In 2006, art fairs were becoming a more and more powerful force in the art world. “Art fairs have proven themselves as an instrument for expanding the art world,” says Sam Keller, director of Art Basel and Art Basel/Miami Beach. “But if the 90s were the decade of the biennial, then today it’s the fairs that catalyse local art scenes and expand networks.” Yet people also started to question the model and its impacts, including but not limited to: overcrowded VIP openings; competitive/compulsive buying; the phenomenon of myriad, mediocre satellite fairs; the great expense and time they cost galleries; and the power of selection committees over the ever-more existential sales platforms. 18 months after this appeared, I was announced as part of Keller’s replacement. 🤷♂️😀
