“Never a dull moment, and we work hard for it!”
- Uwe Wascher
In June, Art Basel demands attention from the international contemporary art world. It is considered to be “the single most important annual event in the global art market” and “the barometer of the industry” (The Art Newspaper).
This edition was my first time at Art Basel and from the get-go it was an eventful trip to say the least! Hotels were crammed all over Basel, international trains were cancelled and many healthy green juices were spilt on white blouses... But the artworks were magnificent! A $22,5 million piece by Louise Bourgeois sold on the VIP opening day and my godmother (who invited me) and I enjoyed the booths of more than 250 (!!) participating galleries. In this blogpost I’m highlighting 4 of my favourite artists. Their home countries are scattered over the globe, but they come from the same generation with a maximum of 4 years of difference in age.
Danielle McKinney (1981, USA) - Marianne Boesky Gallery
Danielle McKinney depicts strong black women. They are elegant, sexy, modern and confident. Her dark-toned paintings light up any room. This work was already sold before the fair started. McKinney will enjoy a solo booth at Frieze London in October this year. I can’t wait for her new works to come online.
Igshaan Adams (1982, South-Africa) - Blank Projects
This work by Igshaan Adams caught my eye immediately, not only because of its impressive size (247 x 329 cm) but also because of its enthralling colours and the plastic and crystal beads that dance over the perfectly woven fabric. After a quick chat with the gallery assistant, I learned that the different tones are based on dancer’s movements who imprinted the fabric. A magnificent piece that was already sold before the fair started.
Lucas Arruda (1983, Brazil) - Mendes Wood DM & Fondation Beyeler
Lucas Arruda uses both oil and beeswax to create his mesmerising paintings. To create three dimensional depth, he also engraves them. Seen at the fair but also at the incredible private collection at Fondation Beyeler in Basel. All of his works at the fair were already reserved to go to renowned international museums.
Sam Falls (1984, USA)- Eva Presenhuber Gallery
Sam Falls started as a photographer but now also makes ceramic works. He literally brings the outside indoors by burning actual flowers in the ceramic. He finished the work with a layer of glass as a topcoat to give it a shiny result. Best part of it all is that the piece can also endure wind and rain, and thus can also be enjoyed in the garden alongside the flowers that were used to create the work in the first place.
Would I go again?
Absolutely yes! Art Basel is one of the highlights of the year (especially the section of art installations, Unlimited, is worthwhile. I’ll cover that topic next week).
But to be honest… The fair is gigantic. You can only take in so much before the artworks start to blend into one another, a phenomenon that is frequently associated with ‘fair fatigue’. Also, seeing so much high-priced art in the same building is both overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. After passing so many art pieces by Ann Veronica Janssens, Yayoi Kusama, Joan Mitchell, Louise Bourgeois or Alexander Calder costing hundred thousands or even several millions, your brain becomes saturated and even clouded. Walking through seemingly endless aisles of transactional art, outstalled as if it’s the most everyday kind of commodity, is definitely a unique experience.
That being said… I absolutely loved spotting the gems through the madness: “Never a dull moment, and we work hard for it!” is a quote I will live by now; an inspiring saying that my godmother’s belated husband used to say. So… I can’t wait to see what Art Basel has in store for the next editions.