Switzerland once again becomes the “world art centre” during the Art Basel fair. To enjoy this 48^th edition, BBVA brought together a select group of clients who were able to admire works by more consolidated artists, and discover works from new, upcoming artists, over the days prior to the official opening, devoted exclusively to VIP guests and collectors. The first stop was the pavilion Unlimited, which hosts large-scale works of art that cannot settle in the habitual galleries of the fair. The 76 projects included more traditional style sculptures and paintings, but also live performances and creations focussing on impacting on our senses, and on our sight and hearing in particular. The installation entitled “Through the Wall”, by the Chinese artist Song Dong, caught the public’s attention by building a house with floors and ceilings made of mirrors, where their reflections created an infinite space. The work by John Baldessari entitled "Ear Sofa; Nose Sconces with Flowers", which recreated a sequence where a dog and model, whose penetrating stare contended with the curious gaze of the hundreds of spectators who were watching her, are seated on a large ear in the form of a sofa and flanked by two nose-vases. The two floors of the Galleries section showed gems of modern and contemporary art, in addition to historic vanguards, such as William Kentridge’s illustrations invoking Matisse, in the Marian Goodman Gallery. At Elvira González’s stand, we could view unique works by Donald Judd, and it also presented a table designed for the occasion with pottery by Miquel Barceló. In the Perrotin Gallery, Murakami recalled Francis Bacon, with a triptych that attracted the public’s full attention.

This year, the fair attracted over 95,000 visitors and, according to the organisers, it was one of the most prolific editions in terms of sales.

The city of Basel is the birthplace of this event, which has attained international acclaim, converting it, together with Zurich, into a focal point not to be missed for more exclusive collectors from over 100 different countries and 300 museum directors, independent curators and institutions, in addition to specialised international press and thousands of art fans. Since its first edition in 1970, Art Basel has known how to absorb and embody the transformations that have taken place in contemporary art creation and in the art market. BBVA in Switzerland, the BBVA Group’s Private Banking provider located in Zurich, organises unique experiences in Switzerland like this, in order to provide its art-loving clients with the VIP treatment they deserve. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.