Art Basel, the world’s leading contemporary and modern art fair, returns to Paris for its second edition from October 20 to 22, 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère. Over 150 established and emerging galleries from 33 countries and territories, including David Zwirner, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Galerie Karsten Greve, LGDR, Lisson Gallery, Mendes Wood DM, Pace, Sprüth Magers, Templon, Thaddaeus Ropac and White Cube, will highlight works by French and international artists, from 20th-century masters to young talents. At the same time, a citywide public program will take place in six iconic locations: Tuileries Garden, Institut de France, Palais d’Iéna, Centre Pompidou, Beaux-Arts de Paris and Place Vendôme. I speak with Clément Delépine, Director of Paris+ by Art Basel, about what visitors can expect from the upcoming 2023 edition.
Julio Le Parc, Sphère Bleue, 2018, blue Plexiglas, nylon, Ø 60.62 inches, unique work
What was the response to the first edition of Paris+ by Art Basel in 2022, and what can be improved?
The response to the first edition was overwhelmingly positive. We welcomed thousands of visitors – including artists, collectors, industry professionals and art lovers – to the Grand Palais Éphémère and to the various sites of our public program, including the Tuileries Garden, the Beaux-Arts de Paris and Place Vendôme. For me, these activations across the city – which are free to all visitors – are paramount to the fair’s success: They are realized in collaboration with some of Paris’ most prestigious cultural institutions, as well as the City of Paris itself, and give everyone the opportunity to experience outstanding art.
How will you give Art Basel a French touch and build bridges with France’s cultural industries, from fashion and design to film and music?
The sizeable presence of French galleries at the fair – more than a third of all exhibitors – is key to achieve this. Thanks to them, visitors can experience a show that has a distinct French flair. To answer the second part of your question: the French art scene’s big advantage is that it is composed of talented and open-minded individuals, who consider it permeable to other creative industries and do not shy away from embracing cross-pollination. We’ve seen the fruits of this openness time and time again, especially in fashion. Working with our partners in the broader cultural sphere and having embraced this mindset is certainly one of the ways we are establishing even stronger ties with other cultural industries.
Takashi Murakami, Together with the Flower Parent and Child, 2021-2023, platinum leaf on FRP, wooden … [+]
What will be some of the highlights of this year’s Paris+?
Of course, I am particularly looking forward to seeing modern and contemporary art of the highest quality at Paris+ by Art Basel again. We will welcome world-class exhibitors to the fair for the first time, including galleries from Mexico, South Africa and Poland. What’s more, the city-wide footprint of our free public program will be expanded: we will present ambitious installations in two new iconic locations, stage a captivating Conversations program in one of the city’s most famous cultural institutions and present curated exhibitions in the Tuileries Garden and the Beaux-Arts de Paris again.
Who are the biggest buyers of modern and contemporary art today, and what kinds of collectors are you targeting in particular at Paris+?
High net-worth individuals constitute the majority of collectors today. However, it bears repeating that art can often be more accessible than one might think. If you buy an edition or a small work by an emerging artist in a lower price range at Paris+ by Art Basel, that purchase could be the beginning of a lifelong collecting journey. Given the success of our inaugural edition, as well as the quality and appeal of Paris’ cultural offer, we are expecting excellent attendance from leading private collectors, as well as representatives from the world’s premier institutions and museums. But Paris+ by Art Basel is a fair for everyone – tickets are available online and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the Grand Palais Éphémère.
Ellen Gallagher, Watery Ecstatic, 2021, watercolour, varnish, egg tempera and cut paper on paper, 81 … [+]
What have been the main challenges of putting together the fair thus far?
Getting enough sleep has sometimes been complicated: I’m not only an art fair director, but also the parent of a young child, who rightfully demands attention independently of my work schedule.
What are your plans for future editions of Paris+? Where do you hope to take the fair in five to 10 years’ time?
In 2024, we plan on staging the fair at the renovated Grand Palais. The move to this legendary space will certainly keep us busy until then. I’m very optimistic about the future, and truly hope that Paris+ by Art Basel becomes the unmissable cultural event it already is to many for both the global arts community and Parisians.
