I can’t believe I’m saying these words, but Frieze is back! It’s really back! 

Going to the fair brought back such feelings of nostalgia. It's easy to become jaded after going to so many art fairs over the years, so what a treat it was to experience it all again as if it were for the very first time. 

While tickets to this year's show, held at The Shed, are much harder to come by and strictly time controlled, I was lucky enough to get in on the first day. Due to all of the precautions in place (they're requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test prior to visiting), the Instagram art fans and party crowd is nowhere to be seen. The fake conversation next to a Jeff Koons no more, and the awkward double kiss with the person you can’t stand is, but a distant memory!

 No, this year is actually about ART. Sure there are still luxury elements like the Ruinart Lounge, but most of the sponsors are focused on the ART itself. Deutsche Bank is hosting Art: LIVE, a new broadcast and video program that gives viewers behind-the-scenes art insight and exclusive access to artists, Matches Fashion is launching an audio guide highlighting artists within the fair, La Prairie is collaborating with Hong Kong born artist Carla Chan on a video installation, and Acute Art has a special exhibition of augmented reality artworks titled ‘The Looking Glass,’ by KAWS, Cao Fei and Precious Okoyomon. 

ART is what everyone is actually here to see. So for those of you lucky enough to have grabbed a coveted ticket, here are the five galleries not to be missed!