The State of Contemporary Art: Highlights and Observations from Art Basel Paris 2025

The scene at Art Basel Paris 2025. Sara Barth/Courtesy of Art Basel Paris

We want to begin by acknowledging all the galleries that participated in Art Basel Paris. Supporting artists and sharing their vision with the world is no small task, and for that, congratulations. At its best, art reveals truth. It challenges, comforts, and inspires all who experience it. We also want to commend Art Basel Paris for implementing a new initiative that offers emerging galleries reduced participation fees. This thoughtful decision not only highlights the value of collective progress but also reinforces how accessibility remains the first step toward meaningful growth.

Courtesy of The New York Times

With that said, Art Basel Paris this year felt… underwhelming, to be honest. And it wasn’t just the fair itself — the art world as a whole seems fatigued, a bit too rehearsed. Selfless Art Gallery has attended several fairs recently, and too often they feel the same: navigating through a lot of “okay” art to find the truly exceptional pieces, which are, quite honestly, few and far between. Somewhere along the way, the line between innovation, daring, and boldness has blurred with what is merely mediocre or minimal. Perhaps this helps explain why the art market is experiencing a downturn—or a shift, depending on who you ask. The monotony of the industry, the repetition of similar works, and pieces that strive for depth but ultimately disconnect all contribute to this change.

Art should reflect craftsmanship — a true command of form, material, and intent (personal opinion here). True artistry lies in the depth of skill and intention, not in spectacle. Where did we go wrong? Was it when we decided to push back on the standards implemented by the Salon in the 1860s? No... this period was revolutionary for art. Maybe it was when fill in the blank taped a banana to a wall at Art Basel Miami and declared it art. Eh, maybe it’s irrelevant. The moral of the story is this: the art world needs to remember what it stands for and who it’s supposed to move. It’s time to return to authenticity, craft, and meaning that stir emotion—not just fill space.

Highlighted Works and Artists

ORIGINAL SIN, 2025, Presented by Landau Fine Art at Art Basel Paris

Despite these broader observations, there were works and artists at the fair that captured attention and inspired reflection, exemplifying the craft, thoughtfulness, and courage that make art meaningful.

One work that immediately stood out was by Xenia Hausner, a Vienna- and Berlin-based artist whose work was presented by Landau Fine Art Gallery, which also showcased pieces by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Hausner’s painting explores the fragments of life without offering a clear answer, carrying a message that is intentionally equivocal — “life, after all, is never black and white.” The calm, soothing color palette, expressive brushwork, and intimate self-portraiture create a moment of pause, drawing viewers in and inviting personal reflection. Her work exemplifies skill, patience, and intention, qualities that Selfless Art Gallery celebrates and admires in artists.

The Relentless Pursuit [2025], Oil on canvas 56 x 72

Another artist of note is Jordan Casteel - Her portraits, inspired by urban city life, feel like celebrations of everyday human existence. Through color, scale, and composition, Casteel captures moments of quiet dignity and joy, reminding viewers that beauty exists not only in grand gestures but also in the simple, overlooked moments of daily life. Her paintings exude empathy, presence, and deep respect for her subjects.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the art world thrives when authenticity, craft, and bold ideas are celebrated. By supporting artists who push boundaries and create with intention, we can ensure that art continues to challenge, inspire, and connect us all. Moments like these remind us why spaces with purpose are needed more than ever. Selfless Art Gallery vows to be that space — to highlight artists who bring substance, thought, and emotional integrity back into the conversation. Its mission is to celebrate the process, the courage, and the quiet power behind every work that reminds us why art matters.

In the end, the art world doesn’t need more spectacle — it needs sincerity.

References

Courtesy of xenia hausner,and Jordan Casteel