Art Basel is changing guard, but old inequalities persist

Art Basel was “back to normal” in its 2023 edition, finally turning the page on the Covid pandemic and its own organisational upheaval. The most prestigious art fair in the world may have changed hands but it still privileges established gallerists of the wealthy West over the developing world.  For the habitués of Art Basel in Basel, this year’s edition, at first glance, looked the same as the 2022 edition: 285 galleries from 36 countries filled their stands with their best wares, the exhibitions attracted hordes of art enthusiasts, and the parallel fairs (Liste and Volta) continued to offer affordable rates for younger galleries and artists. Meanwhile, the city’s art institutions provided further delicacies for the eyes with a handful of top-notch exhibitions. Behind the curtains, though, change at Art Basel and its mother company, MCH Group, is underway with a new CEO in place since December. Noah Horowitz left the auction house Sotheby’s to take the helm from Marc Spiegler...