Art Basel Diary: Kanye West, Bianca Censori, and Vanessa Beecroft Stir Controversy

Kanye West (Ye) visited Art Basel's Unlimited section to see his wife Bianca Censori, who stars in Vanessa Beecroft's film 'Untitled, Izanami, 2025' shot in a semi-abandoned hotel near Tokyo, based on the Persephone myth. Censori also attracted attention for her revealing outfit at the conservative Swiss fair. Meanwhile, Massimiliano Gioni, artistic director of the New Museum, distributed his new book on the Venice Biennale at a dinner for the Art Basel Awards, where nominees include Barbara Kruger and Farah Al Qasimi (winners announced in December). Miami-based filmmaker Elsa Marie Keefe performed a nude photoshoot in a Basel fountain, showing works at Volta with baselFLO platform alongside Swiss artist Chantal Convertini. Gallerists and staff, including Sprüth Magers senior director Andreas Gegner, have been swimming in the Rhine. A dog named Tina, belonging to an Art Basel team member, roamed Unlimited and recoiled from Ryan Gander's mouse-in-the-wall installation.