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-Editorial
The 2024 edition of Art Basel’s flagship show in Basel concluded triumphantly, featuring highly praised presentations from 285 galleries representing 40 countries and territories. Reporting robust sales across all market sectors throughout the week, the event showcased the vibrancy and resilience of the global art market.
Among the 285 galleries, 22 were first-time participants, adding fresh perspectives to the show. These newcomers included Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte (São Paulo), Bank (Shanghai), Galerie Anne-Sarah Bénichou (Paris), Thomas Brambilla (Bergamo), Felix Gaudlitz (Vienna), Karma (Los Angeles, New York), Tina Keng Gallery (Taipei), Galerie Le Minotaure (Paris), Galerie Mueller (Basel), Larkin Erdmann Gallery (Zurich), Madeln Gallery (Shanghai), Maruani Mercier (Brussels, Knokke, Zaventem), Mayoral (Paris, Barcelona), Meredith Rosen Gallery (New York), Nome (Berlin), Gallery Wendi Norris (San Francisco), OSL contemporary (Oslo), Parker Gallery (Los Angeles), ROH Projects (Jakarta), The Third Gallery Aya (Osaka), Wooson (Daegu, Seoul), and Yares Art (New York, Santa Fe).
Leading private collectors from Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa attended, alongside curators and representatives from over 250 prestigious museums and institutions, including the Centre Pompidou (Paris), M+ (Hong Kong), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), Tate (London), and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Cape Town). The presence of these institutions highlighted the fair’s significance as a pivotal event in the global art calendar.
Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The quality and ambition of works presented at the show this year were extraordinary. The exceptional attendance of collectors from all over the world resulted in excellent sales across the market. The week has been marked by vibrant activity both within our halls and throughout Basel, with our expanded public program drawing enthusiastic attendance. Basel, as the historic and symbolic home of Art Basel, demonstrated its vital role as a cultural hub, and I am excited to lead this all-important event into its next chapter.”
Christl Novakovic, Head of Wealth Management for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and Chair of the UBS Art Board, reflected on the long-standing partnership with Art Basel: “It has been a joy to connect with clients and the global art community to celebrate our 30-year partnership with Art Basel and our shared commitment to the craft of collecting. Co-presenting public installations across the city of Basel at the Merian and our Claraplatz Branch as part of Parcours was a highlight, bringing work by some of the leading artists of our time to new audiences. It was fantastic to see the power of art to bring people together and inspire.”
The fair’s expanded program of installations, events, and activities spanned the entire city, underscoring Basel’s cultural significance. Curated for the third time by Samuel Leuenberger, founder of SALTS, the city’s Messeplatz featured Agnes Denes’ “Honouring Wheatfield – A Confrontation (2024),” a reference to the artist’s iconic land artwork from the 1980s. This installation will remain on display throughout the summer.
Art Basel further extended its city presence by activating the Merian as a continuous venue for artistic events and performances, featuring a series of evening programs curated by various notable figures, including Ray Schenka, Director of Rogue Sau Bein, and Pati Hertling, Director of Performance Space New York.
In celebration of 30 years of partnership with UBS, artist Petrit Halilaj’s “When the sun goes away we paint the sky” adorned the Merian’s façade and will remain on display until January 2025.
Parcours, Art Basel’s sector for site-specific installations, sculptures, and performances, was curated by Stefanie Hessler and unfolded along Clarastrasse up to the Middle Bridge, connecting the fairgrounds with the Rhine. The sector explored themes of transformation and globalization through ambitious new projects.
Unlimited, Art Basel’s sector for large-scale projects, showcased 70 installations, including Anna Uddenberg’s “Premium Economy (2023-2024)” and Faith Ringgold’s “The Wake and Resurrection of the Bicentennial Negro.” The Unlimited People’s Pick was awarded to Francisco Sierra for his work presented by the Stefan von Bartha Gallery.
