Artfully celebrated

The opening of ART in Basel is a special kind of event. Where else do you have the opportunity to get a sense of the latest trends in the art scene?.

The opening of the ART in Basel is a special kind of happening. Where else can you get an idea of the latest trends in the art scene, and where else, for example, can you look at a Magritte, costing around 1.5 million Swiss francs, from five centimeters away - without a glass wall in between? Probably the most renowned art fair in the world, its diversity more or less completely covers the period from classical modernism to the present day. One of the current shooting stars of the Swiss art scene, the Italian Gianni Motti, who lives in Geneva, has already caused a sensation in the run-up to the fair. The artist, who is represented by Zurich-based Nicola von Senger of Galerie Ars Futura, fabricated a soap for the fair made from Silvio Berlusconi's suctioned body fat. The object is considered the sensation of this year's event.The guests of Bilanz and Weltwoche can each be guided through the exhibition by a competent guide. Christoph Vitali, doyen of the Swiss art scene, Gerald Matt, director
of the Kunsthalle Wien, Beuys pupil John Armleder, probably one of the most renowned Swiss artists, the young talents Claudia and Julia Müller or Guido Magnaguagno, director of the Jean Tinguely Museum Basel, are the names of the recognized specialists. Even after the guided tours, the Apéro riche at the Swissôtel is a great place to continue discussions with the art experts. It turns out that many an advertiser is also familiar with the subject matter on display.
Jubilation, hustle and bustle and merriment were the order of the day at Publisuisse. What once started as a joint stock company for advertising television celebrated its fortieth birthday this year. This was a good reason to break out the big, big, big one, and of course the people in charge didn't miss the opportunity.
The event was staged by Rufener Events, and Aroma Productions was responsible for the breathtaking decorations. Our favorite catering artist, Gianni Segantini, also provided an unforgettable experience. The pupil of noble caterer Gamma outdid himself this year. Five starters - the favorite was the asparagus pannacotta with truffle oil, four main courses - the lemon balm ravioli were ravishing, and five desserts - the strawberry mango mousse to melt away - were continuously served in bite-sized portions and consumed by the guests with great pleasure. The bar was no exception, offering a variety of very nasty drinks - the kind you only feel after the fifth one, but then all five glasses together.
And yet - as usual at the end of such a great party, a few remained who just hadn't had enough yet, let alone wanted to go home. For these, a very high-ranking member of the Publisuisse management sacrificed himself and escorted the incorrigible night owls (reluctantly, of course) to an extended nightcap session at the Mascotte. Which then dragged on accordingly until the last one had finally and really had enough.
Chapeau pour cette fête, chers amis de la Publisuisse - and congratulations again on your birthday!
Beat Fritsch traveled to Basel last week at the invitation of Weltwoche and Bilanz. More precisely, to the pre-vision before the official exhibition opening of the 36th edition of the renowned art fair ART. He was joined by around fifty other advertisers and clients interested in art.
The big party, however, was hosted by Publisuisse for its 40th anniversary. The guest list included almost 800 names, and almost all of them came. The chosen location, the shipyard, promised outdoor fun. The aperitif was taken on the secluded shore of Lake Zurich before the ultra-fine catering was served. A super event,
all the guests agreed at the end.
Eloquent silence: The Publisuisse pantomimes.
The two inviting publishing directors Sandra Geiger (l.) and Maike Juchler with Jörg Becher (l.) and Michi Hermann.
Andreas Sarasin, Bank Sarasin & Cie. AG, with Marcel Fankhauser and Victor Zahn of Zahn Zimmermann Fankhauser (from left).
Guided competently through the exhibition: The artists Claudia (l.) and Julia Müller (r.) with Anne Keller and Hans Tanner.
Eagerly discussing: Hans-Joachim Timm with Wolfgang Wünsche, Beiersdorf, accompanied by his junior of the same name.
Not only excellent wine connoisseurs, but also art connoisseurs: Heidi and Ernst Wirz with Francis Sulzer, Sulzer Sutter (from left).
For once, art instead of advertising was the focus of Tom Harbeke, Giovanni Pucci and Max Weber (from left).
Guests of honor: Federal Councilor Moritz Leuenberger and former Publisuisse CEO and current TV Director Ingrid Deltenre.
Congratulator Anna Maier with Publisuisse Marketing Manager Markus Hollenstein (l.) and CEO Martin Schneider.
Affichage CEO Christian Kauter (l.) and
Armin "Porsche" Walpen, top authority at SRG idée suisse.
Welcomed guests: Silvano Spezia, Lang Gysi Knoll, SWA Managing Director Jürg Siegrist and advertising doyen Jost Wirz (from left).
They had a good laugh: Ronny Schmid, Konnex, Beat Obermayr, Publicis, consultant Peter Urs Naef and Peter Döbeli, Konnex (from left).
Enjoying the aperitif on the lakeshore: Beatrice Kniel (l.), Publisuisse, Roland Ehrler, Swisscom, and Corinna Schneider, Optimedia.
Gabi Zimmerli (l.) and Christian Ruppanner of Grendene Ogilvy & Mather with Condor producer Michèle Seligmann.
Jürg Streun, Christa Holenstein and Reiner Roduner (from left) were infected by the good mood at the Publisuisse party.
The Publisuisse party was also the number one topic for Saverio Progano, Daniela Andric and Frank Bodin (from left).
Ladies Night with Rosanna Miele, 3M, Monica Jäggi, Konnex, and Peugeot advertising manager Maya Hitz (from left).
Welcome back to the media industry Laurence Saas - with Martin Vogel, who will soon be moving to Swiss Casinos.
Martin K. Parsons (l.) and Sunny Parsons-Moon of Hyundai with "All in, Hyundai" creator Fredy Weissert.
Already dreaming a bit of Cannes: Bene Abegglen with the new Contexta business partner Nadine Borter.
Christoph Bauer, NZZ, advertisers Markus Gut and Andy Häuptli, and BSW Managing Director Walter Merz (from left).
Media specialist Julien Witt (l.) and Erich Baumgartner from Lowe made themselves comfortable at one of the decoration boxes.

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