Frieze Art Fair 2025 returns with a provocative lineup of contemporary artworks that challenge, disturb, and delight. From Ella Fleck's vibrating platform to Yuli Serfaty's headless dogs, this year's fair offers a visceral experience. Here are 10 must-see artworks that redefine the boundaries of art and sensation.
Ella Fleck: The Discomfort of Intimacy
British artist Ella Fleck presents an installation that vibrates under your feet while a male voice whispers sexual fantasies. Based on third-party agencies managing OnlyFans accounts, it explores the industrial scale of sex work. It's a greasy, gross, uncomfortable exploration that forces viewers to confront the commodification of intimacy.
Yuli Serfaty: Headless Dogs and Devalued Femininity
Yuli Serfaty's headless metallic dog sculptures guard her booth, their claws sharp and heavy teats dragging on the floor. A surreal symbol of femininity pushed to an extreme, the installation includes a video of the creature escaping. It's like HR Giger meets Wolfenstein 3D, with a nasty, satirical edge. The background to this story is set out in David Hockney Exhibitions in Australia: Two Must-See Shows. A related thread runs through Ai Weiwei's Epic New Australian Art Installation Mushrooms. Earlier coverage in Worst Album Covers Ever Exhibition Is a Must See shows how the argument developed.
Rirkrit Tiravanija: Robotic Ibuprofen Dispenser
Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija offers a robotic arm that hands visitors a red-and-white ibuprofen pill. If you don't reach out, it drops it on the floor. The robot repeats this action endlessly, regardless of your presence. It feels futile, obscene, and meaningless—a profound comment on modern life. A closer look at the same subject appears in Edinburgh Fringe 2026 Must-See Shows: Magic, Circus & Kinky. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Strictly Come Dancing 2025: New Era Hosts and Celebrity Lineup. The same theme surfaces in 32 Charming Alcove Bed Designs You Must See!, which takes a different angle.
Carolyn Lazard: Pens or Something More?
Carolyn Lazard's installation at Trautwein Herleth might look like a display of pens, but it's a subtle exploration of accessibility and care. Lazard, known for her work on disability and interdependence, transforms ordinary objects into profound statements. Context on how this played out before sits in Rod Liddle Obituary: Provocative Columnist Dies at 66. A companion piece, 9/11 Missing Posters: Haunting Art Installation Marks 25 Years, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Comparison of Top Artworks at Frieze 2025
| Artist | Artwork | Theme | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ella Fleck | Vibrating platform with whispers | Sex work, intimacy | Uncomfortable, greasy |
| Yuli Serfaty | Headless metallic dogs | Femininity, exploitation | Surreal, satirical |
| Rirkrit Tiravanija | Robotic pill dispenser | Futility, modern life | Obscene, repetitive |
| Carolyn Lazard | Pen display | Accessibility, care | Subtle, profound |
Key Takeaways from Frieze 2025
- Provocative themes: Sex work, femininity, and modern futility dominate.
- Immersive experiences: Many works engage multiple senses.
- Social commentary: Artists critique digital culture and commodification.
- Must-see booths: Ehrlich Steinberg, Xxijra Hii, David Zwirner, Trautwein Herleth.
FAQ
What are the must-see artworks at Frieze Art Fair 2025?
What are the must-see artworks at Frieze Art Fair 2025?
Top picks include Ella Fleck's vibrating installation, Yuli Serfaty's headless dogs, Rirkrit Tiravanija's robotic pill dispenser, and Carolyn Lazard's pen display.
Where is Frieze Art Fair 2025 held?
Where is Frieze Art Fair 2025 held?
Frieze Art Fair 2025 is held in London, typically in Regent's Park, featuring galleries from around the world.
What themes are explored in Frieze 2025 artworks?
What themes are explored in Frieze 2025 artworks?
Themes include sex work, femininity, exploitation, futility, modern life, accessibility, and care, with a focus on digital culture and commodification.

Frieze Art Fair 2025 promises a thought-provoking experience. Don't miss these 10 artworks that push boundaries and spark conversation. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the cutting edge of contemporary art.