The art connoisseur shares talks all things art ahead of Frieze London.

London has a special meaning for Style Council member Mr Abdullah Al-Turki: it’s not only his adopted home (he was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), but the place where he discovered his passion for art, and began to assemble his formidable collection. These days, of course, he has his sights set further afield – as a member of Tate’s Middle East And North Africa Acquisition Committee, and a founding member of the Saudi Art Council, he’s deeply involved with discovering and supporting emerging art in the region. But, of course, when it’s time for the Frieze Art Fair – an annual extravaganza that brings together more than 160 of the world’s galleries in Regent’s Park – you’ll find him back in the British capital. Ahead of the fair’s opening this week, MR PORTER caught up with Mr Al-Turki for his take on it all.

Why is Frieze still an interesting and relevant art fair?

I would say that over the years there have been more and more curated projects, more performance, more immersive and participatory arts within the fair. I think this is a strength and an opportunity to address current issues, and those that artists feel strongly about. An art fair is a place of exchange on many different levels. I believe at some point London was the capital of the world, so creativity in its different forms is important to keep this city alive.

**Are there any particular things you like about London’s art scene? **

As clichéd as it sounds, it is still its diversity: from small, grass-root initiatives to international galleries. The merging of disciplines and art forms, and the flexible way of expression ie. less labelling – in London you can be a dancer and a sculptor at the same time, you express ideas and emotions rather than represent an occupation. This flexibility and fluidity is great and London is able to accommodate this.

What will you personally be looking out for this October?

Shows! There are many incredible ones at the various museums. Soul Of A Nation [at the Tate Modern] is a survey of 20 crucial years of black American art and struggle. At the same museum there is also an amazing show by the female Turkish artist Ms Fahrelnissa Zeid. While at the Royal Academy you will find exhibitions by Matisse, Duchamp, Dalí and Jasper Johns.

Are there any London galleries you’re particularly interested in right now?

Yes, there is a great show at White Cube Mason’s Yard titled “From The Vapor Of Gasoline”. The show is about the truth beyond the American Dream and how it is very relevant to our current state of the world.

What are your recommendations of artists to look out for at Frieze 2017?

I mainly focus on photography, so my eyes will always be diverted that way. Robert Mapplethorpe is well known for his sexual images of flowers, but I believe his other photos are as important and should be looked at.