Report on Paris+: Art Basel's Explosive Debut in the Capital

Published on 03 November 2022, by Jeanne Mathas

In January 2022, the Paris art market landscape was suddenly upended, when the FIAC was replaced by Art Basel, under the aegis of the MCH group. An initial assessment of the eagerly awaited first edition of Paris+ in late October.

First edition of the Paris fair staged by Art Basel at the Grand Palais éphémère.COURTESY... Report on Paris+: Art Basel's Explosive Debut in the Capital

First edition of the Paris fair staged by Art Basel at the Grand Palais éphémère.
COURTESY OF PARIS+ BY ART BASEL

With Paris+, will the City of Light manage to dethrone New York and London? Many galleries have chosen France’s capital to open new branches, boosting the French scene and market. The new fair has confirmed this dynamic. 156 galleries from five continents came together in the Grand Palais Éphémère, including 61 from France. Their selections were in tune with a rich cultural program in Paris, where painting was in the limelight and kitsch was out in force. With this inaugural edition, most exhibitors went for the ultra-contemporary, and the event was a considerable success, with the Grand Palais Éphémère welcoming 40,000 visitors between October 19 and 23. From the first day, reserved for VIPs, the stands were full. The first official figures…

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