Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 overview

Last year’s first edition of the international contemporary art fair Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 - previously known as FIAC - was incredibly successful. This even took place last month in the Grand Palais. Artalistic brings you a brief overview of the highlights from this year’s fair. Illustration: Patrick Tourneboeuf©.

Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 was a big success

This year the contemporary art fair was held from October 20 to 22. Paris+ by Art Basel was launched in 2022 to replace another famous art fair called FIAC. This event quickly made it to the top of contemporary art fan’s lists of must-see shows with its carefully curated selection of fine art.

Impressive attendance

Almost 160 galleries from 33 countries were represented at Paris’ Palais Éphémère. The schedule included several free exhibitions and art installation pieces. These free features definitely brought this event extra success.

The fair was divided into three sections: Main Galleries, Emerging Galleries and Outside galleries. These galleries displayed exceptional quality contemporary art featuring an array of media, including: paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs, videos and digital art.

Highlights

The event showcased a wide variety of masterpieces by emerging artists from the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Of course, it's impossible for us to list all of our favorite artists, however we would like to highlight a few:

- The French painter Jean Hélion’s work entitled Applicat-Prazan

- Outsider artists Paulina Peavy and Karla Knight

- The Middle Eastern and North African artists from Selma Feriani Gallery

- The indigenous Brazilian artist Denilson Baniwa and Afro-Brazilian painter Arjan Martins

There was also a very interesting selection of panel discussions organized in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou.

2023 Paris+ by Art Basel and its panoply of Parisian events

The galleries showcasing emerging artists were a great success, as were the events organized outside of the Grand Palais, which attracted large crowds. A wide range of projects were on display throughout Paris. These other exhibitions greatly added to Paris+ by Art Basel’s overall success.

Jardin des Tuileries

Approximately twenty international artists had their work on public display In the Jardin des Tuileries. Visitors enjoyed strolling through the garden, taking in work by some of the best-known contemporary artists. Dubbed La Cinquième Saison, this open-air event was one of Paris+ by Art Basel 2023’s major highlights.

Place Vendôme

The Place Vendôme featured a spectacular installation by Urs Fischer entitled Wave. This world-renowned artist was selected to feature a monumental piece made of clay that was covered with a material that reflected light, adding an interesting play of textures. His technical expertise and artistic approach astounded countless visitors.

Institut de France

Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 also featured open-air exhibitions across from the Pont des Arts in front of the Institut de France. This space featured work by an American artist Sheila Hicks who is renowned for her work with textiles and her colorful universe. The colors of this massive installation changed with the shifting light throughout the day.

Chapelle des Petits-Augustins

The painter Jessica Warboys presented several pieces at the Chapelle des Petits-Augustins. These pieces were prime examples of her distinctive collage technique. The exhibition featured floating paintings created using natural materials such as beeswax, sand and minerals. This presentation was coupled with an audiovisual installation showing the link between man and nature by allowing visitors to explore her reproduction of a 17th-century convent or a gilded library. This piece was mystical and absolutely stunning.

Palais d’Iéna: Paris+ by Art Basel’s top location in 2023

This edition of Paris+ by Art Basel 2023 also featured a collaborative piece by the French artist Daniel Buren and the Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto. Their installation showcased the Palais d'Iéna’s architecture by playing with light, perspective and symmetry. The result was truly breathtaking and certainly one of the event’s highlights.