Switzerland is a great democracy, but not when it comes to its modern and contemporary art fair. With the exception of the "Parcours" sector which brings together public works of art scattered around the city and to which access is free and open, discovering the 289 stands of art merchants from around forty countries (two African galleries were selected this year) requires Art Basel's visitors to show their credentials: from Monday to Wednesday evening, access was reserved for guests with VIP cards, which obey a mysterious hierarchy that allows privileged time access to those with the First Choice ticket.
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We don't know if the very delicate engravings and stunning watercolors by Giorgio Morandi presented by the Galleria d'Arte Maggiore [...] will find buyers: just because new collectors buy anything and everything, [...], it doesn't mean that they possess the ability to detect the real treasures of the fair.
