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Art Basel’s 49th edition has attracted an artistic selection that is immense in both volume and calibre of the works on display. We continue our report from the world’s most significant art fair and are happy to share some of its plentiful highlights.

Oliver Laric, La Nymphe Salmacis, 2014

Oliver Laric’s 3D printing projects challenge notions of ownership and authenticity. La Nymphe Salmacis is based on the works of Neoclassical sculptor Francois-Joseph Bosio and has been 3D-printed using modern materials.

 

Shao Fan, Hand Licking Rabbit, 2016

Shao Fan delicately soaks rice paper to create ethereal discolorations which work in tandem with the artists delicate strokes. They provide the viewer with enough detail to comprehend what is it they are seeing, but no more. The result is a ghostly image that is haunting in both its beauty and fragility.

 

When Signs Of Origin Fade, Fall Out, If Washed Away (…), Rina Banerjee, 2017

New York-based artist Rina Banjeree creates hypnotising sculptural installations using a wide variety of media, including taxidermy alligators, saris, shells, and feathers. Her works pay homage to Tibetan, Himalayan and Indian art, whilst exhibiting the influences of Western culture, anthropology and fairytales.

 

Gert & Uwe Tobias, Untitled

Twin brothers, Gert & Uwe Tobias, interpret folkloric subjects on large-scale woodcuts. They use modernist techniques, including abstraction, to explore the intersection between pop-culture and Romanian folklore.

 

Alex Katz, Table 4, 1960 – 2012

In 2012 Alex Katz, the 90-year old icon of the New York art world, put together some of his best cutouts on one aluminum table, and thus created “Table 4”. The composition provides an exciting opportunity to take a glimpse into the art of the 60s and 70s.

 

Jack Pierson, The Price of Tea in China, 2013

Jack Pierson’s word sculptures are created from mid-century signage. The lettering evokes nostalgia in the viewer, but the words themselves change the tone of the artwork from upbeat to pensive, at best.