Art Basel 2024 has turned out to be an incredible edition, with an enlarged city-wide program featuring new and returning sectors, public art installations, and 285 top global galleries from 40 countries displaying stunning paintings, sculptures, photographs, and digital art.
Art Basel, the largest and most esteemed fair for modern and contemporary art, revealed a dominant theme: an abundance of powerful secondary-market pieces by well-known artists, alongside representations of works by numerous artists currently participating in the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Among the highlights not to miss at the 54th edition are the tightly curated works in the Statements sector, showcasing emerging artists like Sandra Poulson from Angola, and Norwegian-Sudanese artist Ahmed Umar, who presents 15 sculptural works reflecting personal prayers.
The Features sector is a must-visit, featuring 16 historical projects such as Parker Gallery’s presentation of works by Gladys Nilsson and oil paintings by Basel-born artist Irène Zurkinden, exhibited by the New York gallery Meredith Rosen Gallery.
The Unlimited sector hosts seventy grand-scale installations and performances, showcasing monumental sculptures and expansive video projections. Notable highlights include Anna Uddenberg’s “Premium Economy” and Faith Ringgold’s “The Wake and Resurrection of the Bicentennial Negro.”
The Parcours sector, curated by Stefanie Hessler, seamlessly integrates art into the urban environment with around 20 site-specific public art pieces along Clarastrasse, linking the fairgrounds to the Rhine. These installations explore themes of circulation and transformation. Samuel Leuenberger brings a major work by conceptual artist Agnes Denes to Messeplatz for the summer.
Apart from these highlights, the Kabinett section features twenty-two themed presentations within the main booths of galleries, offering distinctive attractions. It showcases artworks by Sarah Pucci and Gerhard Richter presented by galleries like Air de Paris and Sies + Höke.
Hotel Merian, which is situated near the Middle Bridge over the Rhine, hosts a running schedule of exhibitions and creative activities, which includes an installation by Petrit Halilaj on the building’s façade. Numerous nighttime activities organized by members of the local and international artistic communities take place at the site.
The Film program, curated by Filipa Ramos to commemorate its 25th anniversary, offers a week of cinematic events including feature films and kid-friendly programming.
Over 25 thought leaders participate in 11 panels as part of Kimberly Bradley’s Conversations series to examine current cultural challenges.
