Art Basel Basel 2025 Showcases Text-Driven Works and Immersive Installations Amid Market Pressures

The 2025 edition of Art Basel in Basel commenced on June 16 and will continue until June 22, showcasing an art market that, while facing difficulties, is holding firm against recession. Curated by Giovanni Carmine, the Unlimited sector includes text-driven pieces that tackle modern themes, such as Marinella Senatore's 'We Rise by Lifting Others' and Walid Raad's 'Sweet Talk: Commissions (Beirut)_ Solidere, 1994–1997 (2019)'. Political commentary is presented in Atelier Van Lieshout's 'The Voyage – A March to Utopia', while Ayan Farah's 'Desert Seeds (2025)' incorporates Somali clay. Danh Vo's 'In God We Trust (2025)' features a deteriorating American flag. The Parcours sector, overseen by Stefanie Hessler, presents over 20 projects, including contributions from Fiona Banner and Mohammad Alfaraj, alongside galleries showcasing artists like Martin Margiela and Mona Hatoum. Vincenzo de Bellis emphasizes that art fairs provide an immediacy that complements the depth of biennials.