Now entering its fourth edition, the Basel Social Club, taking place from June 15 to 21, 2025, presents a vibrant alternative to the traditional art fair experience during Art Basel week. Renowned for its unique blend of art, social interaction, and entertainment, this event is free of charge and welcomes all to join.
This year, the venue is a beautifully restored former private bank located in the heart of Basel. Steeped in history, its origins date back to Celtic times, boasting a rich legacy of private banking that extends into the 18th century. For the first time, this expansive 3,000-square-foot space, featuring over 70 unique rooms, will open its doors to the public, allowing visitors to explore its intricate architecture as a canvas for contemporary art.
In a compelling exploration of the conceptual and tangible dimensions of this newly activated site, PİLEVNELİ showcases two remarkable pieces by Ryan Gander that engage deeply with the historical and symbolic connotations of the venue. Gander’s work examines the poetics of objects and the unseen dynamics that shape perception, aligning with a venue once defined by secrecy, value, and exclusion, while presenting objects that challenge clarity and resolution.
One notable piece, “A toppled Adirondack chair after a snowfall” (2022), serves as a poignant exploration of displacement and the enduring impact of unseen forces. Crafted entirely from delicate glass, the chair evolves into a silent monument to disruption. The fused glass frit emulates freshly fallen snow, capturing a moment of tranquil disarray. Once a symbol of comfort and stability, the overturned structure now introduces a disturbance steeped in ambiguity, provoking questions about authorship and intention: Was the chair displaced by natural elements, or is it an echo of a silent, intentional act? In a space shaped by shifting values, this artwork hints at the fragile boundaries between presence and absence, as well as between inner and outer worlds.
The second installation, “I be... (lxiii)” (2025), showcases a mirror, typically a space for introspection, obscured beneath a draped cloth, which is not merely temporary but eternally fashioned from cold marble. Rather than safeguarding, the marble obstructs and negates the mirror’s purpose. The act of gazing is postponed indefinitely. This encapsulation implies a fusion of preservation, negligence, and denial. The now inaccessible mirror serves as a striking metaphor for care while simultaneously acting as a formidable barrier, urging the viewer to consider what remains concealed or suspended between narratives. Positioned within a structure that embodies the contrast of exposure and seclusion, this object withholds meaning clearly, hovering between the past and future.
Gander’s involvement in the Basel Social Club 2025 enriches discussions around objects in transitional phases—oscillating between usability and obsolescence, familiarity and alienation. Instead of providing straightforward resolutions, his works encourage visitors to contemplate the concealed, the fluid, and the narratives that remain untold within objects.
This year’s curatorial selection thoughtfully engages with the building’s rich history, exploring themes such as value, currency, secrecy, and social inequality. Distinct themed rooms throughout the venue—a piano bar, cigar lounge, chess room, watch corridor, and children’s library—create an immersive atmosphere where the concepts of time, strategy, luxury, and play intertwine seamlessly. The Basel Social Club’s innovative format continuously connects the art world with everyday life, creating a unique space for exploration, contemplation, and interaction. Visitors can participate in a wide range of programs, including performances, screenings, gourmet dining experiences, and musical events, all of which enhance the exhibition’s multifaceted experience.
For more details, please visit the official Basel Social Club's website.
