Art Basel connects leading art patrons and art galleries of the world at the international art fair staged annually in Basel, Switzerland. Since its inaugural year in 1970, Art Basel has continually attracted thousands of visitors and galleries and the representative art has become increasingly international. As a result of its success, Art Basel Miami Beach debuted in the USA in 2002 and eleven years later in 2013, Art Basel Hong Kong opened.
Art Basel in Switzerland returned in September 2021 with 273 exhibitors from 33 different countries and the best way to understand the exhibition was with a guided tour.
The video projections and interactive live performances questioned themes, some of which included climate change, inequality and cultural identity alongside some profound art pieces such as David Hockney’s ‘Pictures at an exhibition’ installation. ‘The Bread House’ by Urs Fischer with its simple structure created using loaves of bread was reminiscent of a fairytale gingerbread house. Of the visual installations ‘data-verse 3’ by Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda was hypnotic and a complete sensory assault of music sound and light.
In addition to the exhibition art, the gallery halls were busy with negotiations and transactions. Despite the size of the Messeplatz Hall in Basel, this art fair is a great opportunity to witness current creative trends in a surprisingly intimidate forum.
