Kenny Schachter Reports on Art Basel, Joe Hage's Takeover of David Hockney Estate

Kenny Schachter's column covers Art Basel in Switzerland, where he observed a subdued atmosphere with dealers like Larry Gagosian and Gavin Brown expressing disinterest. He notes the fair's hierarchical layout and competition with Paris. Schachter highlights artworks by Joe Mama-Nitzberg, Jannis Kounellis, Jean-Luc Moulène, and Miriam Cahn, while criticizing Avery Singer's paintings at Hauser & Wirth. He reports on the digital sector Zero10, where Kanye West and Bianca Censori appeared. Schachter reveals that Joe Hage, through his law firm and HENI Project Space, has taken over the estate of David Hockney, adding to his portfolio of artists including Damien Hirst, Peter Doig, and Francis Bacon. Hage also sponsors exhibitions like Barbara Hepworth at the Courtauld Gallery. Schachter discusses Hage's background, his philosophy from Steve Jobs, and his legal clients, including Viktor Yanukovych and Isabel dos Santos. The column ends with Schachter's reflections on unsolicited career advice and a ChatGPT-generated 'Kenny Formula' for contacting him.