Curated by Alessa Widmer

Written by Stella Paes

From June 11th to 16th, 2024, Photo Basel, Switzerland’s premier international art fair dedicated to photography-based art, transformed the Volkshaus Basel into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. Under the expert guidance of Artistic Director Alessa Widmer and Director Sven Eisenhut, the fair's ninth edition was a resounding success, showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary photography. Set in the elegantly renovated Volkshaus Basel, designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the event provided an intimate and authentic setting that perfectly complemented the diverse artworks on display.

**Anton Corbijn, PJ Harvey, 1994**
Galerie Anita Beckers Gallery, Germany

Photo Basel 2024 brought together 41 international galleries from 15 countries, presenting over 450 photographic works by 150 artists. Noteworthy new participants included Anita Beckers from Frankfurt, Doyle Wham from London, and the Smith Davidson Gallery, with locations in Amsterdam, Mexico City, and Miami. By bringing these galleries together with the contributions of previous participants, the fair created a vibrant showcase of styles and perspectives, highlighting their global significance in contemporary photographic art.

**Kurt Wyss and Jean Dubuffet, Eyewitness Kurt Wyss in Dialogue with Jean Dubuffet, 1970-1984)**
Photo Basal, Switzerland

One of the standout features of this year’s fair was the special exhibition "Eyewitness Kurt Wyss in Dialogue with Jean Dubuffet." This exhibition offered a rare glimpse into the collaborative relationship between Basel photographer Kurt Wyss and the French painter and sculptor Jean Dubuffet. From 1970 until Dubuffet died in 1984, this period was marked by major social and political upheavals, influencing artistic expression worldwide. Dubuffet's work, known for its raw and unconventional style, resonated with the avant-garde movements of the time, challenging traditional art forms. In capturing these moments, Wyss' photography documented an artist at work and reflected the broader cultural changes during this period. Wyss's portraits captured the artist in moments of creation and introspection. These photographs' intimate and authentic nature provided viewers with a nuanced understanding of Dubuffet's artistic process and legacy. Wyss’s ability to capture Dubuffet in candid moments of thought and creation highlights his skill in creating intimate and revealing images. The play of light and shadow in these photographs, combined with the careful framing of Dubuffet’s figure, emphasizes the artist’s creative intensity and contemplative nature. This technical mastery allowed Wyss to produce pictures that were not mere representations but evocative art pieces in their own right. The "Eyewitness Kurt Wyss in Dialogue with Jean Dubuffet" exhibition was a standout feature of Photo Basel 2024. The exhibition provided a multifaceted and profound exploration of two significant figures in the art world through its historical context, artistic techniques, emotional resonance, personal dynamics, legacy, curation, and reception.

**Derrick O. Boateng, Hilarity, 2022**
Inside-Out Gallery, Belgium

The fair also pushed the boundaries of traditional photography through its thematic sectors. The "Beyond Photography" sector, which received acclaim in 2023, was relaunched with even greater enthusiasm. This curated selection featured works that blend various techniques and transcend the two-dimensional plane, showcasing the innovative spirit of artists redefining the medium. Another significant sector, "Spotlight Africa," highlighted contemporary African photography. Artists such as Angèle Etoundi Essamba and Derrick Ofosu Boateng showcased works that reflected the African continent's and diaspora's richness and diversity, promoting intercultural dialogue and self-expression.

**Ara Ko (KOR, 1989), In the Meadow, 2020**
Window Fourteen, Geneva

A notable addition to this year's fair was the "Novum" sector, an innovative showcase dedicated to unveiling never-before-seen works. This exclusive platform featured newly created pieces explicitly crafted for Photo Basel and rediscovered works that had never been shown at an exhibition. The deliberate secrecy surrounding these artworks until the fair's opening added exciting anticipation and discovery for attendees, enhancing the overall experience and engagement with the art on display. The "Novum" sector exemplified the fair's commitment to breaking new ground in the art world, offering visitors a first look at innovative creations that challenged and pushed the boundaries of photographic art.

Reflecting on Photo Basel 2024, it is clear that the event is a milestone in photography-based art. The fair's diverse galleries brought together an eclectic mix of styles and perspectives, from established names to emerging talents.

The success of Photo Basel 2024 underlines its vital role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the evolving forms of photographic art. By providing a platform for both traditional and avant-garde works, the fair celebrated the art of photography and encouraged dialog and exploration within the artistic community. This year's fair reinforced Photo Basel's reputation as a must-visit event for contemporary art enthusiasts. It demonstrated the fair's unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusion in art. The carefully selected exhibitions and engaging thematic sectors showcased the fair's ability to combine aesthetic pleasure with intellectual stimulation, making it a highlight in the international art calendar.

Photo Basel: @photobasel

Anita Beckers Gallery: @anita_beckers_gallery

Doyle Wham: @doylewham

SmithDavidson Gallery: @smithdavidsongallery

Angèle Etoundi Essamba: @essamba_angele

Derrick Ofosu Boateng: @derrick_o_boateng

Curator @Alessa Widmer