At Frieze London 2025, artist Mika Horibuchi transforms the 56 Henry Gallery stand into the corridor of a fictional art institution, inviting viewers into a clever game. Her distinctive practice hinges on translating delicate paper works into oil paintings using the trompe l’oeil technique. This is not merely a display of skill but a profound interrogation of image reproduction and the hierarchies of Western art history.
In the artist’s own words, her intent is to “place artifice on the surface, expose the deception, and create space for new meaning.” This meticulous reproduction technique draws viewers into a kind of magical thinking, simultaneously acknowledging the painting as paint while sensing it as a conduit to something greater.
Horibuchi reimagines the Frieze stand as an industrial, locked bulletin board displaying entrance exam results for an art school. The board features numerous apple drawings in varied styles, scales, and techniques. The apple, a staple of still life, is rendered not in the traditional landscape orientation but in portrait format. The artist suggests this vertical orientation is a “trick” for the students. The displayed works imply the drawings of “accepted students,” combining harmony, precision, and sufficient individual style.
This work engages with notions of status and hierarchy in Western contemporary art. By exploring how perception shifts with context, Horibuchi creates a playful yet critical “loop.”
Exhibition Details:
Artist: Mika Horibuchi
Venue: Frieze London 2025 (56 Henry Gallery Stand)
Dates: October 15–19, 2025
Note: The exhibition showcases the artist’s unique practice, blending digital and traditional techniques.
