Spotlight on the Art Genève show

Geneva show –

Spotlight on Art Geneva

A week before the opening of the show, Charlotte Diwan, its young director, confides.

BotTalk

In January 2024, you had just taken up your duties at the show. How is the 2025 edition different?

Last year, I committed myself to continuity and ensured the sustainability of the show. But my project only really took shape this year. And this, even if we are always part of continuity. I have the feeling that a new page is being turned and that many new things are coming.

Let’s talk about what’s new. What are they?

We already have a new visual identity. The whole is more structured, more modern and reflects originality as well as professionalism and excellence. These are values ​​dear to the show. What we want above all is to represent the plurality and diversity of the art world. This edition particularly promotes Swiss galleries and institutions because our country is a very rich breeding ground. Art Genève is an international fair with strong national roots.

The Solo section is a real success. Why, in your opinion?

Solo stands have always existed but as an additional option to a main space. In 2024, we offered galleries the possibility of exhibiting only on a 20 m² stand with a single artist, without having another location. This approach was very popular, particularly with young galleries. As for the artists exhibited, they are as much emerging talents as historical visual artists. Participation in the Solo section costs less and is a way for galleries to test the show. Note also that the Solo Art Genève – FPJourne Prize is awarded to an artist from the section on Wednesday January 29.

This year, Nicolas Trembley curated the Made-to-Measure section for its second edition, which revolves around food. Tell us more.

Sur-Mesure offers dealers the opportunity to exhibit works in unique formats or dimensions. Unlike other shows, this section is curated and themed. This year, on each side of a huge hexagon, six video works will be projected in a loop around the theme of food.

Art Geneva and music is another section showing how the fair is multidisciplinary. How is it deployed?

In 2025, this part will take place at the Grand Théâtre de Genève around a concert open to the public on Saturday 1^is FEBRUARY. We were interested in the famous wolf tonesthis musical phenomenon called “wolf” – an acoustic parasite present on certain stringed instruments. The two big stars in the field, Olaf Nicolai and Charlemagne Palestine, will offer a unique performance with the OSR.

A few days before the opening of the show, what is the biggest challenge?

Assembly began a week ago, the walls are assembled. Now we are waiting for the exhibitors. It’s always a pretty stressful moment because you have to hope that the structure corresponds to what they asked for. We have 102 stands in total. It’s not nothing!

If the visitor had to remember only one element, what do you think it would be?

He should leave with a work because there really is something for all tastes and budgets! I believe that this is one of our great strengths: showing the diversity of art. Besides, I’m also taking this opportunity to add another novelty in this direction. Namely, visits themed around children or understanding the art market, often perceived as very opaque.

Art Geneva: from January 30 to February 2, 2025. Palexpo, Geneva. 20 francs entry, 10 francs guided tours. www.artgeneve.ch