Frieze, Issue 262

Insightful, intelligent and exquisitely designed, Frieze is the leading magazine in contemporary art and culture. Frieze profiles emerging artists and highlights new currents in art practice as well as offering a fresh perspective on more established artists. Including exhibition reviews, interviews, city reports and worldwide listings, the magazine is essential reading for anyone interested in visual culture.

In this issue:

This October 2026 issue is loosely themed around ‘play’, devoted to imperfection and taking time to experiment in the creative process. ‘We chose this theme after noticing how many artists today seem to be seeking an escape from institutions and conventions’, Andrew Durbin reflects in his editorial. Leading with a profile on American artist Lorna Simpson to mark the opening of her exhibition with Hauser & Wirth London, elsewhere Sean Burns explores the evocative paintings of Salman Toor; American novelist Lynne Tillman remembers the late multidisciplinary artist Susan Hiller ahead of an upcoming exhibition at KW in Berlin; and four creatives reflect on how Cubitt Gallery co–operative shaped their practice after the news its brick and mortar location in Islington had been forced to close.

Flick to the back of the issue for a rundown of the exhibitions to have on your radar this month. Plus, discover several columns devoted to all aspects of the theme ‘play’, featuring Sonia Kazovsky’s installation ‘Playground’, a deep dive into collective Wakaliga Uganda’s subversion of Hollywood film tropes, and Ryan Gander’s work exploring a childlike worldview.