For sale: Art twins tied together by hair

Agencies : This year’s Frieze will see performance art for sale, including Tunga’s twins tied together by their hair

When it comes to contemporary art, many have been left perplexed over the weird and wonderful items for sale in the name of creativity.

This year’s Frieze London, one of the world’s leading fairs, is set to push the credulity of sceptics one step further as it puts a series of performance artworks up for sale.

One piece, by famed Brazilian artist Tunga, will see would-be collectors able to buy a performance featuring real-life twins, joined together by their hair.

Expected to go for at least a five-figure sum, it will see two 12-year-olds walk around the Frieze and Frieze Masters fairs for hour-long stretches, in a piece intended to show them “connecting almost umbilically”.

Its eventual buyer will be able to purchase the rights to the performance and a certificate, though not the live twins, and be able to stage their own version of the show.

The piece, which is currently casting its 12-year-old subjects, is one of many surprises at the fair, which is intended to inspire new collectors, showcase the best of modern art and fetches some of the highest prices in the market each year.

This time, it will expand a performance art section debuted last year, with around 10 unique “live” pieces dedicated to surprising visitors.

When asked about the performances, and the tendency of sceptics to invoke The Emperor’s New Clothes when it comes to prices, Victoria Siddall, director of Frieze, said: “That’s why it’s important we show it.

“People who feel art should just be a painting on a wall are missing elements of it that are really exciting.
“If they come to the fair and see it, they might find their experience of that is richer and more exciting than seeing a painting on a wall. It can be really memorable and really affecting.”

Other parts of the fair will see a new section dedicated to collections; eight curated sections with the personal treasure troves of artists – including one of Pacific Island fishhooks.

The week will see 164 galleries from 27 countries exhibit their works, from new artists offering £50 creations to the multi-million-pound masterpieces.