Art Unlimited at Art Basel 2018: Oversized Works and a Return to Grandeur
Art Unlimited, the section of Art Basel dedicated to large-scale works, has evolved over the years from an innovative hangar-like space to a more segmented, fair-like environment with drywall partitions. The 2018 edition, while still retaining some inconsistencies, marks a return to a more magniloquent scale. Notable works include Rashid Johnson's plant prison with a young pianist, Robert Longo's enormous bullet sphere, Ibrahim Mahama's wall installation, Daniel Buren's hill of metal stairs, Katherine Bernhardt's expansive painting, and installations by Paul Chan and Lara Favaretto. However, some smaller pieces by James Rosenquist and Richard Long seem out of place. The section aims to allow galleries to present works that cannot fit in standard booths, enhancing the fair's museum-like allure.
Key facts
- Art Unlimited is a section of Art Basel for large-scale artworks.
- The 2018 edition is described as more magniloquent than previous years.
- Notable works include Rashid Johnson's plant prison with a pianist, Robert Longo's bullet sphere, Ibrahim Mahama's wall, Daniel Buren's metal stairs, Katherine Bernhardt's painting, and installations by Paul Chan and Lara Favaretto.
- Some smaller works by James Rosenquist and Richard Long are criticized as out of scale.
- The section originally featured an open hangar but later became segmented with drywall partitions.
- Art Unlimited allows galleries to exhibit works that cannot fit in standard booths.
- The fair is held in Basel, Switzerland.
- The article includes a gallery of images for those not attending.
Entities
Artists
- Rashid Johnson
- Robert Longo
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Daniel Buren
- Katherine Bernhardt
- Paul Chan
- Lara Favaretto
- James Rosenquist
- Richard Long
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Art Unlimited
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland