In case you missed it, we got you covered with the excitement of Art Basel 2023.
It’s that time of year; sun’s shining and Art Basel‘s back to showcase the best artists and most important galleries in the art world. With the event just finished this past sunday, here’s a quick recap to go over anything you might have missed in the Art Basel 2023 edition.
Image courtesy of Art Basel
What is Art Basel Anyway?
Art Basel: the name evokes images of glamour, creativity, and the intersection of luxury and contemporary art. But what exactly is Art Basel? For those new to the art world or unfamiliar with this prestigious event, let’s delve into the essence of Art Basel and uncover why it has become a global phenomenon.
A Showcase of Contemporary Art
Art Basel is an annual art fair that showcases the best of contemporary art from around the world. Founded in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland, by gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, it has since expanded to include editions in Miami Beach and Hong Kong. Each edition brings together leading galleries, artists, collectors, curators, and enthusiasts who come to celebrate, discover, and engage with the ever-evolving art scene.
Tacita Dean Dante Project | Image courtesy of Art Basel
A Platform for Artists and Galleries
At its core, Art Basel serves as a platform for artists to exhibit their work and galleries to showcase their collections. From avant-garde installations to cutting-edge paintings, sculptures, and multimedia art, Art Basel provides a diverse and dynamic space where artists can express their creativity and galleries can connect with an international audience of collectors and art enthusiasts.
An Unparalleled Selection Process
Art Basel’s reputation rests on its rigorous selection process. The fair’s committee carefully curates the participating galleries, ensuring a high standard of artistic excellence and diversity. This curation process ensures that visitors are exposed to a wide range of styles, mediums, and emerging talents, making Art Basel a melting pot of artistic expression and innovation.
Beyond the Exhibition Halls
Art Basel extends beyond the traditional confines of exhibition halls. The fair energizes the entire host city, with public installations, performances, talks, and events that engage both locals and visitors in a vibrant celebration of art and culture. From guided tours to interactive experiences, the city comes alive during Art Basel, offering a multifaceted immersion into the world of contemporary art.
A Global Meeting Point
Art Basel has become an iconic gathering place for art aficionados from around the globe. It serves as a meeting point for artists, collectors, curators, and gallery owners to exchange ideas, form connections, and explore new collaborations. The fair’s international appeal and diverse audience create a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere that fuels creativity and fosters a sense of community within the art world.
Image courtesy of Art Basel
Spotlighting The Best From the 2023 Edition
As of yesterday, 18th of June, the iconic art festival closed its door for its 2023 edition, the first-ever showcase by the fair’s new CEO Noah Horowitz, who stepped in as Marc Spiegler’s replacement. But whilst the event itself may be over for the year, some of the most iconic galleries on the show have cemented a spot on our radar.
Take a peek.
Doris Salcedo at White Cube
Had you ventured into White Cube Gallery’s booth at Art Basel 2023, you would have been captivated by the striking display of Tabula Rasa XI by the incredibly talented Doris Salcedo. This Colombian artist, who’s also making waves with an exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler, drew inspiration from heartfelt conversations with survivors of sexual assaults perpetrated by armed individuals. The result? An artwork that speaks volumes. Picture a wooden table covered in countless cracks, revealing both the scars of destruction and the potential for rebirth, where Salcedo’s message is crystal clear: even in the midst of brokenness, we can find hope and healing. In fact, this exceptional piece of art found a new home in the collection of a major institution, selling for a staggering $1.13 million on the very first day of the fair, according to the gallery. Talk about making an impression!
Hend Samir at Gypsum Gallery
Image courtesy of Gypsum Gallery (Note: this is not the painting described below).
The remarkable triptych showcased at Art Basel 2023’s Gypsum Gallery booth in the Statement sector featured Hend Samir, the talented artist hailing from Egypt with roots in the Middle East. Family Gathering, an awe-inspiring creation, represents Samir’s transition from small-scale works to immersive XXL canvases. Regardless of whether you approach it from left to right or the other way around, the effect is nothing short of captivating, as Samir’s dynamic brushstrokes sweep viewers off their feet, and her exploration of the enduring influence of family leaves us spellbound.
Through a washed-out palette, she skillfully conveys the way we sometimes dilute our own traumas, replacing them with idealized memories of happiness. The shades of gray emulate the nostalgic sepia effect often seen in movies, triggering a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence. Interestingly, Samir always begins her artistic process with the background, allowing glimpses of it to peek through. Could it symbolize the past, destined to catch up with us in due time? With each stroke and subtle detail, Samir invites us to ponder these profound questions and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of her artistic vision.