Art Basel Paris opened its VIP preview on Wednesday, following a new invite-only preview called Avant Première on Tuesday. Major galleries reported strong sales, including Hauser & Wirth's $23 million Gerhard Richter abstract, the highest reported sale at the fair. Other notable sales included Julie Mehretu's $11.5 million painting at White Cube, a $4.7 million Bruce Nauman neon at Hauser & Wirth, and a $2.5 million Marlene Dumas painting at David Zwirner. Dealers noted that the staggered two-day opening helped spread out crowds and allowed collectors to return for the official VIP day, with many describing the fair as the most successful edition in Paris to date.
This edition of Art Basel Paris is seen as crucial for the Paris art market, reflecting a shift toward a more balanced, less speculative moment in the market. The strong sales across blue-chip galleries and the introduction of the Avant Première preview signal an effort to cater to top collectors while managing the pace of the fair. The event underscores Paris's growing importance as a global art hub, with galleries reporting sales to both museums and private collections, and prices indicating sustained demand for major contemporary and post-war works.