Five Standout Shows to Catch During Frieze Los Angeles

Intermediate | February 22, 2026

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Frieze Week Energy: Frieze Los Angeles Shows Are Everywhere

When people hear “Frieze Los Angeles,” they often think of the art fair at the Santa Monica Airport. But the bigger story is what happens around it: museums, foundations, and galleries across the city time major exhibitions for the same week. If you’re visiting—or even if you live in L.A.—Frieze Los Angeles shows can feel like the city is running an art marathon. (Frieze)

1) Big, Playful Sculpture at The Broad

One standout pick is “Robert Therrien: This Is a Story” at The Broad, described as the largest retrospective of the late artist’s work. Therrien is famous for changing the scale of everyday objects (think giant furniture) so you feel like you’ve stepped into a different reality. It’s a smart reminder that modern art doesn’t have to be “mysterious”—sometimes it’s about making you notice your world again. (FT)

2) A Film Installation Built From Unseen Footage at LACMA

At LACMA, filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu created a film installation called “Sueño Perro”, built from more than a million feet of unused footage from Amores Perros. Instead of a normal movie, it uses 35mm projectors to build a poetic, non-linear experience—more like stepping inside memory than watching a story from start to finish. (FT)

3) Photography With a Message at the Getty

If you want something thoughtful (and honestly, very “L.A.”), the Getty highlights photography connected to the Black Arts Movement (1955–1985)—showing how images can be art and activism at the same time. It’s a great stop if you like exhibitions that combine culture, identity, and history without turning it into a lecture. (FT)

4) Sound + Sculpture in a True L.A. Way

Frieze week also leans into the city’s love of performance and music. One recommended show pairs visual art and sound: Haegue Yang is featured in a project that bridges museum space and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with work connected to composer Isang Yun and a live performance element. It’s a good example of why Frieze Los Angeles shows feel different from other art weeks—L.A. naturally mixes mediums. (FT)

5) The Fair Itself: What Frieze Says to Watch

If you’re going to the fair, Frieze also publishes guides to solo presentations and museum shows to help visitors avoid decision fatigue. Their editors highlight one-artist booths and curated picks so you can walk in with a plan instead of wandering until your feet quit. (Frieze)

Vocabulary

standout (adjective) – clearly better or more impressive than the rest.
Example: “That exhibition was a standout during Frieze week.”
retrospective (noun) – a major show that looks back at an artist’s career.
Example: “The museum hosted a retrospective of the artist’s best work.”
scale (noun) – the size of something, especially compared to normal size.
Example: “The artist changed the scale of ordinary objects.”
non-linear (adjective) – not told in a straight time order.
Example: “The film felt non-linear, like memories flashing in and out.”
installation (noun) – art arranged in a space for people to experience.
Example: “The installation filled the entire room with sound and light.”
medium (noun) – the material or method used to create art.
Example: “Photography is her main medium.”
activism (noun) – action taken to create social or political change.
Example: “The photos showed how art can connect to activism.”
curated (adjective) – carefully selected and organized.
Example: “It’s a curated list of the best shows to see.”
decision fatigue (noun) – mental tiredness from making too many choices.
Example: “A guide helps reduce decision fatigue during a busy trip.”
immerse (verb) – to become fully involved in an experience.
Example: “The exhibition immersed visitors in sound and motion.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do museums and galleries schedule big exhibitions during Frieze week?
Which of the five shows sounds most interesting to you, and why?
How does changing the scale of an object affect the viewer’s experience?
What’s the difference between watching a movie and experiencing a film installation?
Why might photography be powerful for activism?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you prefer art that is “easy to understand,” or art that feels mysterious? Why?
What role should art play in society: beauty, entertainment, criticism, or something else?
Is it fair when big art events make cities more expensive for locals?
What makes a city a strong “art city”—museums, artists, money, or community?
If you visited Frieze week, how would you plan your time to avoid burnout?

Related Idiom / Phrase

“Soak it in” – enjoy and fully experience something.

Example: “If you’re in L.A. during Frieze week, slow down and soak it in—pick a few shows and enjoy them.”

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This article was inspired by: FT, Frieze, Artsy, and ArtNews