Art
Aimless walks, an iPhone Pietà and a huge gargoyle: Art Basel is back – Euronews
What might at first glance appear to be confused tourists lost on Basel’s central Marktplatz, is actually a performance artwork at Switzerland’s iconic art fair, Art Basel.
‘Walking In Every Direction’, by English artist Hamish Fulton sees volunteers going on an hour-long aimless walk, the idea being participants turn inwards and reflect, perhaps even meditate.
It’s one of 20 site-specific installations and performances in Art Basel’s ‘Parcours’ event staged across the city’s centre.
After an entirely online event last year due to the pandemic, Art Basel is returning in person this week.
“It’s an indoor and outdoor sculpture project, installation, performance project, which takes place almost in everywhere in the historic centre of Basel, meaning that we find different locations, hosts, partners, who offer their spaces and we try to match it with exciting projects from artists,” explains Samuel Leuenberger, curating Parcours for the fifth time.
Leuenberger chose the theme of ‘Can We Find Happiness Together Again?’ for this year’s selection.
It’s a reference to the artists and galleries he worked with to make this year’s show happen, but also a reflection of the joy of seeing friends and colleagues after over a year apart.
“To really be able to trust that this will come through, to trust that this will take place, even though we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, and so, hence the title,” he says.
“Of course, finding happiness with each other, but also through the arts and through just working together again and meeting each other in the public space.”
Last year’s Art Basel was moved entirely online due to the pandemic. Leuenberger says he had to rip up about half of his plans for 2020.
He hopes his happiness-themed selection – from Bunny Rogers’ stone gargoyle to Thomas Bayrle’s iPhone Pietà – might win over those not accustomed to traditional art settings.
“I think a lot of people who have fear of crossing the threshold of going to a museum, people who are maybe not so into the arts, this is a beautiful way to merge a different kind of public, maybe a more art insider public and one that’s just walking by,” he says.
“This is the beauty of it, you can walk around the corner and you bump into a piece and you would be completely surprised why it’s here, you might not know that Parcours is happening.”
Art museum Kunsthalle Basel is also taking part, playing host to a Parcours piece and staging events alongside Art Basel.
Museum director Elena Filipovic says after a year without the city’s traditional art fair she missed a lot.
“I miss most the conversations around art, the curiosity, the passion that everyone brings when they come to this week of Art Basel and to our shows at Kunsthalle Basel,” she says.
Of course, this year’s fair will be very different than previous editions with COVID-19 certificate checks and face masks worn throughout, there’ll likely be fewer buyers from the United States and South America attending in person, due to travel restrictions.
“Already starting mid-last week, you could see the demographics of the city had changed, so definitely people are coming,” says Filipovic.
“And, if there are fewer in numbers – and I could imagine there would be fewer of our colleagues from the US, from Latin America, from Asia, nevertheless, I have the feeling the people who are here are really serious, are the ones who really couldn’t be kept away. And that’s nice.”
Art Basel art fair opens with media previews on Tuesday 21 September 2021. The general public are invited to attend from Friday 24 September to Sunday 26 September. Parcours will also run till Sunday 26 September.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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