Dialogues between artists are a key part of Frieze New York, no more so than in the fair's dual presentations. In these, a gallery places the works of two artists in conversation with one another. The artists' practices, approaches and cultural backgrounds may differ - but their union in the booth invites the visitor to find parallels, question differences and sometimes discover friendships and formative influences. As artist Donald Moffett says below, 'We learn from one another, not just through the work we produce but through the spaces we create for discussion... It's not just about harmony; it's about the friction and complexities when two perspectives collide.' Here are some key double headers at this year's Frieze New York.
Jennie C. Jones and Donald Moffett at Alexander Gray Associates
Jennie C. Jones's work Ensemble is part of the 2025 Roof Garden Commission at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a highlight of Frieze Week in New York. Her practice explores how the visual and the aural can intersect, making her dual stand with Donald Moffett at Frieze New York all the more intriguing. Moffett's long career has seen him force painting to physically expand beyond the canvas, a vector that runs parallel to the sense of environmental and political urgency in his work.
Jennie C. Jones, what does it mean to show alongside Donald Moffett? I've known Donald's work for years. We connected in 2015 and became fast friends - our conversations are full of humour and critique. While we come from different backgrounds and approaches, we have a shared belief in the power of art that comes from an intimate studio practice. Donald's ability to blend urgency with beauty, especially in his explorations of environmental issues, resonates deeply with my own interest in the intersection of art, sound and social consciousness.
Does being in a dual presentation affect what work you show? Absolutely. A dual presentation offers a great opportunity for dialogue. Frieze New York challenges me to think about how my practice intersects with another artist's vision.
What is the role of dialogue between artists? It's about learning, expanding and challenging each other. That's how we create, through conversation: this dialogue that can push us out of our siloed spaces, spark new ideas and foster growth. Exhibiting with another artist pushes us to engage more deeply with each other.
Donald Moffett, what does it mean to show alongside Jennie C. Jones? It's a special pleasure. Her approach to art, particularly her integration of sound and form, is both cerebral and tactile. Her work activates the body, the eye and the mind, and I've always believed in the power of art to stir those senses. Our practices diverge in method but converge in intention: to make work that resonates with greater political, environmental and emotional issues.
Does being in a dual presentation affect how you approach an exhibition? Definitely. Showing with Jennie is a joyful catalyst for deeper reflection on my work, how it engages with the space, her work and the viewer. There's a different kind of responsibility when you're presenting alongside someone whose work shares the same tendencies and interests. It encourages me to refine my ideas and to think critically about how they contribute to a broader narrative.
What is the role of dialogue between artists? It's essential. We learn from one another, not just through the work we produce but through the spaces we create for discussion. With Jennie, for instance, the way she pushes the boundaries of sound and visual form challenges me to reconsider my own practice. This exchange sharpens our understanding of each other's art and its role in society. It's not just about harmony; it's about the friction and complexities when two perspectives collide.
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Read full article at frieze.com.
