As Frieze New York Opens, Unions Smell a Rat
Labor union representatives were ready and waiting at yesterday’s VIP preview of this weekend’s Frieze New York art fair, making speeches next to a giant, inflatable rat. Protesters, who said they opposed Frieze New York’s use of exclusively non-union labor, handed out flyers designed by political artist Andrea Bowers, who is represented by two participating galleries. When Bowers learned of the dispute a few days ago, she said she considered pulling out, but ultimately felt a responsibility to her galleries. Now, every Bowers work at the fair comes with a letter expressing her concerns and calling for negotiations.