Art Basel

A beetle for four million dollars

Packaging artist Christo wrapped this Beetle in 2014—it’s mint green, by the way, as its wheels reveal.(Bild: zVg)

Art Basel is the world’s largest art fair and an important barometer for the international art market. The official opening is on Wednesday, and the long lines of visitors at “Unlimited”—the first section of the fair—certainly indicate a high level of interest. This year, an old acquaintance with Austrian roots is also making an appearance. 

On Wednesday, Art Basel opens its doors, and with “Unlimited,” it is already transforming the industrial city on the Rhine into an art mecca for collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts from around the world.

At “Unlimited,” the first part of the fair, artists and galleries from around the world have almost unlimited space for massive installations, video screens, and performances. There are no limits to artistic creativity—nor to prices—and Austrians are making their mark, such as Thaddäus Ropac, who ranks among the world’s best gallery owners.

This year, an old acquaintance with Austrian roots is making an appearance here: a VW Beetle, whose original design, as is well known, was created by the Austrian Ferdinand Porsche. Packaging artist Christo, who has already wrapped buildings, bridges, and entire islands, had wrapped such a Beetle in fabric back in 1963. He had to return it in its original condition, however. In 2014, Christo recalled the project, acquired a similar Beetle, and wrapped it in the original fabric. It now stands, signed, in Basel. Larry Gagosian (USA), the world’s most influential gallery owner, is offering it for four million dollars. At least it’s one of Christo’s wrapping works that still exists, since of many others, only photographs and drawings remain.

In “Premium Economy,” Swedish artist Anna Uddenberg explores other modes of transportation. Airplane seats are transformed into sexualized sculptures. The work expresses the dominance of infrastructure—and likely also of machinery—to which the human body is subordinated, even becoming a compliant victim. 

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama greets visitors right at the entrance with oversized, bright-yellow “pumpkins.” These sculptures have now secured permanent spots in major museums around the world. Visitors can be seen lingering in front of them to explore their textured surfaces.

Kader Attia from France creates a forest growing out of stones using Y-shaped iron rods. Forks in the path, reminiscent of the “Stone War” and the First Intifada.

Strong political statements are evident in the work of Liza Lou from Los Angeles. She adorns a security fence with glittering glass pieces, like costume jewelry—creating a tension between glamour and social exclusion. 

Art Basel is always an important barometer for the international art market. The long lines of visitors indicate great interest; whether sales follow will become clear in the coming days.