Going to Art Basel is always a unique experience. For the majority, the art on display is merely entertainment; after all, any work, whether mighty or small, might rack up thousands of dollars. Influencers, celebrities, collectors, and industry professionals alike flock to the center of the contemporary art universe for the summer to socialize, party, and do business. The rest of us enjoy what Basel has to offer, as the Kunstmuseum and most other cultural institutions remain open for all. Fondation Beyeler offers modern takes on exhibition walks with its DJ programs in the park.
Located in the stunning, spaceship-like expo of Messeplatz, Art Basel faces Design Miami, another expo for the rich and curious, displaying furniture and aesthetic products for living.
Personally, Design Miami is always a good way to start the day’s journey as it’s small enough to not be overwhelming — you’ll get plenty of that once you enter Art Basel.
This is the first year the fair is led by Maike Cruse, and you can feel a breath of fresh air. Compared to previous events, it’s more engaging, fun, and much younger. Most importantly, it finally feels somewhat accessible. No longer an insiders’ club, anyone can join in on the fun. Even those distant from art can participate in near-entrance pop-ups by Samsung, Turkish Airlines and UBS, as well as choose from an array of conversations ranging from politics in art to technological advancements in the creative process. The younger crowd walks away with hoodies and merch created in collaboration with Sarah Andelman, creative director of Colette, while seasoned collectors head inside the gallery offices for further discussions. Basel itself feels revived with new energy, following the introduction of another idea by Cruse, the Hotel Merian program, which transforms the hotel into an ambitious venue for performances, conversations, and installations by artists from all over the world.
Yet, every visit to Art Basel poses the question of how much art has become a symbol of social climbing, status, and a mere backdrop for the setting where one wants to be seen. Is art even important anymore, or is hanging out at select booths on the first floor the main attraction? Champagne and mindless chatter about millions spent and millions to be spent serve as a twisted preview of what it would be like to have the LinkedIn Premium Premium version. For the regular observer, coming to Art Basel to see art is as curious as people-watching.
Now, only a one-hour flight away from Basel, different conversations are happening at the Venice Biennale. We’d be curious to hear what they are.
Text by Madina Tulakova
22. JUNE. MMXXV. PLUM
SUBSCRIBE,
SAVE,
LIKE (29),
COPY PERMALINK
