Four Art Events

This year the four significant European art events all started in mid-June within the same week, which made it quite a marathon for those who like or have to attend openings.

ArtBasel, Basel, Switzerland. Although lasting only one week, this is the most important art fair in Europe, a place where the world’s most renowned galleries close their transactions and where art and millions change hands at an hourly rate. Contemporary artists display their works in two exhibition blocks in hundreds of rented cubicles and outdoor galleries. Installations are very well represented. Along with the exhibitions, crossover events including music, film, architecture and design are carried on all through the opening hours. The American offset of the fair is taking place in Miami December 6-9.

La Bienale di Venezia, the 52^nd International Art Exhibition in Venice, Italy. This year’s title is Think with the Senses – Feel with the Mind. Art in the Present Tense. The works of the representing artists of 77 nations are exhibited in country pavilions. Some of the highlights include works of Tracey Emin, British artist winner of the Turner prize, and sculptures of the German Isa Grenzken. The exhibition curator is Robert Storr, the first American director in the history of the most famous art review in the world. The exhibition will be open until November 21.

documenta 12, Kassel, Germany. Taking place every 5 years, is considered the most sensitive barometer of contemporary art. Progressive international art work is being presented here by more than 100 artists. The three leitmotifs of this edition are, Is modernity our antiquity? What is bare life? What is to be done? Along these lines the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has flown in 1001 compatriots as part of a live-in installation presented through September 23, and Sanja Ivekovic, Croatian artist, has planted a poppy field in the city square.

One of the installations, white adhesive stripes taped on the streets of Kassel, was mistakenly removed by the assiduous city cleaning squadron. Their intention was to present the visitors with a spotless environment before the start of the exhibition.

sculpture projects muenster 07, Muenster, Germany, taking place every 10 years and consisting of 35 monumental sculptures spread all through the city, by just as many authors, is attracting the international public to one of the world’s most significant displays of contemporary art. A melancholy sound installation under a bridge by the Scottish artist Susan Philipsz, a sunken church tower by Guillaume Bijl and an underground pyramid made of white concrete by Bruce Naumann, as well as a petting zoo conceived by Mike Kelly, open the doors to a new artistic perception. The exhibition is closing on September 30.

by Adriana Carcu

Adriana.Carcu@WayneArt.de