Full Breakdown
Amanda Ross-Ho: A Journey Through Art and Performance
2/19/2026, 9:08:56 PM
Core Event: Performance at Frieze Los Angeles
Amanda Ross-Ho, an artist and professor at the University of California, Irvine, is set to present a new performance piece titled "Untitled Orbit (MANUAL MODE)" at Frieze Los Angeles. This work marks a significant evolution in her artistic practice, transitioning from her established multi-part installations to a more dynamic, solo performance format. The performance involves Ross-Ho pushing a 16-foot inflatable ball, printed with a NASA satellite image of Earth, around the perimeter of soccer pitches adjacent to Santa Monica Airport. This act is designed to explore themes of scale, temporality, and the absurdity often found in public art.
Background & Context: Artistic Roots and Development
Ross-Ho's artistic journey began in Chicago, where she was raised by artist parents, Ruyell Ho and Laurel Ross. Growing up in a creative environment, she was immersed in the art community of the 1970s and 1980s. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, she moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California. This move was partly motivated by a desire to heal familial trauma, as her father had a difficult experience in Los Angeles as an immigrant.
Key Figures & Groups: Collaborations and Influences
In Los Angeles, Ross-Ho became involved with the Asian American performance collective Fac Xtra Retreat (FXR), which has influenced her approach to performance art. Her partner, artist Erik Frydenborg, has also played a significant role in her artistic development, particularly during their time creating props for photography projects.
Why It Matters: Exploring Personal and Collective Memory
Ross-Ho's work often reflects on personal and collective memory, particularly regarding her family’s history. Her installations, such as "Untitled Thresholds (FOUR SEASONS)," draw from her father's experiences in a care home, blending personal narratives with broader themes of temporality and inheritance. The upcoming performance at Frieze Los Angeles is described as a "love letter to Angelinos," aiming to challenge audience expectations while engaging with the city’s cultural landscape.
Criticism & Opposition: The Nature of Art and Performance
While Ross-Ho embraces the unpredictability of performance art, she acknowledges the pressure to entertain. She states, “Part of me gets nervous: ‘is it going to be entertaining?’ But that’s not my job. That’s not the job of art.” This sentiment reflects a broader debate within the art community about the purpose and expectations of performance art.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was attracted to the weirdness of the choice — because I had planned something else. It was a bit of a dice roll.” — Amanda Ross-Ho
- “It’s really simple, but it’s also an athletic challenge.” — Amanda Ross-Ho
- “Trying to figure out what to do with inheritance has been one of the things I’ve been struggling with, but also have been totally intoxicated by for a long time.” — Amanda Ross-Ho
What's Next: Upcoming Performances and Installations
Ross-Ho's performance at Frieze Los Angeles will take place from February 26 to March 1, 2024. Additionally, her installation "Untitled Damages (ROOM DIVIDER)" is currently on display at Leroy’s, an artist-run gallery in Chinatown, Los Angeles, until March 1, 2024. Her work continues to evolve, reflecting her ongoing exploration of personal and cultural narratives through art.
