Nairy Baghramian Installs 'Modèle Vivant (S’empilant)' at Art Basel's Messeplatz
At Basel's Messeplatz, Nairy Baghramian's sculptural piece 'Modèle Vivant (S’empilant)' (2026) has been unveiled for Art Basel, offering a pause in the fast-paced atmosphere of the fair. This artwork incorporates the Messeplatz fountain, showcasing stainless steel supports that hold lavender and pastel-hued cast aluminum shapes. This installation comes after Baghramian received the Gold Medal at the first Art Basel Awards in 2025. It interacts with Heimo Zobernig's 'MESSE BASEL' inscription, enhancing the environment rather than detracting from it. Part of her 'Modèle Vivant' series, initiated in 2022, the piece explores themes of fragmented bodies and was created in partnership with metal workshop siblings Arne and Steve Clemens. It will be on display until June 21.
Key facts
- Nairy Baghramian installed 'Modèle Vivant (S’empilant)' (2026) at Basel's Messeplatz for Art Basel.
- The work features stainless steel structures supporting lavender and pastel-colored cast aluminum forms on the Messeplatz fountain.
- Baghramian won the Gold Medal at the inaugural Art Basel Awards in 2025.
- The artist's practice spans 25 years, exploring gesture, feeling, and bodily responses to space.
- Heimo Zobernig's permanent intervention 'MESSE BASEL' inscription is part of the site.
- The work belongs to the 'Modèle Vivant' series, started in 2022.
- Baghramian collaborates with metal workshop brothers Arne and Steve Clemens.
- The installation is on view until June 21.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Art Basel Awards
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Messeplatz