Art Basel 43 And Circus Knie
Sometimes I have the impression I live in a quiet small town where nothing ever happens, at other times I am looking at all the activities simultaneously taking place and my head is spinning.
June is the month when two major events take place at the same time and next to each other at the prestigious new exhibition square: Art Basel and Circus Knie.
Art Basel new building
Art Basel, now in its 43rd year, is according to their website „the world’s premier Modern and contemporary art shows, held annually in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel has been a driving force in supporting the role that galleries play in the nurturing of artists, and the development and promotion of visual arts.”
I remember the early years of Art Basel strolling through the exhibition, jaws dropping at all the treasures shown here in one place from Picasso, Mirò, Giacometti to lesser known artists. And being lucky to find some reasonably priced litho by a well known artist, Bruno Bruni (now hiding in the cellar).
For a few days Basel is the hub of the international art world, the town is filled with a different looking crowd and hums with a different energy level.
Art Basel Rundhof
Interesting to watch! Quite some circus!
This year the Japanese artist, Tadashi Kawamata, was commission by Art Basel to create an installation for the main square.
Quote from Whitewall: „Kawamata, known for his use of reclaimed materials and scrap wood, created Favela Café.
The café consists of 18 huts grouped on and around the Messeplatz fountain, connected by walkways. The installation provides seating, as well as fully operating cafés and bars for Basel visitors this week.
After its doors close on June 16, Art Basel will donate the structure for use as a bar and restaurant with a community garden. The new location of the structure will be within the Basel area harbor.“
On a balmy Friday evening I was invited to a performance of Circus Knie, our Swiss national circus that has a history of more than 200 years with the same family Knie. They are famous for their elephant and horse training and breeding.
As we had some time before we walked around the square and were quite surprised to see that the favela café installation had grown overnight: a group of activist-artist people had set up their own huts and were happily dancing, drawing and barbecuing. Quite a peaceful interaction and maybe closer to reality than the original project.
Alternative project
Interesting to watch! Quite some circus!
The different faces of consumerism
Later the occupy activists – at first tolerated by the Art Basel management – were expelled by police force, the worst property damage was their drawing with chalk in the exhibition square.
Needless to watch! Quite some circus!
We were blissfully unaware of all the shenanigans outside and happily taking part in the emotional circus performance being transported to some dreamlike world: wonderful animals, uniting camels, horses and guanacos in one number, free flying Aras in another, breathtaking (I shut my eyes) trapeze artistry, perfect body control of a contortionist.
The circus tent in sun and shade
Always a pleasure to watch! Quite some circus!
And thus the month of June draws to a close, I have had my own private circus with family matters taking up the majority of my time. I have sadly neglected my online friends and my own projects. My blogging frequency leaves my front in deep furrows. However, I have managed to create a new fragrance – hurray – which you will hear of more quite soon and hopefully get a nose full as well!
What were the highlights of your own month?
Did you go on a holiday?
What was your own experience of some real or fictional circus?
Comments 10
Hi Barbara,
I am always intrigued by the stories you tell of the events in your city – and the photos! I want to smell your new fragrance – why oh why is Basel so far from Stoney Creek!?!?
June has passed in a blur for me as well. Just now we are finalizing the eradicating of the bugs in our new site and hope our customers bear with us as they tip toe around them! What a project! I’m ready for a rest this weekend!
Holiday is still a month away but I’m ready for that too!
Lori
Lori
Hi Lori,
Somehow livefyre does not let me reply directly …
Thank you for being such a faithful and supportive friend and one day we will move Basel and Stoney Creek a little bit closer!
I am looking forward to your new site, it really looks promising and inviting!
And I’m more than ready for a holiday, preferably a six month stay in some ashram!
I, too, came from a small town. It’s always fascinating how much happens in small towns, though, isn’t it? Now, I live in a HUGE city, and find myself with nothing to do more often than when living in a tiny place. Next month will be busier though. We are taking the kids to see Mount Rushmore. It’s only a few hours away and they’ve never been.
SunshineFlGirl Hi Alicia, so lovely of you to stop by – welcome. Size does not matter after all, it is more about grabbing opportunities, is it not?
Mount Rushmore, great, I’d love to see it one day, it is so impressive! And the kids will remember that memorable trip for years to come. Enjoy! And have a wonderful weekend!
Well, it looks like your city is not so small, after all…My months has been very, very busy, and I badly need a holiday. I wish I could escape somewhere and have only me to take care of…If only!
JSJ2020 Hi Muriel, know the feeling! And I have seen how busy you are whereas my online activities have been minimal … Any chances of a me holiday?
I think we Europeans have some problems with numbers ad look up to the biggies instead of looking at substance! And vice versa, an American woman once said to me: you are so privileged in Europe with your fascinating history and here we have nothing. We should stop comparing and go through life with our eyes wide open!
Hi Barbara,
Wow, that really sounds fun having both of those events right there together. I’m not much on art but I can appreciate it’s beauty. The circus performance sounds like more up my ally and I bet that was really amazing as well.
I don’t know, I live in a very large city but I think I would still like to experience something new every once in awhile. Your town sounds delightful.
Thanks for sharing this and love the pictures.
~Adrienne
AdrienneSmith Hi Adrienne,
Yes, let’s go to the circus together! I especially enjoyed this year’s programme with all the magnificent and talented young artists, normally I do not enjoy animals in a circus but the family Knie has a knack of bringing out the best in each and transporting the natural movements into a beautiful circus performance.
I think each town irrespective of its size has a lot to offer. It is us who limit ourselves and do not see the opportunities lying in front of our eyes (sorry if I say “we”, this was meant in a neutral way ;-)!).
Happy to see you at Late Bloomers and thanks for the lovely compliment.
I get to enjoy the “other” circus: Art Basel Miami. Always a very special time with eye-opening works!
sharonoday Oh, Art Basel Miami, this could be a reason for a visit, Sharon!
Last time I was in Miami we stayed at the Delano and this was quite an eye-opener for my then very young daughter! Especially since the barkeeper made an exception and allowed her in the bar at night – you should have seen her eyes, bis like saucers!