Curator Essence Harden takes us on a cultural tour of Los Angeles for Frieze Los Angeles 2024. | Video by Frieze
Essence Harden is embracing the diverse cultures and vibrant art scene of Los Angeles, spotlighting them at Frieze Los Angeles 2024 (Feb. 29-March 3). For almost ten years, Harden has been an integral part of the city, serving as a visual arts curator and program manager at the California African American Museum, along with being a co-curator of Made in L.A. 2025. At Frieze, she is curating the Focus section, featuring emerging galleries established in the last 12 years, primarily from Los Angeles. These galleries are owned by Black individuals (Dominique Gallery, Hannah Traore Gallery), families (Sow & Tailor), women, and young dealers.
Her vision for this year’s Focus section revolves around the theme of “ecologies,” exploring the connections between organisms and their environments. Artists showcased in these galleries delve into community dynamics, labor structures, and urban landscapes among other aspects related to the theme.
During a video interview, Harden expressed her interest in the interplay between materials, artists, and the intricate processes of art production. She takes viewers on a tour of Los Angeles, shedding light on the city’s artistic ecosystem, highlighting favorite local spots, creative hubs, and meeting with key cultural influencers.
The Focus section of Frieze LA revolves around the theme of ecologies: “I was really interested in the relationship between material, between artists, this kind of psychology and theorization of how art comes to happen and the ways in which art is produced.” — Essence Harden
Within her exploration of Los Angeles, Harden visits alternative art spaces like Parker Gallery in Los Feliz and art-adjacent businesses such as Bloom & Plume Coffee owned by Maurice Harris in Historic Filipinotown. Harris talks about making floral practices more accessible and the African origins of coffee culture.
Another stop on Harden’s cultural tour is Reparations Club in West Adams, a Black-owned and woman-owned bookstore participating in Frieze Los Angeles for the second time. Owner Jazzi McGilbert describes the bookstore’s community-focused approach, offering events and programs that cater to the needs and interests of the local community.
As Frieze LA also hosts nonprofits like Reparations Club, McGilbert emphasizes the importance of showcasing Black art and artists in such a significant space, connecting with art enthusiasts, curators, and fellow artists.
Discover more about Essence Harden on her website
BOOKSHELF
To support Reparations Club, a concept bookshop, visit their pop-up at Frieze Los Angeles, their storefront in West Adams, or explore their website for Must Reads, a 2024 Gift Guide, and information on upcoming events.
