Why Art Matters Today: Reflections from Art Basel Paris 2024
I just got back from an unforgettable week at Art Basel Paris, and I have to say—there’s something about this trip that reignited my belief in the power of art. From catching up with friends to seeing incredible artwork, this experience reminded me why art is so essential, not just for us as artists, but for the world at large.
One of the highlights of my trip was hanging out with my good friend Tania Marmolejo, who was live painting at Galerie Zberro. Watching her bring those emotional faces to life on canvas was a beautiful reminder of how art can connect us beyond words. I also had the pleasure of meeting Sonia Borrell, a collector and curator who has such a powerful vision for supporting living artists. Her energy lit up the room, and I’m so excited to have her on an upcoming episode of the podcast—stay tuned for that!
I recorded a podcast episode sharing my experience—tune in here or find it on iTunes, Spotify, and more!
Tania Marmolejo live painting
Ekaterina Popova, Sonia Borrell, and Gita Joshi with Sonia’s new book Art in Real-Time: Collecting Tomorrow's Masters
Tania Marmolejo at Galerie Zberro and on the cover of Create! Magazine Issue #47
But let’s talk about the art. The Grand Palais was buzzing with excitement, and while the massive, epic works from big-name galleries were impressive, what really stole my heart were the smaller, more intimate pieces. Artists like Gideon Rubin showcased cinematic little paintings that gave me space to breathe amidst all the grandeur. These works reminded me that art doesn’t need to be loud to make an impact—sometimes it’s the quieter pieces that speak the loudest.
Beyond the main fair, I also explored pop-up galleries scattered around Paris. These smaller shows were a refreshing contrast to the large-scale fair. It felt more personal, and I loved having real conversations with gallery owners and curators. These moments reminded me that art is about connection—beyond borders, beyond language, beyond career levels.
One of the most thought-provoking parts of the trip was attending a panel on curation in the digital age at the Picasso Museum. The discussion touched on everything from NFTs to AI and how technology is reshaping the art world. While there’s a lot to unpack here, one takeaway that stuck with me is the idea that no matter how advanced technology gets, it can never replace the human gaze. We, as artists and creators, bring something to the table that machines simply can’t—our emotions, our experiences, our desire.
At the end of the day, this trip wasn’t just about seeing beautiful art. It was a reminder that art is about so much more than just aesthetics. Art is a way for us to step out of survival mode and into something more—something abundant, beautiful, and deeply human. It’s how we connect, how we express ourselves, and how we find community in an often chaotic world.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Art matters, now more than ever. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who just loves looking at beautiful things, we all have a role to play in supporting and championing art. Let’s keep creating, keep supporting, and keep sharing our work—because the world needs it.
If you want to dive deeper into my Art Basel Paris experience, check out my latest podcast episode where I talk about the highlights, the people I met, and why this trip was so meaningful. And if you’re an artist, don’t forget—we have an open call for Issue #50 of Create! Magazine, and we’d love to see your work!
Let’s keep this conversation going—how has art been showing up for you lately? What work has been inspiring you? Drop me a comment on Instagram, and let’s chat about it!