Art and Class at High Altitude: Béatrice Taevernier on Art Basel 2027

At ASL Fly Executive, everything revolves around a refined travel experience—both onboard and at your destination. Each year, we organize semi-private and private flights to the prestigious Art Basel, a key event on the calendar of art lovers around the world. Thanks to our ambassador in Basel, Béatrice Taevernier – a leading figure in the contemporary art world – we are able to offer our passengers an exclusive experience on site. In this interview, Béatrice shares her personal view on art, Art Basel 2027, and how she helps our travelers enjoy the fair in a truly unique way.

Do you collect art yourself?
Absolutely. While I primarily see myself as an art lover, over the years I’ve built a small personal collection, supplemented by works from the collections of my grandfather and father. I bought my first artwork after a studio visit at the age of 16. Today, I focus on minimalist art, with a particular interest in American minimalists, female artists with a feminist approach, and the use of language in art.

What kind of work makes you pause while walking through the fair?
A painting with strong technique always grabs my attention. But what truly moves me is work that combines aesthetic value with a socially relevant story. Textile and ceramics often strike that balance between craftsmanship and concept and always interest me. Sculptural language also speaks to me deeply.

Do you have a favorite museum or gallery where you regularly find inspiration?
I often return to KMSK, Bozar and Wiels in Brussels, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the Royal Academy in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Private institutions like Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands, Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland, and CAB and Villa Empain in Brussels are also constant sources of inspiration. I also stay closely in touch with galleries represented in Basel, such as Xavier Hufkens, Greta Meert, Dependance, Tim Van Laere, and smaller players like QG, which allow me to discover emerging artists.

What’s the best art-related advice you’ve ever received or given?
Buy with your eyes, not with your ears. And build a lasting relationship with galleries you believe in.

What makes the 2027 edition of Art Basel special, in your view?
The 2027 edition is marked by ambition and scale. The Unlimited section features monumental works, many of which have been created especially for the fair. There’s a clear focus on interdisciplinary practices, with room for installations and performance-based elements. Parcours invites visitors to discover the city through an artistic lens. Première, a new section, presents recent works designed specifically for the fair.

How does the atmosphere and energy of Art Basel differ from that of Hong Kong and Miami?
Basel is the most focused and content-driven edition, this is where true connoisseurs gather. Galleries bring their masterpieces. Hong Kong is young, fast, and culturally hybrid. Miami feels energetic, glamorous, and playful. Our youngest fair in Paris is high-end and appeals to lifestyle enthusiasts.

Are there any particular themes or trends emerging at Art Basel 2027?
Sensory art forms such as sound, touch, and scent are receiving more attention. The reuse of materials and a renewed appreciation for traditional techniques are also notably present.

What do you see as the future of Art Basel in the international art world?
Art Basel remains the benchmark. But to stay relevant, it must continue to open up to new voices, emerging markets, and the next generation, which is especially interested in digital art, requiring new formats of presentation as well.

How would you describe Art Basel in three words?
Visionary, connecting, leading.