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The Basel edition of Art Basel brings the international art world together this week. It features over 200 leading galleries and more than 4,000 artists from five continents. It’s the first Art Basel without masks, without restrictions. There was a buzz, which we’ve only known from pre-pandemic times.
And so the fair started with a record sale in Louise Bourgeois’ history: on preview day 1, gallery Hauser & Wirth sold the French-American artist’s larger than life iconic steel Spider, 1996 for 40 million USD.
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“As the most iconic and rare work of Louise Bourgeois’ entire oeuvre, the 1996 steel ‘Spider’ seemed the ideal work to anchor our booth at this year’s fair — a celebration of both Art Basel’s post-pandemic ‘grand retour’ and Hauser & Wirth’s 30th anniversary. Louise embodied, in so many ways, our gallery’s vision and ethos. She spanned the 20th and 21st centuries, possessed a fiercely independent spirit in her life and work that defied simple categorization, and she changed the game not only for women artists but for art itself. She continues to exert enormous influence in the most positive way, and we felt this was an important moment to spotlight that power.” says Marc Payot, President, Hauser & Wirth.
Here are more highlights from the preview days of Art Basel, which has opened its doors to the public today:
Barcelona born and based artist Jaume Plensa (1955) is one of my favorite contemporary artists who knows how to translate meditation and meaning into art works. The Spanish artist’s recent work Cristina’s Words, 2021 is being represented by Galerie Lelong at Art Basel 2022.
The larger than life sculpture surprises from each angle.
Swiss sculptor (1901-1966) Alberto Giacometti is a name that needs no introduction in the art world. This year a miniature version of his famous sculptures, Figurine is being exhibited by Gallery Kamel Mennour.
Contemporary Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s signature style is to express children in a range of emotional complexities from resistance and rebellion to quietude and contemplation. He celebrates the introspective freedom of the imagination and the individual.
At the UBS VIP Lounge, which puts extra focus on sustainability and all things healthy this year (locally sourced ingredients of the lunch menu, relaxation lounges and fresh juice bar), the UBS Art Collection is showcasing a solo presentation dedicated to Geneva-based artist Sylvie Fleury, best known for fusing high art with popular culture, exploring gender codes around consumerism, power and desire. Fleury is considered one of Switzerland’s most important living artists and has been the subject of major museum exhibitions around the world.
Von Bartha Gallery, Booth G12
At the centre of the Basel art scene is gallery von Bartha, whose cool flagship space is housed in a former garage behind a working petrol pump station. Directed by Stefan von Bartha, the gallery presents a cutting-edge contemporary programme representing an international roster of artists. Having exhibited with Art Basel since the first edition in 1970 – at this year’s fair, they are showcasing Imi Knoebel, Superflex, and Bernar Vernet alongside Barry Flanagan, Olaf Breuning, and Sophie Taeuber-Arp encouraging a dialogue between sculpture and painting.
33Eko at Tezos
NFTs are here to stay. Blockchains such as the most sustainable of them all, Tezos, are helping re-imagine the digital canvas for generative artists. As with technology, art is in a constant state of evolution. Tezos’ Art Basel exhibition explores the evolutionary intersection between art and technology, where artists are reimagining what generative art could be in this new medium.
The interactive experience lets visitors explore the NFT world and beyond. They can even co-create a new generative artwork that is automatically minted as an NFT and gifted to the attendees in real-time. The installation features generative algorithms from Aleksandra Jovanić, Ryan Bell, Sam Tsao and my favorite NFT artist: Eko33.
Since 1999 the French, Swiss based, Eko33 Art Studio has been creating generative art based on crypto hash seeds, maximizing algorithmic diversity. His works are being presented in global art fairs, museums, biennales – and “somewhere in the Metaverse”. Eko33 is also the host of the popular NFT world’s podcast “Probably nothing”.
Founded in 2014 and reimagined in 2019 by Nel-Olivia Waga, HER/etiquette is an international blog rooted in Zurich, and shaped by conscious luxury. It explores global trends and everyday rituals across art, longevity, wellness, innovation, beauty, and design, highlighting brands and individuals who bring meaning and creative solutions to modern living.
Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, Author, and Entrepreneur. Her work regularly appears in her FORBES column. She is also the founder of YMPACT LAB, a consultancy that develops innovative concepts for global brands with a focus on purpose and impact.
#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER ETIQUETTE. We spotlight pioneers who rethink excellence through transparency, intention, and care for both people and planet. Each story opens a window into what drives meaningful change, whether it’s a new perspective, a responsible approach, or a quiet detail that speaks volumes. It’s our way of inviting more depth into the way we experience modern life.
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