Nov 17

Nov 17 Inside Art Basel Paris 2024: 6 Trends to Watch

This fall, Art Basel Paris marked its third edition at the historic Grand Palais. From October 17-20, the fair brought together 195 galleries from 42 countries, showcasing a wide-ranging selection of modern and contemporary art. The Grand Palais itself, with its glass-domed ceiling and sense of timeless grandeur, provided a fitting venue for an event that reflects both heritage and innovation of the art world.

Paintings, sculptures, installations, and digital art all had their place, presenting a comprehensive view of today’s artistic landscape. As expected, the fair featured a mix of established names and emerging voices, reflecting the market’s current dynamics. Several recurring themes emerged throughout the fair, reflecting broader currents in contemporary art. Here are six trends that I noticed while exploring the booths:

The Grand Palais, a Parisian icon steeped in cultural history, served as the vibrant stage for Art Basel Paris 2024. With 195 galleries representing 42 countries, the fair offered a comprehensive view of the contemporary art landscape. Here are six trends that shaped this year’s edition, each offering insight into the themes and techniques captivating today’s artists and audiences.

1. Mixed Media Works

Artists embraced an interdisciplinary approach, combining diverse materials such as paint, collage, and digital elements to create layered, multifaceted compositions. These works blurred the boundaries between traditional and contemporary techniques, offering a fresh perspective on materiality and form.

Alvaro Barrington. Image credit: © Thaddaeus Ropac

Caroline Kent. Image credit: © Casey Kaplan Gallery

2. Humans and Nature

The interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world emerged as a key theme, with artists exploring this relationship both symbolically and literally. Organic elements were often fused with human forms, reflecting themes of coexistence, environmental reflection, and adaptation.

3. Textiles

Textile-based art took center stage, showcasing the versatility of materials like yarn, felt, and woven fibers. These tactile works bridged personal stories and cultural traditions, offering a deeply sensory experience.

Sheila Hicks. Image credit: © Paris Art Now

4. “Imperfect” Works

This trend celebrated the raw, unfinished, and deconstructed. By retaining visible process marks, rough edges, or incomplete forms, these works invited viewers into the creative journey itself.

Julie Mehretu. Image credit: © White Cube

Joan Hernández Pijuan. Image credit: © Galeria Joan Prats

5. Romanticizing Life

Finding beauty in the mundane became a prominent theme, as artists transformed everyday moments and objects into poetic reflections. The ordinary was elevated, celebrating the charm of life’s smaller details.

Gabriel Orozco. Image credit: © Marian Goodman Gallery

6. Reimagining Icons

Reinterpretations of legendary figures and cultural symbols brought historical and fictional personas into a contemporary context. By offering fresh perspectives on well-known stories and icons, artists invited viewers to reconsider their cultural significance.