London - October 20, 2005

Friezing Point

Guide to the Frieze Art Fair

Four days, 160 galleries and works by more than a thousand artists from all over the world. Yes, it’s Frieze time again.

Want to up the ante of the coolest art fair in the world? Herewith, some basic tips:

1. Get up (like, at dawn). Only the early bird catches a Jake and Dinos Chapman/Tracey Emin/Gavin Turk masterpiece.

2. Look up. Pick your galleries in advance to save time. Musts: White Cube, Stuart Shave and Paris’s Yvon Lambert.

3. Dress up. The visitors can be as entertaining as the art. Matthieu Laurette has Bay Garnett, Peter Saville, Isabella Blow and Kira Joliffe commenting on punters’ style during a daily fashion tour. (Join one for a laugh).

4. Listen up. Attend the talks and lectures — Zaha Hadid and Alice Rawsthorn will make for an impressive eavesdrop.

5. Cough up. In terms of cash points, Regent’s Park is a desert, so bring your annual bonus in a briefcase. You’ll need it for bottles of Laurent Perrier, lunch at Le Caprice and posters at the Jack Hanley Gallery.

6. Pick up. Wolfgang Tillmans will sign his new book, Truth Study Centre, on Friday. It’s the only accessory you’ll need.

7. Sit up. The new Artists Cinema has video art by Cathy Wilkes, Donald Urquhart and Roger Hiorns.

8. Queue up. Karlheinz Stockhausen’s electronic set on Saturday = serious tunes worth waiting for.

9. Drink up. Make the most of the onslaught of openings around the rest of London’s galleries (Whitechapel, Sketch). If your name’s on the list, it’s freeloader heaven.

10. Save up. For cheaper works, nip to the Zoo Art Fair across the park or check out the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea.

Mixed up? Don’t worry.

Just turn up; the rest will become clear.

Frieze Art Fair, 21-24 October. For more info, go to friezeartfair.com.

  Artsy