John Giorno and Robert Watts, Fun with Fluxus (1984-1988), via Supportico Lopez

As the days of summer tick by, and the weather grows ever warmer in Europe, the art world once again returns to the namesake home of the Art Basel fair, which takes over the Swiss city for its annual run of sales and project exhibitions, held in conjunction with a number of various exhibitions and shows across the city.  Marking the final run of market activity before a well-deserved summer recess, the fair should offer a last glimpse at the European art market’s health before the fall season. (more…)

Michaël Borremans, Black Mould/The Badgers Song II (2015), via David Zwirner

As June rolls on, the art world returns to the Swiss city of Basel for the annual flagship art fair of the Art Basel fair franchise, taking over the Messe Basel for four days of high-profile sales, special projects and artist talks that sit at the center of a week of exhibitions, shows and satellite fairs.  Art Basel marks the latest entry in a bustling calendar of European art events that included the opening of both the Venice Biennale and the latest edition of Documenta in both Athens and Kassel in the past weeks, and should offer one of the last indicators of the European market’s strength before autumn.

Ashley Bickteron, Small Yellow Catalog: Cigarettes, Purple Pigment, Cheese Doodles, Broken Glass (1991), via Lehmann Maupin

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Stephen G. Rhodes’ “Overduin and Kite” from Los Angeles;  All photos on site for Art Observed by Caroline Claisse

As a colossal fair, Art Basel encompasses many satellites and offshoots, namely Design Miami/Basel, Scope, Volta, and LISTE.  LISTE, now in its 17th installment, is a significant art fair in itself, showcasing a variety of up and coming galleries and artists.  This year, there are  22 countries and 64 galleries represented, 11 of which are immediately new to the art world. Congruently, all participating artists are under the age of 40.  Identified as “The Young Art Fair in Basel”, LISTE offers an excellent introductory opportunity to young, contemporary artists and galleries alike.

LISTE 17 began on Tuesday, June 12 and continues through Art Basel’s end on June 17.

Warteck, the brewery turned gallery, is LISTE’s 2012 venue

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Tuesday morning of the VIP Preview; All photos on site for Art Observed by Caroline Claisse

Art Basel’s 43^rd edition commenced today with the first of two VIP Preview days.  The VIP Vernissage, however, drew a private audience yesterday evening, where the Art Unlimited and Art Standard programs were unveiled, revealing a collection of artwork impressive in both size and scope.  Today was also the preview and opening receptions for Basel’s companion fairs, like LISTE 17 and Design Miami/Basel.  Fair and section specific photosets for collective Basel happenings will be posted throughout the upcoming days.

Art Basel directors Annette Schönholzer and Marc Spiegler at the press conference

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