5 Standout Art Shows During Frieze Los Angeles

From a survey of Black artists to site-specific installations, the city offers striking art discoveries alongside the Frieze fair.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Alongside the Frieze Los Angeles art fair, the city of Los Angeles is hosting several notable art exhibitions and installations, including a survey of the artworks of Samella Lewis, a show exploring the connections between Black art and photography, and site-specific works by Iranian-born artist Roksana Pirouzmand and Los Angeles-based artist Ryan Preciado.

Why it matters

While the Frieze fair may be drawing attention to more established, 'blue-chip' artists, the Los Angeles art scene is showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices and practices that challenge the notion that quality art can only be found at the highest levels of the international art market.

The details

The exhibitions highlighted include a survey of the artworks of Samella Lewis, an artist, scholar and arts advocate who co-authored the groundbreaking book 'Black Artists on Art'; a traveling exhibition exploring the rich connections between Black art, design, music, fashion and reportage through photography; a site-specific installation by Iranian-born artist Roksana Pirouzmand that connects two nonprofit galleries through sound; and an exhibition of sculptures, textiles and furniture by Los Angeles artist and designer Ryan Preciado, presented in the historic Hollyhock House.

  • The Frieze Los Angeles art fair is taking place from February 26 to March 1, 2026.
  • The exhibition of Samella Lewis's artworks is currently on view.
  • The 'Photography and the Black Arts Movement' exhibition is arriving in Los Angeles after previously opening at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
  • Roksana Pirouzmand's site-specific installation is on view at Oxy Arts and Joan galleries.
  • Ryan Preciado's exhibition at the Hollyhock House is ongoing.

The players

Eileen Harris Norton

A collector whose first purchase was a 1976 linocut by artist Ruth Waddy, bought from the Museum of African American Art founded by Samella Lewis.

Samella Lewis

An artist, scholar and arts advocate who co-authored the groundbreaking book 'Black Artists on Art' and is the subject of a survey exhibition of her artworks.

Roksana Pirouzmand

An Iranian-born, Los Angeles-based artist who has created a site-specific installation connecting two nonprofit galleries through sound.

Ryan Preciado

A Los Angeles artist and designer whose sculptures, textiles and furniture are on view at the historic Hollyhock House.

Frank Lloyd Wright

The architect who designed the Hollyhock House, where Ryan Preciado's exhibition is being held.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The diverse range of art exhibitions and installations in Los Angeles during Frieze highlights the city's vibrant and multifaceted art scene, which offers a counterpoint to the notion that quality art can only be found at the highest levels of the international art market.