Baghramian and Mahama Unveil Art Basel 2026 Commissions
Art Basel has revealed that Nairy Baghramian and Ibrahim Mahama will create site-specific sculptures for its flagship fair in Basel, Switzerland, scheduled for June 2026. Both artists are included in the inaugural class of Gold Awardees, with their commissions announced in February 2026. Nairy Baghramian, an Iranian-born German sculptor, will showcase 'Modèle vivant (S’empilant)' (2026) at Messeplatz, featuring four large lavender biomorphic forms on geometric steel supports around the fountain's waterfalls, along with a tiled bench-like pedestal and photographic imprints of flies. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Mahama, a Ghanaian installation artist, will present 'The God of Small Things' (2026) at Münsterplatz, consisting of multiple suspended sculptural elements that create an immersive environment. These projects represent a significant public art initiative for the fair.
Key facts
- Art Basel announced site-specific sculptures by Nairy Baghramian and Ibrahim Mahama for the 2026 fair in Basel.
- Both artists are part of Art Basel's inaugural Gold Awardees class.
- The commissions were announced in February 2026.
- Baghramian's work 'Modèle vivant (S’empilant)' (2026) will be installed on the Messeplatz.
- The installation features four lavender biomorphic forms on steel supports around the fountain.
- A bench-like pedestal is covered in tiles and surrounded by photographic imprints of flies.
- Mahama's 'The God of Small Things' (2026) will be on the Münsterplatz.
- The piece consists of multiple suspended sculptural elements creating an immersive environment.
Entities
Artists
- Nairy Baghramian
- Ibrahim Mahama
Institutions
- Art Basel
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Messeplatz
- Münsterplatz
Sources
- Artsy —