Maureen Paley Reflects on LISTE's Founding and Legacy for Emerging Galleries

In 1984, Maureen Paley established a gallery in London and was later invited in 1995 by curator Peter Bläuer, along with Zürich gallerists Eva Presenhuber and Peter Kilchmann, to become a member of LISTE's founding committee, which was responsible for organizing the inaugural fair in Basel. Launched in 1996, LISTE served as an alternative to Art Basel, providing a more relaxed environment for younger galleries within the Warteck building. The fair, which received early backing from E. Gutzwiller & Cie, Banquiers—a Basel-based private bank founded in 1886—sought to emulate a 'self-publishing' book fair rather than compete with existing models. Paley, who represents artists like Wolfgang Tillmans and Gillian Wearing, believes LISTE offers an ideal introduction to Basel, fostering a personal and non-commercial atmosphere for art. She insists that smaller fairs should be valued for their unique settings rather than viewed merely as stepping-stones. The fair has preserved its independent spirit, with Bläuer upholding its foundational values. Paley continues to attend each year, enjoying the venue's inviting yet stimulating vibe. This interview was exclusively published online on 17 May 2018.