Artistic Highlights and New Concepts
A standout highlight of the fair was Agnes Denes’ “Honoring Wheatfield – A Confrontation (2024),” a tribute to her iconic land art work from the 1980s. This impressive piece will be on display at the fairgrounds throughout the summer. The Parcours sector, curated by Stefanie Hessler, Director of the Swiss Institute (SI) New York, extended from Kleinbasel’s Clarastrasse to the Rhine, bringing fresh artistic perspectives to the city.
New this year was a 24/7 public program at Merian, offering artistic events and performances. This expansion attracted a wide audience and showcased contributions from renowned local and international artists, curators, and thought leaders.
Global Diversity and Representation
Art Basel showcased highly acclaimed works from 285 galleries across 40 countries, including 22 newcomers such as Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte (São Paulo), Bank (Shanghai), and Karma (Los Angeles, New York). Leading private collectors, as well as representatives from over 250 museums and institutions worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), and the Tate (London), attended the event.
Maike Cruse expressed great satisfaction with this year’s fair. She emphasized that Art Basel in Basel has once again confirmed its position as the leading platform for global art trade. The exceptional quality of the exhibited works and the remarkable response from collectors worldwide resulted in outstanding sales figures.
Basel, as the historical and symbolic home of Art Basel, once again demonstrated its important role as a cultural center.
Maike Cruse
Art Basel 2024 has once again proven that it is a leading platform for global art trade, and with the new director Maike Cruse, it is heading towards a promising future.