Art Basel Paris has made its triumphant return to the Grand Palais, captivating art lovers with an impressive showcase of contemporary creativity. This year’s edition has transformed the iconic venue into a vibrant hub, attracting crowds eager to explore the rich offerings from 195 exhibiting galleries. As attendees braved long lines under the building’s stunning glass roof, the excitement was palpable, marking a significant moment for the art scene in France.
Highlights from the Fair
With dealers reporting notable sales on opening day, many galleries anticipated continued success throughout the week. A selection of exhibitors opted to showcase conceptually driven works, a refreshing rarity at art fairs, while others aimed to introduce their artists to a European audience.
Mary Sabbatino, vice president and partner at Galerie Lelong & Co., shared her thoughts on the event: “The Grand Palais is magical—you’re bathed in light and in art history. [Art Basel Paris] is more historical than Miami and more up-to-the-minute and diverse than Basel. Paris has its own energy and identity.”
Noteworthy Installations
Among the standout presentations, Frieda Toranzo Jaeger’s multi-panel painting, Look into The Abyss of The Nihility of The Absence of God and Truth and See the Creative Will There and The Horizon of Infinite, graced the Taka Ishii Gallery booth. This piece features embroidered nude figures of diverse backgrounds dancing around a tree, a modern interpretation of Lucas Cranach the Elder’s The Golden Age. Toranzo Jaeger’s work not only reimagines the original but also emphasizes the importance of diversity in art.
At Bortolami, Renée Green’s installation Seen (1990) takes centre stage. Resembling a performance space, this wooden structure references the historical narratives of Josephine Baker and Sarah Baartman, whose experiences shed light on complex societal themes. The installation’s text draws uncomfortable comparisons between these women and animals, provoking critical reflection on their treatment in history.
Innovative Creations
Bianca Bondi’s Exotic Elixir (2024), displayed at Mor Charpentier, presents a unique fusion of art and science. In a medicine cabinet, Bondi arranged real and artificial plants alongside vials, applying salt to explore chemical reactions that create intriguing visual effects. This installation challenges viewers to consider visibility and obscurity in art.
Meanwhile, Kei Imazu’s expansive installation at ROH Projects captures the essence of climate change in Jakarta through a 3D-printed depiction of the cityscape. By illustrating the layers of history beneath the surface, Imazu highlights the pressing environmental issues facing urban spaces today.
As Art Basel Paris continues until Sunday, attendees can look forward to discovering more exceptional installations and engaging narratives that celebrate the intersection of art, identity, and the human experience.