Record numbers flock to Art Basel
The 42nd Art Basel has attracted a record number of artists, collectors, curators and art lovers.
More than 65,000 people came to the show, the biggest contemporary art fair in the world, where around 300 galleries from 35 countries exhibited works by 2,500 artists.
In a statement, Art Basel said there were “strong sales throughout the week across all levels of the market”, with most exhibitors reporting “excellent results”. Paintings, works on paper and photography were strongly represented.
In the public exhibition space, Art Unlimited showed 62 big installation pieces, many of which were created especially for Art Basel, and Art Statements had 27 projects from young galleries and artists.
The two Baloise Art Prizes of SFr30,000 ($35,000) per artist were awarded to Alejandro Cesarco and Ben Rivers.
Most galleries were from the United States (73), followed by Germany with 50 stands and Switzerland with 32.
Art Basel 43 will open its doors from June 13-17, 2012.
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