,000.

 

Ugo Rondinone, the sun at 12 am, 2019, gilded bronze

 

• David Zwirner saw Joe Bradley's works range between $300,000–$450,000, a Dana Schutz sculpture for $360,000, and a Lisa Yuskavage painting for $300,000.
• Hauser & Wirth highlighted an Ed Clark painting at $950,000, a Charles Gaines piece at $795,000, John Chamberlain’s MISCHIEVOUSMERRIMENT (1999) for $625,000, and Mark Bradford’s Ghost Ship (2022) for $175,000.
• Lehmann Maupin featured Billie Zangewa’s textile works between $125,000–$250,000.
• Lisson Gallery reported Anish Kapoor’s Mipa 5 Light to Prussian Blue Satin (2023) for £675,000 ($856,580), and Olga de Amaral’s pieces Moya E (2013) and Moya F (2013) each for $250,000.
• Pace Gallery saw Robert Longo’s Untitled (Dry Palm)  (2023) fetch $700,000, and a Split Orb painting by Loie Hollowell for $450,000.

 

Loie Hollowell, Split Orbs, 2023

 

• Perrotin celebrated a large-scale painting by Cristina BanBan in the range of $100,000–$125,000.
• Xavier Hufkens noted a Louise Bourgeois work on paper for $350,000, and a Cecilia Vicuña painting for $325,000.
• White Cube enjoyed sales of Antony Gormley’s FRAME II (2023) for £500,000 ($635,130), and Lynne Drexler’s Spotted Background (1986) for $150,000.
• Sprüth Magers sold an Anne Imhof acrylic on aluminum for €200,000 ($217,170).

 

The rise of the next generation

 

While established artists dominated the higher price points, Frieze Los Angeles also provided a launchpad for rising stars.

 

• Jessica Silverman sold Hayal Pozanti’s Betweenwhiles for $75,000; a Rebecca Ness painting for $55,000.
• Sean Kelly Gallery reported institutional sales of Awol Erizku's lightbox editions of Figi (2021–23) for $55,000 each.
• Kasmin sold 17 Vanessa German works, priced between $25,000–$65,000.

 

View of Kasmin's booth at Frieze Los Angeles 2024, featuring Vanessa German's artworks.

 

• Perrotin reported sales for GaHee Park and Danielle Orchard, with works priced between $35,000–$55,000.
• Dominique Gallery sold out its presentation of Mustafa Ali Clayton, with sculptures priced from $12,000–$100,000.
• OCHI sold all works in its presentation of Lilian Martinez.

 

View of OCHI's booth at Frieze Los Angeles 2024, featuring Lilian Martinez's artworks.

 

• pt.2 sold out its presentation of Muzae Sesay, with prices ranging from $16,000–$30,000.
• Nazarian / Curcio reported multiple sales from its presentation of Widline Cadet, including a photograph for $45,000 and other works in the range of $3,000–$24,000.

 

A Noteworthy Institutional Acquisition:

Marking a significant moment for representation, the California African American Museum (CAAM) partnered with Frieze Los Angeles to acquire Mustafa Ali Clayton's  ceramic sculpture Natural  (2024) presented by Dominique Gallery. This acquisition signifies a commitment to amplifying diverse voices within the art world.

 

Mustafa Ali Clayton, Natural, 2024. California African American Museum

 

Looking Beyond the Numbers

 

While sales figures paint a vivid picture of the market, Frieze Los Angeles 2024 offered much more. The fair served as a platform for artistic exploration, showcasing a plethora of mediums beyond traditional painting and sculpture. "Set Seen: Sharif Farrag, Rat Race, 2024" presented by Art Production Fund, offered a captivating program that blurred the lines between art and set design. Widline Cadet's solo presentation in the Focus section explored themes of Haitian myth and childhood memories, enriching the fair with its unique cultural perspective.

 

Set Seen: Sharif Farrag, Rat Race, 2024

 

In conclusion, Frieze Los Angeles 2024 solidified its reputation as a major player in the global art market. The fair provided a stage for established masters to reaffirm their dominance while nurturing the next generation of artistic talent. Beyond the million-dollar headlines, the fair championed artistic diversity, fostering dialogue and enriching the cultural landscape.