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On Art Basel 2010 (3): by Deborah Doering

In the final post from Art Basel 2010, guest blogger Deborah Doering considers work from the satellite fairs that co-exist with the main event.

As if Halls 1 and 2 of Art Basel were not enough to satisfy my visual appetite, I also sampled selections of art at the smaller "satellite" fairs, Volte, Liste, and Scope, which I reached by a short tram ride from the center of Basel. I must admit that by the time I reached the satellite fairs I was bordering on visual overload and physical exhaustion. I took many photos, but failed to note names of artists and galleries as I had done at Art Basel.

I did, however, have some very good conversations with gallerists at the smaller fairs, most of whom were very happy to speak with visitors. If you're interested in find out about the selling record at the smaller fairs, click on the following links:

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/34980/rain-and-exhaustion-keep-scope-from-soaring-at-basel/

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/34909/liste-fair-opens-strong-and-racy-in-basel/

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/34978/a-spunky-volta-complements-art-basels-revved-up-market/?page=1

My favorite performance work of any of the fairs, including Art Basel, took place at Liste. The artist, whose name I unfortunately do not know, but who is a lovely petite woman in a white dress with very red lipstick, began the performance by holding up a paper-sized sheet of ice in front of her face:


She began to melt the center of the ice sheet by breathing on it. She then approached bystanders, slowly moving the ice-sheet toward their face as well:

Together with her chosen collaborator, both the artist and her collaborator used their breath to melt the ice-sheet in the center, until ultimately, the sheet of ice crashed to the ground. At the sound of the breaking of ice, everyone applauded joyfully and vigorously:

This moment of joyful applause is what I would most like to remember about my first experience visiting Art Basel. I really hope it won't be my last.

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