Art 33
Basel
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Successful Art 33 Basel
Art 33 Basel, the International Art Show, closed its gates on Monday,
June
17. Art 33 Basel made a strong impression, confirming its po-sition as
the
art show and annual meeting place of the art world. This is founded on
the
outstanding quality of the exhibited works of art, the influx of
exponents
of the international art scene and its inspiration to the art market.
The
exhibiting galleries, the worlds press and the international public
unanimously delivered positive feedback on Art 33 Basel and spoke of a
successful and exciting event. The 268 exhibitors from Europe, North and
Latin America, Asia and Australia said goodbye to 50,000 visitors after
seven days abundant in events, discoveries and sales.
The International Art Show, Art 33 Basel, closed with outstanding
results.
The participants rated the 33rd staging of the show as an excellent year
that at the very least matched the standard set by last years
record-breaking show. Samuel Keller, Director of Art Basel, had the
following to say about the event: «Art 33 Basel was a true festival of
art. The galleries and their artists presented outstanding works and
were
rewarded accordingly.» Despite the beautiful and hot summer weather,
50,000 art collectors, museum representatives, artists and art
aficionados
from around the globe visited Art 33 Basel (55,000 in 2001). Among them,
1,500 representatives of the media from all the continents gathered
information on everything presently available on the international art
market. The medias great interest in Art Basel also ensured the
exhibiting galleries additional attention and response from the press.
The
elaborately designed catalogue, which provides an extensive overview of
the current international art market, was sold out on the last day of
the
show.
Sectors:
The outcome of «Art Unlimited» was also highly positive. This
platform was
mounted for the third time, featuring works that transcend the
boundaries
of exhibition booths at art shows, and frequently also those set by
galleries, museums and other traditional venues at which art is
presented.
A total of 66 projects were exhibited: large installations, video
projections, outsize paintings and sculptures, installations,
performances
and digital art. The participating galleries and artists were
enthusiastic, and the specialists and the public emphasized the quality
of
the exhibited works of art and the effective exhibition architecture.
«Art
Unlimited» is generously supported by the UBS Financial Services
Group,
which has been the main sponsor of Art Basel since 1994. Making its
debut,
was the «Art Lobby» communication platform. This featured important
personalities of the international art scene and provided the interested
public with a chance three times a day to ask questions. The guests
included Ernst Beyeler, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Patricia Sandretto,
Francesco
Bonami, Pierre Huber, Jeop van Lieshout, Skip Arnold and many others.
The
highlight of «Art Lobby» was surely the appearance by the
internationally
renowned artist Jeff Koons, who visited Art 33 on Sunday and attended
the
play Jeff Koons in the evening at the Stadttheater Basel.
Another crowd-puller was «Art Statements», consisting of 17
one-person
shows by young artists. The participants were highly pleased with
visitors interest for this platform, which not only produced good
sales,
but also an opportunity to meet important players of the worldwide art
scene and attracted great interest from the media. The prize donated by
the Baloise group specifically for «Art Statements» went to the
Glasgow-based artist Cathy Wilkes and the American John Pilson, who each
received CHF 25,000. The «Art Edition» sector, where international
publishing houses presented prints and multiples, also attracted great
interest from visitors. The «Art Film» sector at the Stadtkino Basel
of
the Kunsthalle Basel has in the meantime grown dear to the hearts of
visitors. Another much-regarded feature was the open-air cinema outside
the Stadtkino Basel, which was staged for the first time and featured
films by and about artists.
For more infromation and a selection of images please go to:
http://www.ArtBasel.com
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