Sales very close to pre-recession totals

The fair drew the major collectors, its quota of celebrities and plenty of students. But the feel was calm, not frenzied

More officials than collectors?

Leaving the house has never seemed more unnecessary

Art Basel '10 fair report

The art fair kicked off at Acqua with Faith's performance alongside friend and collaborator Josh Weller

A complementary relationship is far more likely…

High priced male artists such as Warhol and Picasso dominate the stands

Blue-chip dealers have been using Basel as an opportunity to build the potential stars of the future

There were still surprises in store

Art Basel '10 fair report

High priced male artists such as Warhol and Picasso dominate the stands

Visitors' first impressions may have been hindered by the rainy conditions

“Here’s this unbelievable stage... why make it just about money?”

A second opportunity to buy

Dealers cite the design section's new position as the reason for this year's exceptional sales, in proximity to contemporary art dealers

Art and antiques fair builds on last year’s success of attracting high-spending collectors with a new section devoted to works on paper

A new layout might have left collectors feeling bemused but, in the mid-range at least, they were prepared to buy

Fair director insists that there are still shortcomings to be addressed after discussions with dealers

Stockpiled works in large spaces is a risk too far for some

As stands teem with the wooded and leafy, dealers try to explain the trend at this year's fair

A major redesign has increased the space substantially and produced a radically different layout

A loss of 60 galleries does not seem to have affected morale as the fair returns with redesigned space and more dealers

Among other advice, he suggests to buy what you like and that the affordable stuff is tucked round the back

Buyers eschew risk-taking to pursue the commercial, while Design Miami/Basel benefits from a new location

Constructed for a theatrical setting, this event makes space and time its materials

Representatives of the Seoul Design Foundation have contacted founder Craig Robins requesting his presence in Korea

Shirazeh Houshiary on identity, spirituality and the excess of gimmicks in contemporary art

Organisers have transferred the atmosphere of Miami to Basel with the addition of a pool alongside the bar

Dutch school of design is in the ascendant as the fair commences off Messeplatz