In Switzerland, the Art Basel fair resists the crisis

Is Art Basel burning? That's the impression some feel when faced with the monumental work, a sort of oversized red and purple flame, that German artist Katharina Grosse painted on the forecourt, the façade, and even a nearby pole. In any case, the contemporary art fair is blazing: contrary to all predictions—according to the latest UBS-Art Basel report, published in March, sales volume plummeted by 12% in 2024—the first two days of opening, June 16 and 17, were marked by numerous and significant transactions. A divine surprise for most exhibitors, 289 galleries from 42 countries, led by the United States and Germany.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, and now the war between Israel and Iran, the art world is still living in its own bubble. Geopolitical turmoil, however, is making its way into the living room. From the kaleidoscopic installation by Lebanese artist Walid Raad , created from videos of the destruction and reconstruction of downtown Beirut after the civil war, to Robert Longo's latest epileptic film, with the eloquent title, We Are the Monsters, preceded by a copy of Dürer's Apocalypse , passing by the monumental dystopian caravan of the Atelier Van Lieshout, the air is black.

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