Welcome to Wet Paint in the Wild, the freewheeling—and free!—spinoff of Artnet News Pro’s beloved Wet Paint gossip column, where we give art-world insiders a disposable camera to chronicle their lives on the circuit. To read the latest Wet Paint column, click here (members only).
So maybe it’s been a few weeks since the festivities in Europe really kicked off earlier this summer, but hey, this is a column dedicated to analogue photographs, and those take a while to develop. While we’re here in the doldrums of summer, let’s take a trip back to Rome and Switzerland, where gallerist Polina Berlin traveled to put eyes on Amanita’s show of artwork by Rita Ackermann at Cy Twombly’s former retreat Fondazione Iris, and then over to Zürich and Basel for Zürich Art Weekend, and of course, the namesake fair. Take it away, Polina!
– Annie Armstrong
Send off from artists and besties Tamo Jugeli and Carrie Rudd. We talk shop before I head to the airport.
In the Etruscan city of Bassano in Teverina for Rita Ackerman’s opening at the Fondazione Iris. This was once Cy Twombly’s studio and residence outside of Rome. His spirit is very much alive here and it’s pure magic.
I’m kvelling: Rita’s painting with Cy’s chair.
This show was organized by some of my favorite humans at Amanita and the opening is lovely. Marika Thunder, Giangiacomo Rossetti and Jacob Hyman.
Jet lagged but happy. Vibes in the outdoor courtyard were *chef’s kiss*
This room is especially dreamy.
Italy is for me. Antonio Celsi, Pietro Castellitto, Edoardo Marabini and Marco Scarpi.
Late night dancing and late night pasta: a winning combination.
Off to Zurich for gallery weekend. Please enjoy this view of the majestic Zürisee.
The scale of the Calder mobile at Kunsthaus Zürich always makes me feel some kind of way.
Also this Giacometti.
Tea at Kronenhalle with PR extraordinaire Sophie Gubernick. Please note the Giacometti lamp behind me. Sigh.
After a very questionable decision to jump into the (absolutely freezing) lake, I barely make it to the opening of Basel Unlimited. This Christo was a highlight.
Run in with Mr. Art Basel himself – Noah Horowitz with Donna Di Salvo.
Next stop: Liste. Here’s rising star Nana Wolke with her work at the fair.
Matta boys Pier Francesco Petracchi and Giulio Rampoldi do Basel Social Club. Looking forward to the New York show they have cooking for October.
I may have full blown pneumonia at this point but I wouldn’t miss a night of late night deal making and antics at Les Trois Rois. Talal Alibama, Sophie Gubernick and Jacob Hyman.
Basel Tov! It’s fair day and I’ve lost my voice. This monumental Michael Heizer sculpture was a highlight for me. If you squint you can see the impeccably dressed Steve Henry manning the stand at Paula Cooper.
Cady Noland and Alex Katz on Gladstone’s tasteful stand.
Mandatory dinner at Chez Donati with Anais Ferrier, Sarah Calodney, and Anneli Botz for a full download of the hot goss.
Karma gang celebrating a successful opening day – Siniša Mačković, Anna Blum, Brendan Dugan and Clémence White.
Back at Kings (duh). Chloe Wise holding court on the outdoor terrace.
Final night cap with babez Anneli Botz, Cecile Winckler, and Sam Ozer.
Ciao Basel! My gallery awaits. See you all in the cue at the Messeplatz next year!
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