Cosmopolitan art

By Beat FritschÀ la bâloise" started the shortlist week with a visit to the world's most internationally renowned art fair, Art in Basel. We got down to business with Bilanz and Weltwoche. The preview of the art exhibition in the exhibition halls on the banks of the Rhine was also attended by some Zurich advertising dignitaries - not least in order to buy the expensive and increasingly valuable culture from under the noses of the profane public at the special event. The "day before" enjoys cult status - and not without good reason. Unfortunately, almost too much! The question must be allowed as to whether more wealthy people are expected on Tuesday (unofficial opening) or Wednesday (official opening)? Especially as the really rich insiders go shopping on Monday anyway! And on Tuesdays, the invited dignitaries follow, who were hit harder than all the artists and other visitors represented last year. This was just as obvious to the pilgrimage of lawyers as it was to the plastic surgeons, would-be art collectors, wine merchants, restaurateurs and advertisers. Their numbers were again legion and therefore greater than ever. The long faces caused by the price tags on the outlets were not just the result of looking at Munchs and Picassos. The prices to be paid, even for contemporary artists, obviously exceeded the budgets of any bargain hunters.
However, this did not stop the guests of the Jean Frey publishing house from asking the shrewd art guides and speakers for trouvailles. Andy Illien, for example, then led his group to the outlet of the Galerie de France, where he had a Chinese artist named Chong shown and offered him a great deal. Price per painting now - 3500 francs, estimated price in ten years: at least three times as much. But none of these art flight participants - including Peter Kettiger, Theophil Butz, Marion Wagner, Hans Tanner and Victor Zahn - were in a buying mood.
Last week, those responsible for Hochparterre magazine presented themselves in a new way - forgive the play on words. The redesign was celebrated with the finest grilled sausages, various meat fillings and plenty of wine. No stranger was behind the bar: We saw and mentioned Marco Valpiani last year in film and commercial production. He now runs the business of Spezerei Buonvicini & Söhne, a supplier of all kinds of fermented grape juices of Italian provenance and tasty treats. Also present: Pia Schleiss, Head of Studies at the HGK University of Art and Design in Lucerne. We had a great chat with her about upstream product and industrial design. After all, this discipline provides the shiny foils, the supple fabrics, the sparkling raw materials - from which designers produce their award-winning work.
There was also a birthday to celebrate last week. The Forecast Bar on Limmatquai turned three years old and has outgrown its diapers. What a birthday! Which attracted Andi Hess from Forecast, various exponents of the Rufener event agency and many other scenesters to celebrate. The location was full. And so were the attendees!
Beat Fritsch

acted as a "raider of the lost art" last week. In Basel, of course. After all, Art is the largest art fair in the world, attracting not only all the galleries of distinction but also an equally large audience. Thanks to Bilanz and Weltwoche, we didn't even have to do without expert explanations. A well-known gallery owner (Andy Illien), recognized curators (Christoph Doswald, Guido Magnaguagno, Gerald Matt, Christoph Vitali) and a highly esteemed artist (John Armleder) explained the exhibits to the guests on a guided tour.
Anyone in the communications scene who holds exhibitions, launches, relaunches or birthdays can be found at a wide variety of industry events. Do you already have something exciting to report? Pick up the phone (01 296 97 98) or hit the keyboard ([email protected]). For event tips and further shortlist images: www.werbewoche.ch