Art Basel veteran Galerie Nordenhake celebrates 50th birthday
The Art Basel regular Claes Nordenhake is marking a significant milestone: 50 years in business. Since 1978, his gallery has been a fixture at the renowned art fair, and it now boasts locations in Berlin, Stockholm, and Mexico City. To commemorate this special occasion, the gallery is showcasing the 1954 work 'Davi' by Olle Baertling, the very first artist they ever represented.
When asked about the evolution of the fair, Nordenhake reflects on Art Basel's enduring role as a pivotal gathering place for collectors, both established and emerging. He emphasizes, "Art Basel has maintained its spot as the most important meeting place to reach collectors, both old and new."
In offering advice to new gallerists, Nordenhake encourages them to "define a realm where your particular interest lies and stick to that." He believes that while this approach may result in a smaller collector base, it will ultimately "honour your beliefs and gain credibility."
Looking ahead, Nordenhake is set to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Márcia Fortes of Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel and Karen Jenkins-Johnson of Jenkins Johnson Gallery. The discussion, moderated by The Art Newspaper’s podcast host, Ben Luke, will delve into the strategies that enable businesses to not only survive but also thrive in the art world. This event is scheduled to take place at 11:30 am in the Event Halle Basel, Messeplatz.
Nordenhake's journey and insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the art world's dynamics, highlighting the importance of specialization and the enduring value of Art Basel as a platform for art professionals.
