Art Basel Paris Closes Early as French Protests Loom

Art Basel Paris is shutting its doors ahead of nationwide protests in France, and it isn’t the only name in the art world heading for the exits.

According to Hyperallergic, the fair announced it would close early “in the interest of safeguarding our visitors,” as demonstrations tied to a movement for education equality and better working conditions are set to sweep the country tomorrow. The Louvre, the Gagosian gallery and other museums and galleries have also said they plan to shutter during the protests, per the outlet’s report.

The early closure is being read very differently by those on the other side of the barricade. Hyperallergic reports that one artist coalition is calling the fair’s cancellation a victory for the fight to defend culture, with the group urging, “Let us keep the movement going.” Hyperallergic staff writers Anna Lee and Rhea Nayyar have the full story on the closures.

The same Hyperallergic newsletter turns its attention to the American side of the argument. Writer Ed Simon reflects on the need to protect arts and culture in the United States, using the 100th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning as his hook. Simon describes the building as one of the most audacious projects in the history of American higher education, founded as a beacon of education and expression that, in his words, “seems virtually utopian today.”

For New Yorkers, the same issue has a few threads closer to home. Hyperallergic notes that a trove of Kiki Smith prints is heading to the New York Public Library, and that this year’s Prix Duchamp recipients have been named, both in a roundup by Valentina Di Liscia. The outlet also profiles a New York State assemblywoman who is running for a seat in the House of Representatives and who spoke with Hyperallergic about her life as a painter, her political origin story and her plans for Washington. That interview is by Hakim Bishara.

There is also a review worth flagging for anyone who follows who gets recognized in the art market. Leah Triplett Harrington writes about “The Prime of Your Life,” a show that examines what recognition and market success mean for 18 women artists over 75. The exhibition, per Hyperallergic, deconstructs sexist ideas about when a woman artist is considered to have reached her prime.

And on the lighter side, Sophia Lebowitz reports on Pasadena-based painter John Griswold, who got an Instagram DM from Phoebe Bridgers in December 2022. Griswold told Hyperallergic she opened with “big fan,” then asked whether he had ever painted on a guitar. A collaborative relationship followed, and Griswold now adorns her guitars.

The fair’s closure leaves one open question as the protests get underway: whether other institutions will follow the Louvre and Gagosian in going dark. Hyperallergic’s reporting covers the announcements so far.