Once again, I apologize for not having updated over the weekend. There are some places in this world where internet does not exist, the house I stayed at for the weekend being one of them.
So, a summary of the eventful week in Basel:
- American buyers were not prevalent thanks to the weak dollar. However, dealers commented on the number of Russian buyers. And American dealers reported selling to more Europeans thanks to the lack of Americans.
- Roman Abramovich purchased a Giacometti bronze entitle “Femme de Venise I” (1956) for $14 million from Krugier.
- Dealers brought good quality pieces to show and reported that buyers were interested in blue-chip artists.
- As auction prices soar, many collectors commented on the reasonable prices in the primary market.
- Works did not fly off the walls as soon as the vernissage opened, as has been the trend for the past few years. Instead, sales were paced and carefully considered, though still strong.
- The print galleries reported good sales, especially those who branched out into editioned sculptures.
- Brad Pitt dropped close to $1 million at Design Miami/Basel, with Mr. Abramovich following close behind. The two were seen chatting in the VIP lounge of the fair. In other star news, Sofia Coppola and Owen Wilson were at the vernissage of Art Basel 39.
- Takashi Murakami was spotted all around Basel in the limited time he was there. From Art Unlimited at the main fair to the Volta Fair to a dinner held in his honor. He was particularly interested in adding to his contemporary art collection, mentioning an interest in works by Anselm Reyle and German art of the 1980s.
3 responses so far ↓
Nora // June 12, 2008 at 8:42 pm |
hey. nice to see you have a blog! i started one too – but in German.
About Basel: I had the impression, that dealers were setting on their profile-blue-chip artists in order to avoid risks. So Gagosian did not have a Jeff Koons and Marlborough fascinated with a huge Bacon Triptych.
Besides I heard from dealers at Volta, that there collectors were buying like mad all week through. (Especially because they opened their doors one week prior to the Art Basel)
Greetings and go on with this blogg! :)
Nora
Nora // June 12, 2008 at 8:45 pm |
ah.. by the way: that Gagosian did not have a Jeff Koons was rather surprising -but as we know he always opposes the market and therefore had – see and be amazed – an Anselm Reyle. AR is a German artist, based in Berlin whose works could be spotted at many major galleries and even in the Art Unlimited Hall. Since he changed from Nourbaksh Gallery to Contemporary Fine Arts in Berlin his career proceeded rapidly with prices going up 100% in Sotheby’s auctions.
Alexandra // September 4, 2008 at 10:08 pm |
Amselm Reyle is really good¡