Art Basel 2026: Bourgeois, Emin, and Political Works Dominate
Art Basel 2026 showcases 290 galleries, along with Art Unlimited, the '0 10' digital initiative, and 21 Art Parcours projects. A new 'Basel Exclusive' program restricts promotional activities before the fair. Highlighted works include three towers by Louise Bourgeois, presented by Karsten Greve, featuring a bronze from 1949-50. Carolina Nitsch displays pieces from the 2009-10 'Do Not Abandon Me' project. Jean-Luc Moulène is featured across seven booths, while Chantel Crousel's Kabinett displays 140 blue glass eyes. Taryn Simon at Almine Rech discusses Trump's executive orders. Asta Gröting critiques digital connections with a stainless steel heart emoji. Ana Mendieta's 1973 photograph depicts an animal heart. Cy Twombly's 1971 'Untitled (Rome)' is valued at £4m, and Bruce Nauman presents taxidermy foxes. Gillian Wearing's 1988 'Literacy' is exclusive to Basel.
Key facts
- Art Basel 2026 has 290 galleries in the main section.
- New 'Basel Exclusive' scheme prevents pre-fair publicity.
- Louise Bourgeois works include three towers from her estate via Karsten Greve.
- Tracey Emin and Louise Bourgeois collaboration 'Do Not Abandon Me' shown at Carolina Nitsch.
- Jean-Luc Moulène appears in seven booths.
- Taryn Simon's project addresses Trump's executive orders, including renaming Department of Defense to Department of War.
- Asta Gröting's stainless steel heart emoji critiques digital relationships.
- Ana Mendieta's 1973 photograph features an animal heart in a colonial church.
- Puppies Puppies' self-portrait has a 360-word title asserting trans identity.
- Cy Twombly's 'Untitled (Rome)' offered for £4m by Ben Brown.
- Bruce Nauman shows three taxidermy foxes with hammers at Marian Goodman.
- Gillian Wearing's 1988 'Literacy' is a previously unseen Basel exclusive at Maureen Paley.
Entities
Artists
- Louise Bourgeois
- Tracey Emin
- Jean-Luc Moulène
- Taryn Simon
- Asta Gröting
- Ana Mendieta
- Puppies Puppies
- Jade Guanaro Kuriki Olivo
- Cy Twombly
- Olaf Nicolai
- Bruce Nauman
- Karol Palczak
- Anri Sala
- Gillian Wearing
- Rebecca Warren
- Paul Carey-Kent
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Karsten Greve
- Carolina Nitsch
- Chantel Crousel
- Almine Rech
- Carlier / Gebauer
- Prats Nogueras Blanchard
- Balice Hertling
- Ben Brown
- Eigen + Art
- Marian Goodman Gallery
- Foksal Gallery Foundation
- Hauser & Wirth
- Maureen Paley
- FAD
- FAD Bazaar
- Tate
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Oaxaca
- Mexico
- Rome
- Italy
- Warsaw
- Poland