Art Basel Posts Successful First Day of Sales Despite Talk of ‘Doom-Porn’
The 2022 edition of Art Basel sparked talks of an impending market correction among the art trade. Now, two years later, signs of renewal are evident, with Agnes Denes’s “Honoring Wheatfield—A Confrontation” dominating the scene. Despite initial skepticism, the art market has shown resilience, with major galleries like Hauser & Wirth and David Zwirner reporting strong sales at the fair. The mega-gallery Hauser & Wirth sold artworks worth over $40 million, while David Zwirner recorded the top transaction with a Joan Mitchell diptych selling for $20 million. Pace Gallery also saw success with a significant sale of an Agnes Martin painting. Despite uncertainties in the market, collectors are showing confidence at Art Basel, with sales surpassing expectations and pre-selling becoming more prevalent. Overall, the event continues to be a valuable platform for art interactions and transactions.
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Cillian O’Rourke, studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, where he majored in Visual Communication. His work spans graphic design, illustration, and branding, with a distinct minimalist style that emphasizes simplicity and impact. Cillian has collaborated with international brands and runs his own design studio focusing on creative solutions for startups.