Art Basel's compass points to China
- By Harvey Dzodin
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E-mail China.org.cn, July 1, 2014
When we think about the picture-postcard perfect country of Switzerland in Western Europe, chocolate, banking and skiing come to mind. But one week a year, Basel, the country's third largest city with a population of 165,000 nestled at the Swiss, German and French borders becomes the art capital of the world. Art Basel 2014 closed on June 22 with a substantial and increased Asian and Chinese presence.
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"Two Choices" by artist Yang Fudong courtesy of ShanghART Gallery |
Art Basel's 45th annual edition, attracted 285 art galleries from 34 countries. Not only did a record number of 92,000 art professional and collectors attend the event, but more than 70 museums were represented including New York's Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and Shanghai's Yuz Museum.
Iwan Wirth, president of Hauser & Wirth, said "Art Basel remains the most important week in the world's art calendar." Scott Wright, Director of London's Victoria Miro considers it "the art world equivalent to the World Economic Forum, where key decision makers fly in from the four corners of the globe and the future of the art market is determined."
Although there were 21 Asian galleries represented, compared to 31 a year ago, there was more Asian art on offer, since most participating galleries had at least one Asian art work on sale, often displayed at their entrance to entice the growing body of Asian, especially Chinese, buyers. Theresa Liang, Director of Long March Space in Beijing said "the fair was great this year. Sales have been excellent. We have received a lot of attention from collectors and curators."
Art Basel leadership placed special emphasis on attracting Asian collectors and museums. One significant development at Art Basel was the establishment of a Global Patron's Council. Ten of the 70 members are from China, plus people like the Swiss collector Uli Sigg who is closely associated with the contemporary Chinese art scene. An additional 13 members are from the Asia Pacific region.
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