As the circus of art descends upon London with the opening of Frieze London and Frieze Masters, the city buzzes with excitement, anticipation, and an undercurrent of anxiety. Questions loom about whether these fairs have become merely an amuse-bouche for the upcoming feast that is Art Basel Paris. Many industry insiders believe so. The art market has been cooling for a while, with noticeable effects in the UK, where several galleries have been forced to cut staff or close their doors entirely.

London’s grip on big-ticket sales seems to be loosening, prompting concerns about the city’s status as a leading art capital.

Despite these challenges, cultural institutions, galleries, and the Frieze fairs remain defiant in the face of new competition across the channel. Eva Langret, Frieze London’s artistic director, recently expressed optimism, stating that she believes “there’s space for the two cities to be great together.” This sentiment highlights a broader understanding within the art community: rather than seeing competition as a threat, it can serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.

For anyone seeking a break from the drama and frenetic energy of the fairs, London offers a treasure trove of impressive gallery and institutional exhibitions opening this week. Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling offerings around town.

Yayoi Kusama at Victoria Miro

Yayoi Kusama’s latest installation, Infinity Mirrored Room – Beauty Described by a Spherical Heart, is guaranteed to draw crowds and ignite conversations. Victoria Miro has pulled out all the stops for its 14th show featuring the iconic 95-year-old artist. As visitors arrive, they encounter a pot of multi-colored tokens on a plinth, inviting them to take one and queue up, fairground-style, for a mesmerizing experience inside the artist’s newest Infinity Room.

Once inside, participants are enveloped in a dazzling spectacle that resembles being trapped within a giant disco ball. The faux elevator doors close, sealing them in a world of mirrors and flashing LED lights. The initial disorientation gives way to a surreal experience reminiscent of iconic cinematic moments, blending the energies of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon and Saturday Night Fever. While this immersive installation is undoubtedly playful and Instagram-friendly, some critics argue it lacks the ethereal quality of Kusama’s earlier works, such as those displayed at Tate Modern.

Upstairs, two of Kusama’s fabric tendril installations hang dramatically from the gallery’s exposed rafters. One piece, titled Death of Nerves, dramatically descends 50 feet through a hole to the ground floor. The artist’s signature polka dots adorn these sinuous forms, while bold paintings hang salon-style on white walls, also treated with her distinctive spot patterns. Critic and curator Akira Tatehata, during a walkthrough, noted that these works convey a strong sense of Kusama’s humor and fluidity. The exhibition’s light-heartedness contrasts sharply with the heavier themes often associated with contemporary art, presenting a refreshing, albeit whimsical, perspective.

Among the outdoor sculptures on the deck overlooking Miro’s tranquil, algae-covered pond, Ladder to Heaven stands out. Towering over 13 feet, this polished stainless-steel piece—perforated with polka dots—symbolizes Kusama’s ongoing exploration of space and introspection, prompting visitors to consider both physical and metaphysical ascents.

Turner Prize 2024 at Tate Britain

The Turner Prize, once a beacon of avant-garde art, has experienced a quieter period in recent years, raising questions about its relevance. This year’s exhibition features shortlisted artists Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur, and Delaine Le Bas, who are striving to reignite interest and restore the prize’s significance.

Kaur’s entry—a red Ford Escort draped in a large-scale cotton doily—serves as a powerful commentary on cultural identity. As the car’s speakers blare a mix of hip-hop, pop, and Islamic devotional chanting, Kaur’s installation emerges as a standout piece, offering an engaging, multi-sensory experience that reflects her upbringing in a South Asian family. It feels distinctly Turner Prize-esque and has garnered considerable attention, positioning Kaur as a strong contender for the award.

In contrast, Johnson’s unfinished portraits in pastel, oil stick, and gouache, while moving, tread familiar territory without offering new insights. Despite her significant contributions to British art, her nomination feels overdue rather than groundbreaking. Le Bas’s work explores her Roma roots, while Abad’s dense drawings, etchings, and sculptures address themes of cultural loss and colonial histories of the Philippines, though they leave audiences wanting more.

While the 2024 Turner Prize may not deliver the same shock value as in its heyday, it reflects a shift in the art landscape. With the winner set to be announced on December 3, the anticipation surrounding this year’s prize remains palpable, offering hope for a resurgence of the award’s cultural impact.on estimate.

Francis Bacon at National Portrait Gallery

It is somewhat surprising that it has taken until now for London’s newly refurbished National Portrait Gallery to host a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Francis Bacon, given his iconic status in the art world. The exhibition, titled Human Presence, examines how Bacon challenged the conventions of portraiture throughout his career. Curated by Rosie Broadley, the show features 55 portraits painted between the 1950s and the 1990s, revealing the emotional complexities that characterize Bacon’s work.

Bacon’s paintings are infused with longing and suffering, making for an emotionally charged viewing experience.

Among the most poignant pieces are those depicting George Dyer, Bacon’s lover, who tragically died by suicide in 1971. Bacon’s Black Triptychs, created in the wake of Dyer’s death, poignantly illustrate the artist’s deep emotional turmoil and redefinition of the portrait genre. The exhibition invites visitors to grapple with the complexities of identity, loss, and the human experience, solidifying Bacon’s legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Claude Monet at Courtauld Institute of Art

While Monet is best known for his iconic waterlily paintings, his lesser-known depictions of smog-covered London are equally deserving of attention. The Courtauld Institute’s exhibition features 21 works showcasing Monet’s mastery of light and atmosphere, offering a fresh perspective on the artist’s London series.

Monet’s ability to capture the nuances of the city’s fog—often described as a “thick soup of burnt coal”—differentiates his London works from those created in his native France. Notable pieces such as Charing Cross Bridge and views of the Houses of Parliament highlight the interplay between light and the urban environment. The exhibition marks a significant moment, as these paintings have not been shown in the UK for the first time, providing a rare opportunity to appreciate Monet’s unique approach to capturing the essence of a city.

As Monet once noted, “London is more interesting than it is harder to paint,” reflecting his admiration for the city’s atmospheric conditions. This exhibition serves as a calm, meditative antidote to the bustling commercial chaos of Frieze, inviting visitors to slow down and engage with the subtleties of Monet’s artistry. Given the rapid sellout of tickets, art lovers are encouraged to book in advance.

Mire Lee at Tate Modern

In a striking contrast to the commercial frenzy of the Frieze fairs, Mire Lee’s installation Open Wound at Tate Modern transforms the Turbine Hall into a haunting industrial womb. Drawing on the space’s original function as a power station, Lee has created a powerful and disturbing work that pushes the boundaries of installation art.

The centerpiece of the installation is a massive, grinding turbine, suspended above a floor draped with pink, fleshy hides. The visceral imagery is both grotesque and mesmerizing, prompting questions about our relationship with machinery and the potential implications of industrialization. Other skeletal forms hang ominously around the turbine, inviting speculation about their origins—are they remnants of humanity or representations of something more abstract?

Lee’s work resonates deeply with contemporary themes of extinction and the fragility of existence. Her ability to evoke powerful emotions while challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and technology makes Open Wound one of the standout installations of the season.

As the excitement builds around Frieze, London remains a vibrant art hub, showcasing diverse voices and narratives that challenge and inspire. Whether as a precursor to Art Basel Paris or a standalone celebration of creativity, this week promises a wealth of artistic exploration. With each exhibition offering its own unique insights and experiences, art lovers have much to look forward to as they navigate the dynamic landscape of London’s contemporary art scene.