Geneva's Art Fair Takes a Different Beat
In contrast to the bustling hubs of Art Basel, Art Genève is a more low-key affair. But for some galleries and collectors, that's exactly what draws them in. "We like it here because it's more confidential," says Séverine Waelchli, senior director at Hauser & Wirth. "It allows us to have quality meetings with collectors and enjoy time with our existing clients."
The fair's layout, which features 81 galleries from across Switzerland, creates a unique atmosphere that's both intimate and exclusive. While Art Basel is often criticized for its high prices and frenetic pace, Art Genève offers a more relaxed setting that fosters meaningful conversations between artists, collectors, and dealers.
Templon, a gallery with an annual tradition at the fair, agrees. "We see our francophone Swiss collectors here in a way we can't at Basel," says managing director Anne-Claudie Coric. "It's a more human scale, and we get to spend time with them in a more relaxed setting."
The fair has attracted some notable sales, including works by Kehinde Wiley, Ivan Navarro, Martial Raysse, and Chiharu Shiota. Templon's booth has been particularly successful, with several paintings selling within the first 24 hours of the fair.
Lovay Fine Arts, which is participating for the third time, has also had a strong showing. The gallery has sold works by Swiss artists John M Armleder, Pascal Vonlanthen, and Ligia Dias, as well as international artists such as Nelly Rudin and Gina Fischli.
While Art Genève may not offer the same level of prestige as Art Basel, it's clear that the fair is gaining popularity among galleries and collectors. "We're excited about the growth of the Quartier des Bains," says Balthazar Lovay, director at Lovay Fine Arts. "It's becoming a dynamic hub for art in Geneva."
Karma International, headquartered in Zurich, has also participated in Art Genève for three years. The gallery's booth featured a group show and several solo works by Swiss artist Sylvie Fleury, who was a critical figure in the development of feminist art.
Director Justine Hauer notes that while Art Basel may offer more connections, Art Genève provides an opportunity to meet new collectors and curators. "It's why we participate," she says. "We get to know our clients in a different way here."
In contrast to the bustling hubs of Art Basel, Art Genève is a more low-key affair. But for some galleries and collectors, that's exactly what draws them in. "We like it here because it's more confidential," says Séverine Waelchli, senior director at Hauser & Wirth. "It allows us to have quality meetings with collectors and enjoy time with our existing clients."
The fair's layout, which features 81 galleries from across Switzerland, creates a unique atmosphere that's both intimate and exclusive. While Art Basel is often criticized for its high prices and frenetic pace, Art Genève offers a more relaxed setting that fosters meaningful conversations between artists, collectors, and dealers.
Templon, a gallery with an annual tradition at the fair, agrees. "We see our francophone Swiss collectors here in a way we can't at Basel," says managing director Anne-Claudie Coric. "It's a more human scale, and we get to spend time with them in a more relaxed setting."
The fair has attracted some notable sales, including works by Kehinde Wiley, Ivan Navarro, Martial Raysse, and Chiharu Shiota. Templon's booth has been particularly successful, with several paintings selling within the first 24 hours of the fair.
Lovay Fine Arts, which is participating for the third time, has also had a strong showing. The gallery has sold works by Swiss artists John M Armleder, Pascal Vonlanthen, and Ligia Dias, as well as international artists such as Nelly Rudin and Gina Fischli.
While Art Genève may not offer the same level of prestige as Art Basel, it's clear that the fair is gaining popularity among galleries and collectors. "We're excited about the growth of the Quartier des Bains," says Balthazar Lovay, director at Lovay Fine Arts. "It's becoming a dynamic hub for art in Geneva."
Karma International, headquartered in Zurich, has also participated in Art Genève for three years. The gallery's booth featured a group show and several solo works by Swiss artist Sylvie Fleury, who was a critical figure in the development of feminist art.
Director Justine Hauer notes that while Art Basel may offer more connections, Art Genève provides an opportunity to meet new collectors and curators. "It's why we participate," she says. "We get to know our clients in a different way here."
! IT'S NOT AS CROWDED AS ART BASEL, BUT THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT SO NICE 
. I LIKE HOW GALLERY OWNERS GET TO HAVE MORE QUALITY TIME WITH COLLECTORS AND DEALERS. IT FEELS LIKE A REAL SOCIAL EVENT WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT ART 
. THE FRANCOPHONE SWISS GALLERIES SEEM TO THRIVE HERE TOO, AND IT'S COOL THAT THEY GET TO CONNECT WITH THEIR LOCAL CLIENTS IN A MORE RELAXED Setting 
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. But I guess some people like it better 'cause it's more chill and intimate. Like my aunt used to say, "less is more", you know? And the fact that it's smaller means you can actually talk to people and not just stand around like a statue at Basel. Templon's booth was pretty busy, though - I hope they got some good deals out of it 
. But hey, Art Genève's got its own vibe going on, I'll give 'em that 
I mean, what's not to like about a chill art fair? No drama, no hype... just people talking shop and enjoying some art 
. But let's be real... Art Genève can't compete with Basel in terms of A-list attendance 
. Still, I'm glad to see some lesser-known galleries getting a chance to shine 
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. They're just a bunch of rich people showing off their money and status, am I right? But, on a more serious note, Art Genève is actually kind of refreshing. It's like the cool cousin to Art Basel - all low-key and intimate, you know? 
. On the other hand, I do love the vibe of Templon's booth - they're killing it with those Kehinde Wiley paintings 
. And Lovay Fine Arts is doing great too, bringing in some awesome Swiss artists alongside internationals. Maybe Art Genève isn't the biggest deal, but it's definitely growing on me 
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meanwhile, Basel is all about the big names and high prices...art genève is more about the art itself. 
. The intimate setting allows for meaningful conversations between artists, collectors, and dealers, which can lead to more substantial connections being made 
. It's refreshing to see a more relaxed atmosphere, free from the frenetic pace that often accompanies bigger fairs 
. The fair has indeed attracted some notable sales, including works by prominent artists, and it's clear that galleries and collectors are starting to take notice 
. Overall, Art Genève is carving out its own niche in the art world and becoming a hub for quality over quantity 
and just have meaningful conversations with collectors. I mean, who needs that fast-paced energy when you can have quality time with your existing clients? 
It's like they're saying, "Hey, we care about you too, not just about making a sale." And the fact that it attracts some major sales 
Lovay Fine Arts' booth was a highlight for me – I'm all about discovering new artists like John M Armleder and Ligia Dias. It's so great to see Swiss galleries pushing their own talent alongside international artists. Can't wait to see what other gems Art Genève has in store for us this year! 
I mean don't get me wrong I love that people are making bank off their masterpieces but seriously who needs all those galleries and collectors rushing around like headless chickens?! Art Genève is literally the breath of fresh air we need. It's low-key, it's intimate, and you can actually have a conversation with someone without having to yell over the sound of champagne glasses shattering 
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