Art Geneva has shed its skin as a more intimate market alternative to Basel. By deliberately scaling back the scale of the event, participating galleries have been able to create a setting that prioritizes quality over quantity, fostering meaningful connections between art professionals and collectors.
The fair's organizers have opted for a 'confidential' atmosphere, one that encourages in-depth conversations rather than frenetic networking. As Hauser & Wirth Senior Director Séverine Waelchli noted, this approach has led to "quality of meetings" and enabled galleries to spend more time with collectors.
This new market logic is reflected in the roster of participating galleries, which includes a mix of established names like Templon and Mennour alongside newer players. Templon's Managing Director Anne-Claudie Coric credited Art Geneva for providing a more relaxed environment where collectors could engage with artworks on a smaller scale, allowing her gallery to sell high-end pieces to discerning buyers.
The fair's focus on Switzerland-based galleries has also helped to promote local artists and their work. Lovay Fine Arts, for example, showcased the talents of Swiss artists Pascal Vonlanthen and Ligia Dias, while Karma International presented a group show featuring the works of Sylvie Fleury, who is widely regarded as a key figure in Swiss contemporary art.
While some may argue that Art Geneva's smaller scale limits its appeal compared to the more extensive offerings of Basel, Hauer from Karma International countered that the fair provides a unique opportunity for galleries and collectors to connect on a deeper level. By emphasizing quality over quantity, Art Geneva is carving out a distinct niche in the global art market.
The fair's organizers have opted for a 'confidential' atmosphere, one that encourages in-depth conversations rather than frenetic networking. As Hauser & Wirth Senior Director Séverine Waelchli noted, this approach has led to "quality of meetings" and enabled galleries to spend more time with collectors.
This new market logic is reflected in the roster of participating galleries, which includes a mix of established names like Templon and Mennour alongside newer players. Templon's Managing Director Anne-Claudie Coric credited Art Geneva for providing a more relaxed environment where collectors could engage with artworks on a smaller scale, allowing her gallery to sell high-end pieces to discerning buyers.
The fair's focus on Switzerland-based galleries has also helped to promote local artists and their work. Lovay Fine Arts, for example, showcased the talents of Swiss artists Pascal Vonlanthen and Ligia Dias, while Karma International presented a group show featuring the works of Sylvie Fleury, who is widely regarded as a key figure in Swiss contemporary art.
While some may argue that Art Geneva's smaller scale limits its appeal compared to the more extensive offerings of Basel, Hauer from Karma International countered that the fair provides a unique opportunity for galleries and collectors to connect on a deeper level. By emphasizing quality over quantity, Art Geneva is carving out a distinct niche in the global art market.