The show is aimed at addressing the need to present a more comprehensive group of works by a single or small number of emerging artists, rather than the regular selections of mixed dealer stock.
In its second incarnation, Thirty three international galleries show cased high quality projects in well constructed spaces with a clear and specific focus.
The visitors and collectors were very enthusiastic about the fair and most of the dealers made very good sales, not only to collectors but also to important art institutions from all over the world.
Important changes and improvements to next year's project are already afoot.
The selection and appointment of well respected PR for the 2010 has become essential and the working group planning next years event are already interviewing potential candidates who understand and have experience of the art world in the particular context of international marketplace.
A Shuttle service taking visitors from the Messeplatz directly to the event will, we think also be a big improvement, making the project very accessible a wider audience in a journey of no longer than 10 minutes.
A wider group of consultants and dealers are beginning to plan the project for forty five galleries to participate next year. It is the plan to having the group together very soon as the PR has to start right after the summer break.
We think will produce an exciting and vibrant event, professionally run with the emphasis placed firmly upon the art and the artists.
Some quotes:
The Solo Project in Basel was the only fair I visited twice this year. I very much liked its clear and uncluttered layout, and the fair’s formula that restricts each participating gallery to a maximum of two artists makes for a very enjoyable and relaxing visit.”
Ben Janssens, London
Chairman of the Tefaf Maastricht Executive Commitee
The Solo Project was a fantastic platform for the two artists we exhibited because their respective solo shows contextualised their studio practice so well and gave some pretty comprehensive insights into their most recent thoughts and developments. It didn’t feel as though we were in a booth at an art fair; there were just lots of very well curated exhibitions, in a great space and with all the accompanying discussions and debate I would expect at a gallery show back in London, including published critical texts. The quality was extremely high.
Della Gooden
VINEspace/GOODEN GALLERY
London
The Solo Project, established two years ago, compliments in every way the existing traditional art fairs in Basel. On the one hand the visitors can enjoy the benefit of a most interesting exhibition, on the other hand the concept offers the possibility for gallery owners to focus their presentation efficiently on single artistic positions. The Solo Project seems to attract a growing expert audience, such as curators, collectors, gallery owners and museum directors.
We have been well able to establish and strengthen useful contacts. The gallery has been commercially succesful, as well.
Rüdiger Voss
Galerie Voss, Düsseldorf
