Art Genève is a major moment in the international art calendar. The salon-style fair incorporates exhibitions alongside a new educational programme focusing on the art market. The 13th edition of the event it is set to be bigger and better than ever. This year, it is collaborating with major Swiss institutions like MASI Lugano and Musée des Beaux-Arts du Locle, as well as expanding its global reach with guest presentations from establishments in Berlin, Brussels and London. The fair takes place at Palexpo, Geneva and is sure to be an exciting and enriching start to 2025.
Eighty international galleries come together to showcase expansive collections and visionary creatives. The highlights include Gallerie Christophe Person’s presentation of Cameroonian-born photographer Samuel Fosso, who is known for his use of self-portraits to comment on the history of Africa. In 1997, a series of autoportraits saw Fosso pose as a chef, marine and pirate. In La Bourgeoise, he takes on the guise of a woman in a sophisticated black evening dress, adorned with bold jewellery and a white fluffy jacket. Elsewhere, an impressive 30 solo shows shine a light on individuals making waves on the contemporary scene. Livie Gallery presents Esther Mathis, whose metallic, minimalist installations explore perceptions of light. The artist’s practice navigates the delicate interplay between natural and artificial light, effortlessly combining scientific inquiry with poetic expression. The fair continues its dedication to Geneva’s regional artistic excellence. The 30 solo exhibiting practitioners will be eligible to win the Solo-F.P. Journe Prize and their work donated to an institution in the region.
The highlight of the weekend is special presentation Sur-mesur, which explores the multifaceted relationship between food and contemporary art. The platform returns toArt Genève for the second year The platform exhibits a selection of six singular works and large-format installations, curated by Nicolas Trembley. It is a topic that often carries symbolic meanings linked to culture, politics, identity and memory, allowing artists to comment on social issues. In 1971, Gordon Matta-Clark opened FOOD, a restaurant in New York which was considered a community hub and an artistic “intervention in an urban setting.” It was a place designed to bring people together in a mutual love of good food and creativity. Matta-Clark’s documentary of the business is on display as part of Sur-mesure. Other works include Jasmine Gregory’s 2024 performance piece, staged in a Zurich grocery store, which addresses themes of consumer culture and social inequalities. Meanwhile, the political nature of food and the body is explored in Paul McCarthy’s video Heinz Ketchup/Sauce (1974), which sees the artist open a bottle of ketchup with his teeth, emptying the contents over his body.
The four-day event also host a range of educational programmes, prizes and awards, offering exlusive insights and opportunities for learning. Audiences will also discover the rising stars nominated for Prix Mobilière, a platform dedicated to young Swiss creatives. A programme of conferences will offer a series of stimulating discussions throughout the week, with contributions from the Engadin Art Talks and Verbier Art Summit. Together, these exhibitions and events provide a comprehensive insight into the contemporary art world. The vitality and diversity of new talent is presented alongside established figures, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of the creative space. It is an event not to be missed.
Art Genéve runs from 30 January – 2 February: artgeneve.ch
Image Credits:
PROVENCE, An Account of the Luck and Misfortunes of________ Livre d’artiste Passage/s Courtesy PROVENCE.
Samuel Fosso, La Bourgeoise, 1997. Digital C-print on Kodak Matt paper: Kodak Professional Endura Premier Paper, Matte N 53 x 43 cm. Edition of 12. Courtesy Christophe Person.
