Art Basel is one of the world’s largest and most recognized modern and contemporary art fairs, held annually in various cities, including Basel (Switzerland), Miami (USA), Hong Kong, and, recently, Paris. This fair serves as a platform for diverse participants to showcase the latest artworks, ranging from painting and sculpture to digital art. Art Basel is not only a venue for buying and selling art. Still, it has also become a space for exchanging ideas and expanding knowledge through various events, including talks, special exhibitions, and educational sessions. The 2024 edition in Paris featured prominent works by contemporary and historical figures, receiving a positive response from buyers.
In collaboration with Art Basel Paris, Miu Miu launched an exhibition titled “Tales & Tellers” outside the Grand Palais building. This project examines the stories and experiences of women through a combination of film, video, and live performances. The exhibition also provided a platform for female filmmakers to depict scenes from Miu Miu’s previous films and share their perspectives on femininity. Miu Miu’s aim with this exhibition was to move beyond a two-dimensional format and delve deeper into feminine narratives.
Art Basel profoundly impacts the fashion industry and serves as a platform for showcasing creativity and collaboration between fashion brands and artists. In this event, artists and fashion designers combine and draw on artistic and innovative perspectives to design new collections. Additionally, Art Basel allows brands to engage with a broad cultural audience, thereby enhancing their brand value. Besides being an excellent platform for interaction between art and fashion, Art Basel pays special attention to the issue of sustainability in art. This event creates opportunities through various exhibitions and discussions for fashion brands to respond to environmental challenges.
Art Basel 2024 effectively demonstrated the connection between art and commerce and was able to depict changes in the relationship between buyers and sellers of artworks. This exhibition not only provided an opportunity to showcase contemporary art and new experiences but also created a space for cultural exchange and the establishment of new connections between artists and diverse audiences. On the other hand, the side programs of Art Basel 2024, such as interactions with fashion brands, special exhibitions, and art discussions, showcased various dimensions of contemporary art. It can be said that Art Basel will remain a platform for collectors, artists, and galleries, setting the standards for the future of this industry.
History of the Art Basel Event
Founded in 1970 by three Swiss gallery owners—Ernest Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner, and Balz Hilt—Art Basel aimed to create a platform to unite leading galleries and passionate supporters of the art community. Initially held in Basel, Switzerland, the fair expanded outside Europe for the first time in 2002 with an annual exhibition in Miami. In 2013, it entered the Asian market with an exhibition in Hong Kong. These expansions transformed Art Basel into a global platform across three continents, attracting new audiences to contemporary art. In 2022, Art Basel launched “Paris+ par Art Basel” in Paris. Known for its rich history in the art scene, Paris now hosts this event annually, providing fresh opportunities for artistic interaction and attracting contemporary art lovers worldwide.
Art Basel 2024 Paris
The 2024 event featured significant changes, including its relocation to the newly renovated Grand Palais—a historic symbol of the city that reopened after three years of restoration. Ticket prices ranged from €55 for general admission (one day) to €70 for a Cernissage ticket (early entry with exclusive previews and champagne). The exhibition was divided into three main sections:- Galleries: showcasing a diverse range of artworks.
- Emergence: dedicated to up-and-coming talents.
- Premise: a new section for specific art projects that includes works from before 1900.
Art Basel Paris, host to fashion and luxury brands
In addition to gathering top creators and exhibitors, Art Basel 2024 hosted several renowned fashion brands that showcased their works and connected the worlds of art and fashion. The Louis Vuitton brand illuminated its exhibition space with Frank Gehry’s white Fish Lamp set amidst a beautiful wooden arch, celebrating the long-standing collaboration between the architect and Louis Vuitton. Additionally, Louis Vuitton displayed a collection of handbags designed by Gehry, including models such as Capucines Mini Blossom and Mini Puzzle. A special collection of bags featuring animal and scale-like designs was also showcased at this exhibition, which had a similar aesthetic to Frank Gehry’s Fish Lamp. This exhibition highlighted Louis Vuitton’s commitment to blending the world of luxury fashion with innovative architecture.
In collaboration with Art Basel Paris, Miu Miu launched an exhibition titled “Tales & Tellers” outside the Grand Palais building. This project examines the stories and experiences of women through a combination of film, video, and live performances. The exhibition also provided a platform for female filmmakers to depict scenes from Miu Miu’s previous films and share their perspectives on femininity. Miu Miu’s aim with this exhibition was to move beyond a two-dimensional format and delve deeper into feminine narratives.
Art events of fashion brands at Art Basel 2024
At this year’s fair, fashion brands had a strong presence. The Dior Gallery opened an exhibition of works by photographer Peter Lindbergh, focusing on his impact on the fashion world. Additionally, Alaïa explored the relationship between fashion, food, and hospitality. The Burberry brand also introduced its Outerwear 2024 campaign—a cultural event at its boutique showcasing artworks by Alvaro Barrington.
Top Galleries at Art Basel Paris
The fair hosted creative booths that were strikingly designed while showcasing diverse works with unique approaches. Pace Gallery became one of the most attractive booths by displaying works from prominent artists such as Wayne Thiebaud, Jean Dubuffet, and Loie Hollowell. It achieved a sales record of $2.25 million. Esther Schipper’s booth featured a combination of innovative works, including gold-adorned tools by Ugo Rondinone and a sculpture by Anicka Yi; this sculpture resembling a suspended jellyfish was made of fiber optics and silicone—attracting significant attention with its surreal appearance. Woodson Gallery exhibited glass works by Omyo Cho that depicted themes related to the post-human afterlife. The Taka Ishii Gallery also showcased works by Frieda Toranzo Jaeger, who modernized classic themes through painting and embroidery.
The Most Expensive Works at Art Basel 2024
On the VIP day of the Art Basel Paris 2024 exhibition, the David Zwirner gallery quickly became one of the most talked-about galleries, featuring the most expensive sold artwork, the painting “Sunflowers” by Joan Mitchell, which was sold for $20 million. Following that, the most costly works included:- “Abstraktes Bild” by Gerhard Richter (2016) for $6 million
- “Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart” by Yayoi Kusama (2023) for $5 million
- “Study for Homage to the Square” by Josef Albers (1966) for $1.6 million
- “Untitled” by Robert Ryman (1997) for $1.5 million
- “Wolf Moon” by Scott Kahn (2023) for $900,000
- Works by Elizabeth Peyton, including “Yes! (Vampire)” and “Ang in London,” each for $900,000.
Art Basel profoundly impacts the fashion industry and serves as a platform for showcasing creativity and collaboration between fashion brands and artists. In this event, artists and fashion designers combine and draw on artistic and innovative perspectives to design new collections. Additionally, Art Basel allows brands to engage with a broad cultural audience, thereby enhancing their brand value. Besides being an excellent platform for interaction between art and fashion, Art Basel pays special attention to the issue of sustainability in art. This event creates opportunities through various exhibitions and discussions for fashion brands to respond to environmental challenges.
Art Basel 2024 effectively demonstrated the connection between art and commerce and was able to depict changes in the relationship between buyers and sellers of artworks. This exhibition not only provided an opportunity to showcase contemporary art and new experiences but also created a space for cultural exchange and the establishment of new connections between artists and diverse audiences. On the other hand, the side programs of Art Basel 2024, such as interactions with fashion brands, special exhibitions, and art discussions, showcased various dimensions of contemporary art. It can be said that Art Basel will remain a platform for collectors, artists, and galleries, setting the standards for the future of this industry. 
The idea of the “Tale and Tellers” exhibition was fascinating to read. I’m glad there is more female representation in art and filmmaking.
It was a very interesting article …..
I am a huge fan of art and I was hooked throughout the entire reading of this article. It’s truly amazing to see more women in art.