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Next week, the art world will converge in Switzerland for Art Basel, often compared to the prom of the art world. With 287 galleries from around the globe participating, including the four biggest, the event promises to showcase the best in contemporary and classic art. Collectors, art advisers, and journalists will join this grand celebration despite whispers that the newly named Art Basel Paris might soon outshine its Swiss counterpart. Many dealers, however, remain loyal to Basel, bringing their finest works to the fair.
Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth, a Swiss gallery powerhouse, is presenting several high-profile pieces. Among these is Philip Guston's "Orders," a late-era work from 1980, priced at $10 million. This painting, depicting a cluster of shoes against a pink-and-blue sky, symbolizes broader historical and psychological themes in Guston's work. Additionally, the gallery is featuring Arshile Gorky's largest charcoal drawing still in private hands, "Untitled (Gray Drawing (Pastoral))," priced at $16 million. Other notable works include Louise Bourgeois' marble and wood sculpture "Woman with Packages" for $3.5 million, Francis Picabia's "Nu assis" at $4.85 million, and David Smith's "Aggressive Character" sculpture.
Gagosian
Gagosian's booth at Unlimited, Art Basel's sector for monumental works, will feature an untitled 1970 masterpiece by Minimalist Donald Judd. This work, first exhibited by Gagosian's mentor Leo Castelli, consists of five-foot-high galvanized iron panels. A related piece resides in the Guggenheim's permanent collection. Gagosian's Basel location will also showcase Judd's works from 1987 to 1991. The 1970 piece is expected to exceed $10 million.
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Pac
Pace Gallery's extensive presentation will highlight historical 20th-century works, including those by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, and Pablo Picasso. The standout piece is Jean Dubuffet's "Banc-Salon," an installation encouraging fairgoers to sit and reflect. Agnes Martin's "Untitled #20" (1974) is also expected to attract significant attention. Given the artist's recently soaring market value, this painting, which last sold for $2.43 million in 2012, could be Pace's priciest offering at the fair.
Thaddaeus Ropac
Thaddaeus Ropac will bring significant works, including Sigmar Polke's 1994 canvas "Lapis Lazuli," priced at $3.8 million. This piece marks Polke's exploration of ancient pigments. Another notable work is Robert Rauschenberg's "Market Altar / ROCI MEXICO" (1985), priced at $3.85 million, and Georg Baselitz's sculpture "Dresdner Frauen - Die Elbe" (1990/2023), priced at $2.18 million.
Lévy Gorvy Dayan
Lévy Gorvy Dayan's presentation is anchored by an untitled David Hammons sculpture from 1990, priced around $9 million. This piece, resembling a human form, incorporates everyday objects like a coat rack, plastic bags, and a baseball cap. Additionally, the gallery will showcase Günther Uecker's "Übernagelter Hocker" (1963), expected to fetch around $1.5 million.
Landau Fine Art
Landau Fine Art will display Wassily Kandinsky's "Murnau mit Kirche II" (1910), a piece stolen by the Nazis in 1938. Robert Landau purchased it for $44.8 million, the 9th most expensive work sold at auction last year. Although exhibited at Art Basel, this painting is not for sale. Landau has invested significantly in the piece, including a museum curator consultation, valuing it at over $100 million.
Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art
Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art will feature Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Cash Crop" (1984), priced between $5 million and $6 million. This painting, depicting a silhouetted figure in front of a sugar box, last sold for around $1.11 million in 2010. Recent auction sales have increased interest, and the gallery remains optimistic about its competitive pricing and spectacular works.
Art Basel 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, showcasing an array of high-value, significant artworks that reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the contemporary art market.
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