Study trip to Art Basel: students immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art
For our annual trip to the city of Basel during the prestigious Art Basel art fair, the MBA in Arts & Cultural Management (MACAM) program (English-language January intake) and the French-language Master in Contemporary Art and Exhibition Curation programs were guided by professors Fabienne Bideaud, Carolina Ariza, Hafida Hemni di Folco, and Nathalie Moureaud.
The trip began with a welcome meeting where students met their professors and classmates to discuss the itinerary and goals of the trip. One of the first visits was to the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. The visit included the exhibition “When We See Us.”
The exhibition focuses on African painting and offers a dive into the continent’s rich artistic heritage. The next day, contemporary art was on the agenda at the Fondation Beyeler, first with Tino Sehgal’s thought-provoking performance, followed by Philippe Parreno’s innovative installations, which blend art with technology and the environment.
The day ended with a visit to Art Social Basel, where students were able to talk with local and international artists in a lively setting, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
At the Kunsthalle Basel, our students were able to discover the exhibition “Ilé Oriaku” by the Nigerian artist Toyin Ojih Odutola, known for her powerful and complex drawings exploring identity and heritage. The highlight of the day, however, was discovering the heart of Art Basel in the main fair and the Unlimited section. The Art Basel fair includes a vast array of contemporary art works from leading galleries around the world, including large-scale installations offering an immersive artistic experience. With 285 participating galleries, there was a lot of art to discover at the fair. Art Basel offers unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing students to interact with artists, curators, gallery owners, and other art lovers, paving the way for future collaborations and professional advancement.
Students also visited the Museum Tinguely to discover the imaginative and critical works of Mika Rothemberg in a museum dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic art, followed by a second visit to the Kunstmuseum Basel to explore Dan Flavin’s minimalist light installations and a comprehensive collection of large paintings.
This study trip to Basel for Art Basel is much more than a simple visit to an art fair; it is a complete educational journey designed to immerse students in the world of contemporary art. With the guidance of their experienced professors and the cultural richness of Basel, students are ready to have a rewarding and inspiring experience, ready to be amazed, challenged, and transformed by the art and artists they encounter.
