Art Basel's 2024 edition of Unlimited has once again captivated the art world, showcasing an impressive array of large-scale works that push the boundaries of contemporary art. This pioneering exhibition platform allows exhibitors to present monumental installations, colossal sculptures, expansive wall paintings, comprehensive photo series, large-scale video projections, and live performances. Curated by Giovanni Carmine, director of the Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen, this year's Unlimited features 70 installations by both distinguished and emerging artists, including three live performances.
Unlimited Curator Giovanni Carmine
Highlights of this year's exhibition include notable historical pieces by Robert Frank and Faith Ringgold, along with surprising new works from emerging voices. A new interactive feature, the Unlimited People's Pick, will allow visitors to vote for their favorite artwork throughout Art Basel, with the winner announced towards the end of the show week. Additionally, Unlimited Night on Thursday, June 13, will offer extended hours for visitors to experience the sector alongside special performances.
We had the opportunity to speak with Giovanni Carmine about the key themes, highlights, and innovations of the 2024 edition.
For the 2024 edition of Unlimited, what are the key themes or major highlights you are focusing on? How do these choices reflect current trends or shifts in the contemporary art world?
This year, Unlimited is characterized by some remarkable historical pieces, such as those by Robert Frank and Faith Ringgold, which represent key moments in recent art history. I think the trend is towards quality, as the public becomes increasingly informed and discerning. However, as usual, there will be some surprises in Unlimited from emerging voices within the global art community.
Unlimited is known for showcasing both distinguished and emerging artists. Can you discuss how you balance this mix? How has the selection process evolved from last year?
Since Unlimited is not a thematic exhibition, I work through a flavorful yet carefully balanced mixture of projects, enabling us to provide a heterogeneous overview of artists. We achieve this balance through the participating galleries by convincing them to showcase special, new, and experimental projects. Unlimited is widely recognized as a unique format, which facilitates this process, making the selection smooth and enjoyable.
What strategies are you implementing in the 2024 edition to enhance audience engagement and interaction with the large-scale works featured in Unlimited?
The type and quality of artworks featured in Unlimited naturally generate interest and engagement among visitors. Within the exhibition space, we have many talented young mediators who assist, explain, and engage in discussions with visitors who want to learn more. This is a great resource, and we invest significant effort into its development.
From your perspective as curator, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working on Unlimited, and what are you most looking forward to in this year’s edition?
The most rewarding moment for me is observing visitors engaging in profound discussions in front of the artworks, perhaps catching glimpses of dialogues that we aim to foster through the curation of the projects within the exhibition space. As always, I’m looking forward to meeting artists whom I have not yet had the opportunity to personally know during the intensive installation days.
Art Basel
Opening Hours:
-Unlimited Opening (by invitation only)
Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4pm – 8pm, First Choice VIP CardholdersMonday, June 10, 2024, from 6pm – 8pm, Preview VIP Cardholders
-VIP Days (by invitation only)
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 11am until 8pm, First Choice VIP CardholdersTuesday, June 11, 2024, 4pm to 8pm, First Choice & Preview VIP CardholdersWednesday, June 12, 2024, 11am to 8pm, First Choice, Preview, Two Day, One Day VIP Cardholders
-Vernissage (access with a Vernissage + ticket, Premium + ticket, or by invitation)
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 5pm to 8pm, First Choice, Preview, Vernissage & Two Day VIP Cardholders
-Public Days (access with a ticket or a VIP Card)
Thursday, June 13, 2024, 11am to 7pmFriday, June 14, 2024, 11am to 7pmSaturday, June 15, 2024, 11am to 7pmSunday, June 16, 2024, 11am to 7pm
Venue:
Messe Basel (Messeplatz 10 4058 BaselSwitzerland)
Website:
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