Selection Artfair || A Parallel Event to Art Basel

 

For a number of years this was the official website for the Selection Artfair, a parallel event to Art Basel.
The Selection Artfair was the smallest of the well recognized side fairs during the Art Basel week. In their relaxed atmosphere, guests are encouraged to stay longer, to learn more and to have more intensive exchange with the exhibitors. Content is from the site's 2016 -2017 pages.
It appears that after the 2017 , the Selection Artfair show ceased in conjunction with Art Basel.

 

Selection Artfair History

13 Jun 2005
10 years selection artfair
Founded in 2007 in Moscow as a response to the escalating art market, the art fair has remained true to its policy since today: less is more. Since 2009 held as a parallel event to Art Basel, the event has established itself over the years as an integral part of the Art Basel week. Only a five minutes’ walk or 350m away from the Art Basel fairground the art lover is able to enjoy in a personal atmosphere on an exhibition space of more than 300 qm selected art at its highest level. For this anniversary year, Selection Artfair pursued in contrast at the other fairs a depth presentation of ten artistic positions with museum level, in contrary of a wide variety of presentations and only a few works per artist at the other fairs. The focus put on figurative art with partly large-format works will additionally create a unique atmosphere. We as the organizers want not only show good art, but as well we would like to be mediators and networkers, bring people together, create platforms and encourage cooperation. Additional we show in the exhibition area "featured artists" individual works by artists they accompany our activity partly for years. We invite you to be a part of our liaison between family atmosphere and unique art.

20 Jun 2015
Chinese Ambassador visiting
The Ambassador Xu Jinghu and Gau Yuchen visited accompanied by an entourage of the Chinese Embassy, the Selection artfair. The Chinese Ambassador, as the highest-ranking representatives of the People's Republic of China and one of the most influential figures in the diplomatic arena. They were delighted by the impressive exhibition of over 70 works by the artist Qin Feng. The Museum of contemporary art Bejing shows in collaboration with Art St. Urban an extensive retrospective of the internationally renowned artist Qin Feng, whose large-format works  are traded until prices of sfr. 500,000.00.

13 Jun 2015
Selection Artfair with a new concept
As distinguished from the previous years we make it in staggered intervals less exhibitors possible, to use more space. In absence of the usual mass events with the show of less artworks by each artist, we reach our goal of a museums quality presentation with a solo show. With the focus on China and the featured artist Qin Feng we have realized this concept. We cordially invite you to take part of our liaison between the private ambiance and unique artworks and wish you an inspiring visit.

 


selection artfair 15th – 19th June 2016

Located in the international art scene and still not lose the overview, is this possible? Just five minutes walk or 350m from the hustle and bustle fair, Art Basel, on the road to “Liste”, you can enjoy an intimate atmosphere with 300 square meters of selected works on a high level. The selection artfair is the smallest of the well recognized side fairs during the Art Basel week and takes place the tenth time from 15th to 19th of June 2016. In this relaxed atmosphere, we recommend our guests to stay longer, to learn more and to have more intensive exchange with the exhibitors.


Basel Art Center
Riehentorstrasse 31
4058 Basel
Switzerland

 

With the establishment of the Basel Art Center in Kleinbasel, a new contemporary art institution came to the emerging art district between the Rhine and exhibition gives it extra boost. The exhibition concept of the Basel Art Center is located in the spectrum of art gallery and art space also permits exhibitions with museum character. From painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, video art, performance will be represented in the exhibitions almost the whole range of fine art to interactive art and design. The Basel Art Center collaborates with other institutions, can be rented by organizers, galleries and institutions and serves companies in the field of art as a headquarters. In addition, it is planned to cooperate with national and international institutions to build a network for exhibitions and education to stimulate the discourse about art.

 

 

Artists | Galleries 2016

Annetta Grisard (Switzerland)
Blind Tracks - B-Boy "La Furia" (Switzerland)
Matthias Köster (Germany)
Andreas Silbermann (Germany)
Nikolai Makarov (Russia)
Kirill Kipyatkov (Russia)
Aditya Pande (India)
Raouf Rifai (Lebanon)
Xing-Lai Yang (China)
Yun Lee (Seoul)

 

 

 


Advantages in participating selection artfair 2016

Our lean organisation allows booth prices with excellent value for money. After the successful artfairs in Moscow 2007 and 2008 and since 2009 in Basel, selection will enhance the profitability of their participants with another edition in Moscow end of the year. The ultimate place to be, where galleries want to go right now, is Basel. Only a maximum of ten handpicked leading galleries can profit from the strategically ideal located Basel Art Center. The location is only 350 meters from the Art Basel or five minutes walk away. The Basel based organiser can profit from a long-term experience in organising events in the region and an own PR and advertisement department. In cooperation with Monro Fine Logistics all shipping and custom services are provided for the exhibitors. Custom clearing is for participants for free. A multilingual sales team is permanent on site.

The last selection Basel was appreciated for the variety of exhibitors, the quality of the exhibits and the concentrated performance by relevant collectors, art lovers and experts. In cooperation with an international expert team selection plays a role for sophisticated international art clientele as the perfect platform for information and intermediation of art. 

Eight points why it’s the right decision to join selection artfair: 
 

  1. selection artfair is a great opportunity to gain access and to remain present in the global art market
  2. A participation is possible for an affordable prize and a good value for money
  3. selection artfair takes place in a very preferred location – the Basel Art Center – only 350m from Art Basel
  4. The organiser is the welknown  Art Center Basel with an excellent knowledge about the local conditions.
  5. A professional PR and advertisement company launch a striking publicity campaign which will reach more 10000 art lovers
  6. selection artfair allocate a multilingual sales and mantling team
  7. selection offers a personal and unrivalled atmosphere
  8. selection takes care in collaboration with Monro Fine Logistics about all shipping and custom questions. Custom clearing is free for participants as well as a free shipping to the booth from the border. A unique treasury service store and deliver artworks after the fair

•Dates & opening hours
June 15th - June 19th 2016
selection artfair takes place during Art Basel week.



•Opening Schedule

Vernissage Preview   Evening | June 12 | 5pm – 10pm   By invitation only 
RSVP to info@selection-art.com

•Fair Hours 

Tuesday   June 13   12 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday   June 14   12 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday   June 15   12 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday   June 16   12 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday   June 17   12 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday   June 18   12 a.m. – 7 p.m.

•Admission

Free for VIP cardholders
Tuesday – Sunday, CHF 10.-

•Exhibitors

International galleries will present selected artworks.

•Exhibition Space

300sqm

•Location

BASEL ART CENTER
Riehentorstrasse 31 / Corner Claragraben
4058 Basel, Switzerland

The selection artfair takes place in a very preferred location, the BASEL ART CENTER. The independent and well equipped exhibition hall is only five minutes walk from Art Basel and Liste. Basel Art Center guarantees selection the same venue since ten years. During the 47th Art Basel, the fair and its counterparts will attract more than 100’000 visitors from all over the world.

 

 

 

 

selection artfair 13th – 18th June 2017

Located in the international art scene and still not lose the overview, is this possible? Just five minutes walk or 350m from the hustle and bustle fair, Art Basel, on the road to “Liste”, you can enjoy an intimate atmosphere with 300 square meters of selected works on a high level. The selection artfair is the smallest of the well recognized side fairs during the Art Basel week and takes place the eleventh time from 13th to 18th of June 2017. In this relaxed atmosphere, we recommend our guests to stay longer, to learn more and to have more intensive exchange with the exhibitors.

 

 

More Background on Selection-Art.com and the Selection Artfair

Selection-Art.com was the digital home of the Selection Artfair, a distinctive art event that operated as a parallel fair to Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland. Though the website is no longer active in its original form and the fair itself has ceased operations, its legacy as a unique fixture in the international art scene remains noteworthy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Selection-Art.com and the Selection Artfair, examining its ownership, history, location, audience, critical reception, and cultural significance.

Ownership and Organization

Selection Artfair was initiated and managed by a team of art professionals with deep roots in the European and international art market. The fair was organized by the Basel Art Center, a contemporary art institution located in Kleinbasel, Switzerland. The Basel Art Center is known for its dual function as both a gallery and an art space, offering exhibitions with a museum-like character and collaborating with national and international partners to foster art education and discourse.

The fair’s management leveraged the Center’s experience in event organization, public relations, and logistics, ensuring a streamlined and professional experience for both exhibitors and visitors. The Basel Art Center’s involvement provided Selection Artfair with credibility and strong local connections, distinguishing it from other pop-up or temporary art events in the region.

History and Evolution

Selection Artfair was founded in Moscow in 2007 as a response to the rapidly escalating art market. The fair’s guiding philosophy was “less is more”—favoring depth and quality of presentation over sheer volume. In 2009, Selection Artfair relocated to Basel, Switzerland, aligning itself as a parallel event to the globally renowned Art Basel fair.

For nearly a decade, Selection Artfair operated annually during Art Basel week, typically in June. Its proximity to the main Art Basel venue (just a five-minute walk or 350 meters away) made it easily accessible to the international art crowd already gathered in Basel for the main event. The fair quickly established itself as the smallest but one of the most respected side fairs during Art Basel week, known for its intimate atmosphere and carefully curated exhibitions.

Over the years, Selection Artfair maintained a focus on figurative art and often featured large-format works, creating a unique ambiance distinct from the bustling, sometimes overwhelming main fair. The fair’s approach emphasized intensive engagement between visitors and exhibitors, encouraging guests to linger, learn, and exchange ideas.

Location and Proximity

Selection Artfair was held at the Basel Art Center, located at Riehentorstrasse 31, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. This venue is situated in Kleinbasel, an emerging art district between the Rhine River and Basel’s exhibition grounds. The location was a strategic choice, offering both accessibility and a degree of separation from the hectic pace of Art Basel itself.

The Basel Art Center’s modern, flexible exhibition space covered approximately 300 square meters, allowing for a focused and high-quality presentation of artworks. Its proximity to other major art events, such as Liste and the main Art Basel fair, enabled Selection Artfair to attract a sophisticated and international audience without competing directly for attention.

Goals and Mission

Selection Artfair’s mission was to provide a platform for meaningful artistic exchange and to showcase high-caliber contemporary art in a personal, relaxed setting. Unlike larger fairs that prioritize quantity, Selection Artfair limited its roster to a maximum of ten handpicked leading galleries. This selective approach ensured that each artist and gallery received ample space and attention, and that visitors could engage deeply with the works on display.

The fair also aimed to act as a mediator and networker within the art world, bringing together artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers to foster cooperation and dialogue. By focusing on quality over quantity, Selection Artfair sought to create an environment where art could be appreciated in depth and where lasting connections could be made.

Exhibitors, Artists, and Menus

Selection Artfair was known for its international roster of exhibitors and artists, featuring participants from Switzerland, Germany, Russia, India, Lebanon, China, and South Korea, among others. Notable artists who exhibited at the fair included:

  • Annetta Grisard (Switzerland)

  • Matthias Köster (Germany)

  • Nikolai Makarov (Russia)

  • Aditya Pande (India)

  • Raouf Rifai (Lebanon)

  • Xing-Lai Yang (China)

  • Yun Lee (South Korea)

Each edition of the fair often had a thematic focus or a featured artist. For example, one year highlighted Chinese contemporary art, with a special exhibition of works by internationally acclaimed artist Qin Feng. Such curatorial decisions set Selection Artfair apart from other side fairs, which tended to offer broader but less focused presentations.

While the fair did not have a traditional “menu” in the sense of food and beverage offerings, its “menu” of artistic experiences was carefully curated, with each gallery and artist selected for their contribution to the overall vision of the event.

Audience and Popularity

Selection Artfair attracted a discerning, international audience comprising collectors, curators, art professionals, and enthusiasts. Its intimate scale and focus on quality made it especially appealing to visitors seeking a respite from the crowds and commercialism of larger fairs.

During Art Basel week, Basel becomes a global hub for the art world, with over 100,000 visitors attending the main fair and its satellite events. While Selection Artfair was smaller in scale, its location and reputation ensured a steady flow of high-caliber visitors. The fair’s relaxed atmosphere encouraged guests to stay longer, engage in meaningful conversations, and establish lasting connections with exhibitors and artists.

Critical Reception, Reviews, and Awards

Selection Artfair was widely appreciated by participants and visitors for its unique approach and high standards. Exhibitors praised the fair’s organization, the quality of its visitors, and the value for money offered by its booth prices. The fair’s emphasis on personal interaction and museum-quality presentations received positive feedback from collectors and critics alike.

While there is no record of major international awards specifically bestowed upon Selection Artfair, its reputation as the most respected of the Art Basel side fairs speaks to its critical success. The event was frequently mentioned in art world publications and was recognized for its role in enriching the cultural landscape of Basel during Art Basel week.

Press and Media Coverage

Selection Artfair received coverage in a variety of art-focused media outlets, both in Switzerland and internationally. The fair’s innovative approach and its collaborations with prominent galleries and artists made it a subject of interest for journalists covering the annual Art Basel festivities.

Media reports often highlighted the fair’s intimate atmosphere, high-quality exhibitions, and the opportunities it provided for in-depth engagement with art and artists. The presence of notable figures, such as the Chinese Ambassador and other dignitaries, further underscored the fair’s significance within the global art community.

Cultural and Social Significance

Selection Artfair played a vital role in the ecosystem of Art Basel week, offering an alternative to the commercial intensity of the main fair. By prioritizing depth, quality, and personal interaction, the fair contributed to the broader discourse on how art should be experienced and appreciated.

The fair’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among artists, galleries, and collectors helped to build a sense of community within the art world. Its focus on international collaboration and cultural exchange reflected the increasingly global nature of contemporary art.

Moreover, Selection Artfair’s presence in Kleinbasel contributed to the cultural development of the district, helping to establish it as an important center for contemporary art in Basel.

Notable Moments and Examples

One of the fair’s most memorable editions featured an extensive retrospective of Qin Feng, a leading figure in Chinese contemporary art. The exhibition included over 70 works, some of which were valued at up to 500,000 Swiss francs. This high-profile event attracted attention from collectors, critics, and the media, and underscored Selection Artfair’s ability to present museum-quality exhibitions in an intimate setting.

Another example of the fair’s innovative approach was its decision to limit the number of exhibitors and allocate more space to each, allowing for solo presentations and deeper engagement with individual artistic practices. This contrasted sharply with the crowded, sometimes overwhelming layouts of larger fairs.

Details, Insights, and Specifics

  • Venue: Basel Art Center, Riehentorstrasse 31, 4058 Basel, Switzerland

  • Exhibition Space: Approximately 300 square meters

  • Duration: Typically held over five to six days during Art Basel week in June

  • Admission: Free for VIP cardholders; general admission typically CHF 10

  • Exhibitors: Up to ten leading galleries per edition, selected for their quality and relevance

  • Logistics: The fair offered comprehensive support for exhibitors, including shipping, customs clearance, and on-site sales assistance

  • Atmosphere: Relaxed, personal, and conducive to meaningful exchange

Legacy

Although Selection Artfair ceased operations after 2017, its impact on the Basel art scene and the broader art world endures. The fair set a standard for how side events can complement major art fairs by offering depth, intimacy, and a focus on quality. Its legacy is reflected in the continued interest in curated, boutique art events that prioritize experience and engagement over scale.

Selection-Art.com, as the digital face of the fair, served as a valuable resource for information, registration, and promotion. While the website is no longer active, its role in supporting the fair’s mission and connecting the art community remains a testament to the power of thoughtful curation and meaningful engagement in the world of contemporary art.


 

Selection-Art.com