Top 5 Must-See Exhibitions at Art Basel 2024

For its 2024 edition in Basel, Art Basel assembles 285 leading international galleries, showcasing an eclectic mix of high-quality works across various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital artworks. The event introduces 22 first-time participants, enriching the already diverse lineup of returning exhibitors from around the globe. Under the new leadership of Maike Cruse, Director of Art Basel in Basel, the prestigious Swiss fair also unveils a reimagined Parcours sector curated by Stefanie Hessler, Director of the Swiss Institute. Adding to the excitement, a transformed former Hotel Merian will host continuous, around-the-clock artistic events and shows.

Refik Anadol x Turkish Airlines: Inner Portrait

One of the standout installations at Art Basel 2024 is the "Inner Portrait" project by Turkish Airlines in collaboration with media artist Refik Anadol. Known for his pioneering use of data in immersive art, Anadol seamlessly merges art and technology. In "Inner Portrait," he employs advanced AI tools and neuroscientific sensors to capture first-time travelers' emotional and cognitive responses. This emotional data, including heart rate and EEG outputs, forms the basis for AI Data Paintings, vividly illustrating the profound impact of travel on human experiences.

Ai WeiWei's 'Therese Dreaming, 2024' at Galleria Continua

Galleria Continua presents Ai WeiWei's 'Therese Dreaming, 2024,' a work that underscores the artist's innovative use of materials and personal storytelling. WeiWei likens his creative process to the literary journeys of Arthur Rimbaud and Walt Whitman, where language design offers command and understanding. His use of LEGO bricks to convey personal narratives reflects a contemporary approach to digitalization, segmentation, and fragmentation. This enables a unique freedom in reproducing images that challenge conventional methods and compositions.

Pace Gallery

Pace Gallery's presentation is a compelling mix of historical and contemporary works. Anchored by pieces from 20th-century figures like Alexander Calder, Adolph Gottlieb, Agnes Martin, and Louise Nevelson, the gallery also highlights contemporary artists such as Sam Gilliam, Kiki Kogelnik, and Pablo Picasso. A notable feature is Jean Dubuffet's installation, Banc-Salon (1970-2024), exhibited in collaboration with Galerie Lelong & Co. This installation, comprising a low, winding bench beneath two hovering kites, invites visitors to sit and reflect, disrupting the traditional art fair booth architecture.

Hauser & Wirth

Returning to Art Basel with a diverse booth, Hauser & Wirth showcases the exceptional range of its cross-generational program. The gallery unveils new works by artists like Avery Singer, Rashid Johnson, Nicolas Party, Frank Bowling, and Flora Yukhnovich. The presentation includes contemporary pieces by Mark Bradford, Isa Genzken, Amy Sherald, Zhang Enli, Anj Smith, and Anna Maria Maiolino, who was recently honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale. Historical works by Hans Arp, Philip Guston, Maria Lassnig, Alina Szapocznikow, Jack Whitten, Fausto Melotti, Ed Clark, and Lee Lozano round out the gallery's impressive display.

Facts & Figures by Maja Bajevic, UBS Art Collection

Commissioned by the UBS Art Collection, Maja Bajevic's site-specific installation, "Facts & Figures," explores the concept of time through the lens of women's challenges. The artwork consists of intricate embroideries, highlighting the time-intensive nature of the craft and its historical association with women's work. By emphasizing the lack of time available to women, Bajevic's installation resonates with contemporary conversations about gender and labor. This piece is part of a broader exhibition on textile art in the UBS Lounge, reflecting the medium's rising prominence, as evidenced by recent showcases at the Venice Art Biennale and upcoming institutional shows like 'Tapta: Flexible Forms' at Muzeum Susch, opening on July 20.

Art Basel 2024 promises a vibrant and diverse array of artistic expressions, from groundbreaking digital installations to thought-provoking historical works. With new leadership and innovative programming, this year's fair is set to captivate collectors, critics, and art enthusiasts worldwide.