Once again, Art Basel has taken over the Swiss city with various events, including the highly anticipated Unlimited, an exhibition platform devoted to monumental installations too large for a regular art fair booth. The 172,000-square-foot hall reserved for Unlimited is currently home to 76 projects and live performances by Seba Calfuqueo, Reto Pulfer, Anna Uddenberg, and others. Curated by Giovanni Carmine, director of the Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen in Switzerland, this edition of Unlimited introduces a People’s Pick award, where visitors can vote for their favourite installation. The winner will be announced at the end of the week.
Historic Works Revisited
This year’s Unlimited features a number of notable historic works. Wu Tien-Chang’s “Farewell, Spring and Autumn,” which was showcased in the Taiwanese Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale, makes a return. Christo’s 2014 recreation of his 1963 wrapped Volkswagen, a piece with a fascinating history, also draws significant attention. Additionally, Keith Haring’s 1984 frieze, spanning 153 feet, and Carl Andre’s 1988 “Körners Repose,” consisting of 50 floor units, have been reactivated for this year’s exhibition.
Christo’s Wrapped Volkswagen
In February 1963, Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped a Volkswagen Beetle for their solo exhibition at Galerie Schmela in Düsseldorf, Germany. The car was initially loaned by Claus Harden, who later regretted requesting its return to its original state. In 2013, Christo revisited Düsseldorf and decided to recreate the iconic piece by wrapping a 1961 Volkswagen Beetle in 2014. This recreated work is now on display at Art Basel, captivating visitors with its historic and artistic significance.
Chiharu Shiota’s “The Extended Line”
Chiharu Shiota’s “The Extended Line” (2023–24) is a striking installation made up of 93 miles of red string hanging from the ceiling, pouring into a bronze cast of the artist’s open hands. Thousands of white papers fly out of the hands like butterflies. This installation, which addresses universal themes drawn from Shiota’s personal experience as a cancer survivor, is visible from almost any point in the Unlimited space. Shiota’s work explores deep questions about human existence, suffering, and joy.
Kresiah Mukwazhi’s “Nyenyedzi nomwe (The Seven Sisters Pleiades)”
Young Zimbabwean artist Kresiah Mukwazhi presents “Nyenyedzi nomwe (The Seven Sisters Pleiades),” a 26-foot-long installation made from elastic straps, fabric, and clasps from used bras. Mounted on a wall, this work challenges patriarchal structures that oppress the female body. The title refers to the Pleiades constellation, symbolizing mythological sisters who were transformed into stars to escape rape. Mukwazhi uses this powerful imagery to highlight the struggles of abused and marginalised women worldwide and to advocate for their empowerment and healing.
Ali Cherri’s “The Watchman”
In front of a screening room, three imposing mud sculptures of two armed men and a submissive dog guard the entrance. Inside, “The Watchman” (2023), the final episode of a tetralogy by Lebanese artist and filmmaker Ali Cherri, is displayed. This 26-minute video depicts Sergeant Bulut maintaining a solitary vigil in a watchtower, expecting an enemy that never arrives. Cherri’s work critiques the notion of national duty and the futility of war, stripping the character of traditional heroism and revealing a Sisyphean struggle.
Brenda the Animatronic Gorilla in “School of Languages”
An office-like installation features an animatronic gorilla named Brenda, hidden under a desk, engaging and surprising visitors with its lifelike movements and sounds. Titled “School of Languages” (2023), this installation explores themes of capitalism and labor, as Brenda learns to count—a skill necessary for her “job.” Despite a description mentioning a faint scent of damp and urine, visitors are relieved to find no such smell.
Henry Taylor’s Homage to the Black Panthers
Henry Taylor’s installation pays tribute to the Black Panthers with leather-jacketed mannequins and a wall banner calling to “END WAR AND STOP RACISM!!!” and support the Black Panthers. This piece honors Taylor’s brother Randy, an active party member, and emphasizes the political consciousness he instilled. Previously showcased at MOCA Los Angeles, Taylor’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the party’s impact and legacy.
Conclusion
Art Basel’s Unlimited section offers an impressive array of monumental installations, blending historic and contemporary works that provoke thought and inspire awe. From Chiharu Shiota’s red string installation to Henry Taylor’s homage to the Black Panthers, each piece contributes to a diverse and engaging artistic experience. The introduction of the People’s Pick award allows visitors to play an active role in the event, making this year’s Unlimited a truly interactive and memorable showcase.
Feature Image Courtesy: Art Basel
