Art Basel has appointed Ruba Katrib, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at MoMA PS1, as the curator for the Unlimited sector at its 2026 Swiss edition. Katrib succeeds Giovanni Carmine, who held the role since 2021. Known for championing emerging and cult artists like Jumana Manna and Rirkrit Tiravanija, Katrib has shaped MoMA PS1's curatorial direction for eight years, with prior experience at SculptureCenter and SITE Santa Fe's biennial. Unlimited is a platform for large-scale works beyond traditional booths, and Katrib will oversee installations, sculptures, and ambitious new projects. Art Basel 2026 runs June 18-21 at Messe Basel, with preview days June 16-17.
This appointment signals a shift in the art fair's curatorial outlook, as noted by Art Basel's Chief Artistic Officer Vincenzo de Bellis. Katrib's track record of elevating overlooked artists and her intellectual rigor bring fresh perspectives to Unlimited, potentially reshaping how audiences engage with large-scale contemporary art. Her selection underscores the growing influence of institutional curators in shaping commercial fair sectors, bridging museum rigor with market dynamics.