Still the Apex, Just Smarter
Art Basel 2025 didn’t shout — it signaled. This year’s edition in Switzerland prioritized clarity and curation: fewer theatrics, more precision. Galleries reported strong sales across a wide range of price points, and a new generation of collectors showed up ready to engage.Based on reporting from ARTnews and The Art Newspaper.
The top confirmed sale came from Annely Juda Fine Art, which placed David Hockney’s Mid November Tunnel for $13–17 million — a standout moment that set the tone: thoughtful, high-value deals over flash.
Other notable sales included:● David Zwirner: Ruth Asawa’s Untitled (S.278) for $9.5M and Gerhard Richter’s Abstraktes Bild for $6.8M● Hauser & Wirth: Two Mark Bradfords at $3.5M each and a moody Rothko (undisclosed price)● White Cube: Three works by Cai Guo-Qiang for $1.2 million, $700,000, and $700,000 and Cai Guo-Qiang’s Red Birds for $1.2M● Pace Gallery: Agnes Martin’s Untitled #5 sold for over $4M, while works by Pam Evelyn and Li Hei Di sold for under $100K
Sales of politically and emotionally charged pieces also stood out:Sprüth Magers placed Barbara Kruger’s Untitled (WAR TIME, WAR CRIME) for $650,000 and Sterling Ruby’s HORIZON. Shortness of Breath for $350,000.
A New Wave of CollectorsYounger, globally diverse collectors were highly visible. Many galleries adapted with more accessible, socially resonant works. Pieces under $500K saw consistent movement, especially those exploring identity, climate, and current events.
The Takeaway: Quiet PowerBasel 2025 delivered substance over spectacle. With sharp curation and a broader buyer base, it reaffirmed its dominance. As Dominique Lévy put it, no other fair matches its connoisseurship. Even critical voices like Kenny Schachter conceded: Basel remains the art world’s barometer. Calm, confident, and still on top.