Art Basel, the renowned art fair held in Switzerland, opened its doors to VIPs on Tuesday, solidifying its position as the epicenter of the global art market. With 285 galleries from 36 countries and 21 first-time presenters, the fair showcased a wide array of artworks, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s edition marked the debut of Noah Horowitz as the new chief executive, taking over from Marc Spiegler.
Collectors attending Art Basel in 2023 showed a slightly more cautious approach to art acquisitions, likely due to the abundance of artworks available for sale over the past year. However, they eagerly anticipated the fair’s offerings, recognizing it as the destination to find the most exceptional works in the art market.
On the opening day, reports from the galleries revealed a bustling atmosphere and a plethora of multimillion-dollar artworks available from both the primary and secondary markets. Notably, several pieces by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso, who passed away 50 years ago, were showcased alongside paintings recently auctioned.
Among the standout sales reported on opening day, the David Kordansky Gallery celebrated its 20th anniversary with noteworthy achievements. Kurt Mueller, a senior director at the gallery, revealed that they sold various works to private collectors and major institutions, including pieces by artists featured in significant museum exhibitions this year. The highlight of their booth was Rashid Johnson’s new work titled “Ocean Sounds,” reminiscent of Cy Twombly’s style. The painting, featuring a grid of squares containing chalky white faces with cartoonish eyes, sold for $975,000.
Pace Gallery also showcased a remarkable collection, including five works by Alexander Calder, consisting of hanging mobiles, standing mobiles, a painting, and a work on paper. These pieces, directly sourced from the Calder family, sold individually for prices ranging from $350,000 to $2.8 million. Additionally, Pace sold three life-size bronze sculptures of an on-duty lifeguard by Elmgreen & Dragset for prices between $350,000 and $425,000.
Thaddaeus Ropac curated a substantial collection of works by German painter and printmaker Georg Baselitz, known for his vibrant and dynamic style. Notable sales included “1969 ohne Stuhl” (2023), reminiscent of a frame from a violent heist film, which sold for approximately $845,000. Another piece, “Blau von Dinard” (2023), showcased a serene figure floating in a pool of Hockney blue and sold for $1.2 million. In total, Ropac sold eight paintings and drawings by Baselitz and four works by Martha Jungwirth, with prices ranging from $195,000 to $390,000.
Gladstone Gallery attracted buyers with exceptional pieces such as an untitled ink-on posterboard work from 1980 by Keith Haring. Priced at $1.4 million, the artwork displayed Haring’s signature sequential figures, showcasing the artist’s humour and impeccable timing. The gallery also sold a Robert Rauschenberg collage for $1.2 million and a painting by Elizabeth Peyton for $1.85 million.
During VIP day, Lehmann Maupin announced their representation of conceptual artist and sculptor Tom Friedman in the Americas, expanding their existing collaboration in the Asian markets. The gallery sold an untitled Friedman work to a prominent American collector, and they plan to present an “In Focus” exhibition for Friedman in November, followed by a solo exhibition in 2025. Additionally, Lehmann Maupin sold old works from Lee Bul’s “Perdu” series for a combined total of $500,000 and completely sold out their collection of works by Dominic Chambers, who will have upcoming solo exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and the gallery itself.
Art Basel in 2023 showcased an exceptional range of artworks, attracting collectors and institutions alike. From the highly sought-after Picasso pieces to contemporary masterworks, the fair provided an unparalleled platform for artists, galleries, and buyers to engage with the global art market’s finest offerings.