illycaffè, the coffee brand globally recognized for its sustainable quality and close ties with the world of contemporary art, continues its collaboration with Frieze London, serving as the official global coffee partner.

The twentieth edition of one of the most prominent international fairs for contemporary art will once again serve as the prestigious backdrop for this autumn’s illy Art Collection, this time designed by Lee Ufan. Two cups are available: a smaller one for espresso and a larger one for cappuccino.

Using his distinctive essential lines, the Korea-born artist utilizes the iconic cups that have transformed an everyday object into a blank canvas, depicting the work of renowned international artists over the years, expressing his idea of encounter — the moment in time and space when the brush meets the canvas. His illy Art Collection cups are adorned with a single, intense brushstroke to leave space for dialogue between the different elements and establish a connection between the white porcelain and the design.

Lee Ufan’s creative motif reappears in the illycaffé lounge at Frieze London, a space where the beauty of art and the excellence of the unique illy blend – made with a selection of the finest 1% Arabica beans in the world – come together for an experience that combines ethics, taste, science, and creativity.

The lounge offers a small exhibition experience with the artworks “Untitled (II)” and “Untitled (III)” by Lee Ufan from 2022 also on display. Exhibitors and visitors can savor the unique illy blend, pure or as the base for an unconventional cocktail. These will be available in the illy lounge, at the fair’s cafes, and near outdoor exhibitions thanks to an Apecar parked on the terrace.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Frieze London, a significant event on the calendar for the international art market. Once again, we wanted to emphasize our presence at the fair by premiering the new illy Art Collection designed by Lee Ufan. This collection expresses encounters in all their forms and celebrates the new connections that can be made, among other things, over a cup of coffee.” 

Cristina Scocchia, CEO of illycaffè.

The illy Art Collection with Lee Ufan is available in sets of two espresso cups or two cappuccino cups via the illy e-shop illy.com.