Art connoisseurs need not be disappointed by the cancellation of the coming September’s Art Basel 2020, the world’s biggest and most prominent art exhibition.

As the world remains far from normal, Art Basel 2020 organizers have once again, wisely opted to switch to digital platforms this September and October. This year’s grand edition of the art show will re-open its Online Viewing Rooms in two tightly focused thematic virtual exhibitions.

Art Basel’s first-ever online art exhibition in March this year quashed all uncertainties of hosting the biggest art event in Hong Kong through a virtual experience that attracted 250,000 viewers. The June edition featured 282 of the world’s leading galleries and a range of artworks from video installations to paintings and sculptures from 4000 artists. The global platform enables collectors and art enthusiasts to continue pursuing the value of art even amid the most adverse of times. Art Basel global director Marc Spiegler expressed that their decision to go viral reflects the significant responsibility that the art platform holds in continuing its support for galleries, especially amid the ongoing trying times.

“The highly-focused September and October editions of the Online Viewing Rooms (OVR) are an opportunity for us to keep this platform evolving and provide our galleries with additional opportunities in this highly dynamic moment,”
– Marc Spigler, Art Basel global director

The virtual viewing rooms intends to bring together its global network of collectors and exhibitors in an effort to inspire and extend the support of art enthusiasts and collectors. Both online exhibitions will tightly focus on thematic concepts over four days each, firstly featuring artworks created this year at the OVR:2020 from September 23 to 26 and again at the OVR:20c, where artworks tracing back to the early 20th century between 1900 and 1999 will be featured on October 28 to 31.

Wentrup (image: courtesy of Art Basel)

Both online viewing rooms will showcase six works at a time by no more than 100 exhibitors. The new live-chat feature will enable viewers to pose questions and enquiries about artworks to galleries directly, enabling a seamless experience for virtual visitors to engage with the exhibitors. The first 48 hours of each virtual exhibition will be exclusive to Art Basel’s VIP guests.