This year, 21 first time participants were present, such as the likes of Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 

Unlimited, the sector dedicated to large-scale installation and performance, is curated for the first time by Ruba Katrib, Chief Curator at MoMA PS1, presenting 59 major works across the halls. Parcours returns under Stefanie Hessler with this year’s theme of “Conviviality,” unfolding through public spaces toward the Rhine.

Two new commissions extend the fair beyond the Messe itself: Nairy Baghramian’s work on the Messeplatz and Ibrahim Mahama’s installation on the Münsterplatz, both honoured as the inaugural Art Basel Gold Award winners. 

Art Basel’s week is never simply contained to one building. Liste and VOLTA draw collectors across town, hunting the next generation of galleries, whilst Basel Social Club has become the event the whole city talks about.

This year’s instalment takes over a vacant office building near Basel SBB station, with the theme “Office” turning workplace ritual into performance and spectacle across more than a hundred rooms.

The lineup includes more than 150 performers alongside artists such as Marina Abramović, Maurizio Cattelan and Jenny Holzer. Meanwhile, its underground parking garage has been transformed into a nightclub, animated by a continuous light and sound installation. 

Art Basel 2026 serves as a reliable barometer of where taste is heading next, for those who follow design as closely as they follow art. Basel, a city happy to hold a museum-grade fair and an all-night office party in the same week, without either feeling like the lesser event. 

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The first encounter for most visitors is Frieze Sculpture, which transforms the English Gardens into an open-air exhibition of 14 striking works by international artists. This year’s selection is beautifully curated – a conversation between landscape, form, and imagination. Among the standout pieces is a monumental sculpture by the multidisciplinary collective Assemble, depicting a large dog that seems to stand guard over the park. Both playful and profound, it explores folklore, architecture, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. In contrast, Indian artist Reena Saini Kallat presents a haunting sound sculpture resembling an antique horn; when approached, it emits the birdsong of extinct species — a poignant meditation on absence, memory, and the fragility of ecosystems.

Inside the tent, 168 galleries from more than 40 countries will present a dazzling spectrum of global creativity. Many long-time participants return – from Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth to Victoria Miro and Goodman Gallery – joined this year by exciting newcomers such as Selma Feriani Gallery from Tunis and South Africa’s Southern Guild, both marking Frieze’s continued expansion of its global reach. The fair has made visible efforts to champion diversity, with artists from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America taking increasingly prominent roles.

Walking through the fair feels like stepping into an international dialogue about the state of art and culture today. Themes of ecology, technology, and identity run through many presentations, reflecting the world’s broader social and political preoccupations. Expect tactile materials, immersive installations, and bold colour palettes – all pushing the boundaries between art, architecture, and design.

As always, the energy of Frieze Week extends far beyond the fair itself. Across London, museums and galleries are synchronising their best shows to coincide – from the Serpentine’s experimental programming to the Royal Academy’s autumn blockbuster. The city becomes a living gallery, alive with talks, openings, and chance encounters that spark collaboration across disciplines.

If Frieze London 2025 has a message, it’s one of connection – between people, ideas, and worlds. It’s a reminder that London’s creative pulse continues to beat strong, even in turbulent times. Whether you’re an art-world veteran, a curious collector, or a designer seeking inspiration, Regent’s Park this week is the place to witness art’s power to reflect, provoke, and reimagine the world around us.

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Walking into the fair, I was immediately struck by the balance of heritage and forward-thinking design. The layout was intuitive, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition from one exhibition sector to another. The vast exhibition spaces were meticulously curated, spotlighting everything from iconic furniture designers to emerging talents who dare to challenge conventional aesthetics. One of the aspects that stood out was the emphasis on sustainable practices – designers are not only innovating in form and function but also redefining materials in a way that speaks to environmental stewardship.

The trend themes this year were particularly compelling. Numerous installations celebrated the fusion of technology and traditional craftsmanship. For instance, several booths showcased modular and flexible furniture systems that could easily adapt to the ever-changing needs of urban living, while other exhibitors highlighted artisanal techniques that have been refined over decades. The juxtaposition of the old and new under one roof encapsulated the essence of Milanese design: a respect for history while eagerly embracing the future.

A highlight of the fair was the creative use of space itself. Many exhibitors transformed their booths into immersive environments that went beyond merely displaying products. One particularly memorable installation involved an interactive digital wall that allowed visitors to explore the evolution of design trends over the past century – a living timeline that brought art and technology together in a captivating narrative. This element of interactivity underscored how the industry is moving towards experiential design, where engagement with the audience is as important as the aesthetics of the objects presented.

Networking at Salone del Mobile 2025 was an absolute pleasure. The event provided a perfect environment for professionals to share insights and forge collaborations. Seminars and panel discussions, led by luminaries in the field, reinforced the idea that today’s design challenges are as much about community and collaboration as they are about individual creativity.

Salone del Mobile 2025 offered a thoroughly invigorating experience, rich in innovative ideas and creative energy. It showcased not only the pinnacle of Italian design but also a vision for a future where sustainability, interactivity, and technological integration drive the evolution of interior spaces. For any interior designer, enthusiast, or industry professional, this fair is a must-visit event – a dynamic testament to the enduring power of design to inspire and transform.

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A Diverse and Dynamic Showcase

The 2025 edition features a strong emphasis on artists and galleries from the Asia-Pacific region, with more than half of the participating galleries hailing from this area. The Insights section presents 24 galleries offering solo projects by regional artists, while 21 of the 38 Kabinett presentations spotlight Asia-Pacific creators. This focus underscores Hong Kong’s role as a vital nexus for the regional art world.

Beyond the gallery presentations, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 offers a rich array of public programs designed to engage both seasoned collectors and new audiences. The fair’s Artist Night celebration, hosted in collaboration with Tai Kwun, features emerging experimental musicians, visual artists, and collectives from Asia and Europe, blending visual art, soundscapes, and improvisational performances. Additionally, the Art Basel Shop makes its Hong Kong debut, offering a selection of lifestyle products that celebrate and enhance the Art Basel experience.

Technological Innovations and Digital Art

Reflecting the growing intersection of art and technology, this year’s fair introduces Digital Dialogues, co-hosted by TAEX, focusing on the interplay between art and technology. These panels aim to further the dialogue around digital art and on-chain art innovations, engaging traditional collectors, artists, and the emerging digital art community. A notable highlight is the pop-up store featuring digital artworks created by Doku, a virtual artist designed by Chinese artist Lu Yang. This installation challenges traditional notions of art creation and valuation, prompting reflection on the role of artificial intelligence in the art world.

As Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 prepares to open its doors, it stands as a testament to the city’s enduring cultural significance and its ability to navigate change. The fair offers a platform for diverse artistic voices, fosters innovation through the integration of technology, and engages the public through thoughtfully curated programs. Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience that not only showcases exceptional art but also reflects the dynamic and evolving spirit of Hong Kong’s art landscape.

Image: Courtesy Art Basel

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A Platform for Diverse Artistic Voices

ARCOmadrid 2025 featured 206 galleries from 36 countries, presenting works by over 1,300 artists. The fair’s General Programme served as its backbone, with galleries selected by the Organising Committee. Curated sections like “Opening. New Galleries” and “Profiles | Latin American Art” highlighted emerging talents and reinforced the fair’s longstanding connection with Latin American art.

The Amazon as Central Theme

This year’s central project, “Wametise: Ideas for an Amazofuturism,” curated by Denilson Baniwa and María Wills in collaboration with the Institute for Postnatural Studies, focused on the Amazon. The project explored new modes of creation representing hybrid existences between human, plant, physical, and metaphysical bodies, prompting reflections on environmental and cultural sustainability.

Notable Sales and Institutional Acquisitions

The fair reported significant sales, underscoring its commercial success. A sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley sold for over €650,000. The Museo Reina Sofía and the Spanish Ministry of Culture jointly acquired 26 works for nearly €500,000, including a photograph by Marina Vargas. elpais.com

Provocative and Thought-Provoking Works

ARCOmadrid 2025 was marked by artworks that addressed pressing social and political issues. Ramón Mateos’s piece “7.291” symbolised the number of deaths in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic under Madrid’s regional government. Eugenio Merino’s aforementioned dishwasher installation critiqued the media’s portrayal of far-right figures. These works sparked conversations among attendees, reflecting the fair’s engagement with contemporary societal concerns. cadenaser.com

Royal Endorsement

The fair received a notable visit from the Spanish monarch, who toured the exhibition and engaged with artists and their works. Their presence highlighted ARCOmadrid’s cultural significance and its role in promoting contemporary art within Spain and internationally. elpais.com

ARCOmadrid 2025 successfully reaffirmed its position as a pivotal event in the contemporary art calendar. By blending commercial success with thought-provoking artistic discourse, the fair showcased Madrid’s vibrant art scene and its capacity to engage with global artistic dialogues.

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The artistic community was particularly hard-hit, with numerous artists losing their homes and studios to the flames. In response to this calamity, Frieze Los Angeles has adapted its programming to support recovery efforts and provide a platform for reflection and healing.

Frieze has pledged to donate 10% of ticket sales since January to the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, supporting artists and arts workers affected by the fires. Additionally, the fair has introduced “Galleries Together,” an initiative encouraging exhibitors to donate artworks for fundraising purposes. Prominent galleries such as Victoria Miro have joined this effort, underscoring the collective resolve to rebuild and rejuvenate Los Angeles’s vibrant art scene.

A Diverse and Dynamic Showcase

This year’s fair features a rich mix of artistic expressions, with galleries from around the world converging to showcase contemporary and modern art. The Santa Monica Airport serves as a unique venue, offering expansive spaces that foster immersive installations and interactive exhibits. Visitors can anticipate a blend of established and emerging artists, reflecting the dynamic and inclusive spirit of Los Angeles’s cultural landscape.

Beyond the exhibitions, Frieze Los Angeles 2025 emphasises community engagement through a series of talks, workshops, and collaborative projects. These programmes aim to facilitate dialogue around art’s role in healing and societal rebuilding. Local nonprofits and cultural organisations are actively involved, ensuring that the fair’s impact resonates beyond its duration and contributes meaningfully to the city’s recovery.

The return of Frieze Los Angeles amidst such challenging times highlights the indomitable spirit of the city’s creative community. It serves as a reminder that art possesses the profound ability to unite, heal, and inspire, even in the face of adversity. As Los Angeles embarks on the path to recovery, Frieze stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that the city’s cultural heartbeat continues to thrive.

https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-los-angeles

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Sur/Reality: A Centennial Celebration of Surrealism

Marking the 100th anniversary of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto, Maison & Objet 2025 adopts “Sur/Reality” as its central theme. This homage reflects the movement’s lasting impact on art and design, exploring the boundaries between dreams and reality. The fair will delve into how Surrealism continues to inspire, provoke, and electrify creation in all its forms, offering attendees a journey through a dreamlike landscape where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

Designer of the Year: Faye Toogood’s ‘Womanifesto’

Esteemed British designer Faye Toogood has been named Designer of the Year for this edition. Known for her multidisciplinary approach that spans fashion, furniture, and interiors, Toogood will present an installation titled “Womanifesto.” This work serves as a reaction to traditional (often male-dominated) manifestos, celebrating her practice through coloured paint and collage. “It’s more interesting to make something good out of a tin can,” Toogood explains, emphasising the beauty found in the unexpected and the everyday.

What’s New? Showcases and Emerging Talent

Maison & Objet 2025 will introduce 600 new exhibitors, reflecting its commitment to diversity and innovation. Three major showcases, each exploring the theme of “What’s New?” in retail, design, and hospitality, will be curated by François Delclaux, Elizabeth Leriche, and the collective Uchronia, respectively. These exhibitions aim to provide fresh perspectives and insights into the evolving landscape of design, highlighting emerging talents and groundbreaking concepts that challenge conventional norms.

Conferences and Panel Discussions: Surrealism in the Digital Age

A series of lectures and panel talks will further explore Surrealism’s impact on contemporary design, particularly in our increasingly digital world. These discussions will examine how the movement’s principles are being reinterpreted in today’s technological context, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the interplay between historical art movements and modern design practices.

Maison & Objet 2025 is scheduled from January 16 to 20 at the Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris. For more information on tickets, schedules, and exhibitors, visit the official Maison & Objet website.

For more details and to plan your visit, please refer to the official Maison & Objet website.

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A Diverse Showcase of Global Art

Art Basel Miami Beach continues to be a crucial intersection for North and South American art markets, while drawing global attention. This year, galleries from nearly every continent, including new entrants from Indonesia, Uganda, and Romania, add fresh perspectives to the lineup. More than 60% of participants represent the Americas, showcasing works from artists and galleries based in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and beyond.

The fair is structured around distinct exhibition sectors that cater to varied interests. The Nova section highlights cutting-edge works created in the past three years, making it a magnet for collectors seeking to discover emerging talent. Positions, a platform for solo projects by up-and-coming artists, and Survey, focused on historically significant works, round out the offerings. The Meridians sector, dedicated to large-scale projects, is curated this year by Yasmil Raymond, adding another layer of ambition and innovation to the event.

Accessibility and Innovation for Younger Galleries

Art Basel is committed to making space for younger, experimental galleries through initiatives like smaller, more affordable booth options. This accessibility encourages fresh voices in the art world and gives collectors a chance to connect with galleries showcasing innovative and emerging talent. Sharing booths, a feature introduced in 2019, remains an appealing option for newer galleries to participate without major financial hurdles.

Highlights to Watch in 2024

Among the standout exhibitors are the Martos Gallery, showcasing iconic 1980s artists like Keith Haring, and Carmo Johnson Projects from Brazil, featuring works by the Indigenous collective MAHKU, whose pieces reflect sacred myths and the vibrancy of Amazonian culture. In the Nova sector, Shanghai’s Gallery Vacancy offers striking narratives through artists like Michael Ho, who explores diaspora themes through richly patterned paintings.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 also emphasizes a unique VIP experience, including curated tours of private collections, behind-the-scenes access to Miami’s vibrant art scene, and exclusive parties such as this year’s celebration at the Wolfsonian Museum. These elements solidify Art Basel Miami Beach not just as a commercial event but as a cultural phenomenon.

Art Meets Luxury in Miami

The glamour of Miami complements the art fair’s vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the walls of the convention center, the city transforms into a playground for art lovers, collectors, and celebrities. Luxury events, public installations, and satellite fairs like Design Miami ensure that the citywide buzz extends beyond Art Basel’s footprint.

Art Basel Miami Beach continues to set the standard for art fairs globally. With its commitment to fostering inclusivity, supporting emerging voices, and presenting high-caliber art across eras, it remains a must-visit event on the art world calendar.

For more details, visit the official Art Basel Miami Beach website.

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A Year of Firsts

The 2024 fair marks several historic milestones. Among its highlights are three new sections:

1. “Something Bold, Something New” focuses on groundbreaking modern artists from the Middle East and North Africa, curated by Myrna Ayad. This section revisits the 1960s-1980s era, showcasing pioneers like Egypt’s Inji Efflatoun and Iran’s Behjat Sadr, whose works shaped regional art history.
2. “Collectors Salon” bridges past and present by exhibiting rare manuscripts, historical artifacts, and iconic collectibles. Highlights include a 7th-century Qur’an leaf, 19th-century Orientalist paintings, and a rare typescript of Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, annotated with one of the book’s most famous lines.
3. “Silk Road: Drifting Identities” explores cross-cultural exchanges through the works of artists from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Inspired by the Silk Road’s historical legacy, this section examines themes of identity, transformation, and shared heritage, curated by Elvira Djaltchinova-Malets.

A Diverse Lineup

Beyond these new additions, the fair continues its tradition of blending established artists with emerging talent. The Modern & Contemporary sector includes renowned international galleries like Galerie ISA and Perrotin, while the Emerge sector presents affordable art, fostering accessibility. The Bidaya sector highlights regional innovators, introducing galleries such as Kuwait’s Bawa Gallery.

Art and Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Vision

Abu Dhabi Art is more than a fair; it’s a cornerstone of the UAE’s growing cultural economy. It complements the emirate’s broader cultural initiatives, including the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasizes the event’s role in elevating Abu Dhabi as a global arts hub. This year’s Visual Campaign Artist, Emirati pioneer Mohammed Kazem, further underscores the fair’s commitment to showcasing local talent alongside international voices.

The Future of Abu Dhabi Art

Abu Dhabi Art’s growing reputation has captured global attention, including reports of a potential collaboration with Art Basel, signaling a $20 million investment in the fair. This partnership could cement its position as a key player in the global art scene.

With its expansive vision, the 2024 edition of Abu Dhabi Art promises an unparalleled celebration of creativity, bridging cultures and eras. For collectors, artists, and enthusiasts, it’s an unmissable opportunity to experience the transformative power of art in a city rapidly becoming a cultural capital.

For more details, visit Abu Dhabi Art

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Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla, the UAE-based House of Artisans, and Dubai native Omar Al Gurg, who commissioned the UAE Designers Exhibition, are all prominent features, representing a more locally-rooted showcase that highlights the Emirate’s distinctive creativity.

The event emphasises originality over commercial readiness, with many of the works representing experimental or commissioned projects that embody sustainable and innovative techniques. Exhibits include structures made from unconventional materials like recycled refrigerator parts and innovative cement developed from 90% waste products. This year’s installations are grounded in environmental consciousness, as seen in unconventional furniture crafted using ancient reed-weaving techniques, merging traditional craftsmanship with futuristic design principles.

Dubai Design Week 2024 has sought to push boundaries with a focus on experimental prototypes, reflecting a commitment to exploring sustainable, culturally rich design practices. This philosophy underscores the week’s identity, making it a platform that promotes not only art and design but also social and ecological innovation.

In recent years, the event has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most cutting-edge gatherings, offering visitors an intimate look at groundbreaking projects that challenge conventional design approaches. By commissioning new works, Dubai Design Week enables local and regional designers to spotlight unique visions that speak to the UAE’s evolving design ethos.

This year’s Dubai Design Week also includes installations from international designers, such as Paris-based architect India Mahdavi, who brings her Middle Eastern heritage into her work, underscoring the event’s intercultural dialogue. However, the primary focus remains firmly on local creators, making Dubai Design Week an integral part of Dubai’s identity as a progressive design hub.

What sets this design fair apart is its ability to transform Dubai’s art and design landscape from an importer of international talent to an incubator of local ingenuity. It not only builds connections within the regional industry but also emphasises sustainability and cultural relevance, reshaping the global perception of Middle Eastern design. By investing in artists and craftspeople with roots in the region, Dubai Design Week provides a platform for innovation that embraces experimentation over commercial viability, reinforcing Dubai’s position on the international design stage as an emerging center for forward-thinking design and culture.

Ultimately, Dubai Design Week is about more than the final products on display—it’s a space for creators who are reshaping what design means for the region and beyond, fostering an inventive spirit that continues to redefine Dubai’s contribution to the global design community.

https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae

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