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Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Music Frame WICKED Edition, a customizable wireless speaker designed to seamlessly blend into any environment and enhance the home entertainment experience. This new edition, created in partnership with Universal Pictures’ spectacular film adaptation of the iconic stage musical (in cinemas November 22), brings a unique combination of art and technology to offer consumers a personalized and immersive audio experience.
 
“We created the Music Frame to give users a way to enjoy great quality music while making a style statement that enables them to truly make the technology their own,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Music Frame WICKED Edition is a unique way to celebrate a landmark cinematic release by combining stunning sound with an engaging backstory.”
 
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, starring Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
 
 
Unlocking the Music Within Homes With “Wicked”
In collaboration with Wicked, the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers a unique combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This edition includes a Wicked edition Photo Frame with three photo cards featuring autographs and images of the film’s beloved characters, including one exclusive picture only available with the Samsung Music Frame WICKED Edition.
 

 
Further enhancing the experience, the WICKED Edition comes with a specially designed limited edition Wicked-themed bezel and customized Wicked-themed packaging, adding an extra touch of excitement and making the unboxing experience truly enchanting.
 
The Music Frame also comes fully customizable, allowing users to effortlessly match their home decor with photo frames and optional art panels. The sleek and slim design, combined with a discreet wall-mount bracket and slim power cable, ensures the Music Frame blends seamlessly into any environment.
 

Elevating Homes With Immersive Sound and Smart Features
With its rich, immersive sound, the Music Frame WICKED Edition enables users to transform their living space into a surround sound haven. Equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, it creates a multidimensional audio experience that brings every note and sound to life. The Music Frame can also work closely with other compatible Samsung screens and soundbars using the Q-Symphony feature, which offers a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience.
 
Boasting two-channel 120W sound quality, the Music Frame WICKED Edition incorporates clear and powerful sound via SpaceFit Sound Pro for optimized audio based on the acoustics of a given room, as well as Adaptive Sound that adjusts audio settings based on content to deliver premium audio performance. These features ensure that the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers exceptional sound quality and versatility, making it a perfect addition to any home.
 
The built-in Alexa and Chromecast offer easy smart home integration with supported devices, while Airplay and Tap Sound provide seamless connectivity with Android and iOS devices. Versatile connectivity options — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Optical — ensure the device meets all audio needs.
 
Available in North America starting from the end of October 2024, with a subsequent rollout to other regions, the Music Frame WICKED Edition will be sold through Samsung’s official online store and select retail locations. For more information, visit Samsung.com.
 
 
About Universal Pictures’ Wicked
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
 
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
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Samsung Art Store is a subscription service that enables owners of The Frame to continuously transform any space with over 2,500 pieces of digital art, including works from the most renowned artists, museums and industry tastemakers. It brings the experience of an art gallery directly into the home in a 4K frame that is a TV when on, and an art display when it’s off.
 
Samsung Art Store is designed to effortlessly accentuate home décor, serving as a premium versatile art display. Users can transform their private spaces to reflect changing styles, displaying from renowned classic masterpieces, remarkable contemporary artworks to professionally curated collections selected by the Samsung Art Store curator to match any aesthetic.
 
See how Samsung Art Store gives the ease and flexibility to enhance any space for every occasion in the infographic below.
 

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There are no clear answers when appreciating art. Each piece will evoke distinct emotions and elicit different reactions. However, context on the artist or artwork’s inspiration can heighten understanding — so people can admire art on a whole new level.
 
▲ Since 2021, Samsung Newsroom interviewed 35 artists and organizations that partnered with Samsung Art Store
 
Samsung’s art subscription service has brought once distant and inaccessible art into the comfort and intimacy of the home via the company’s lifestyle TV, The Frame. Samsung Art Store has been acclaimed for creating a new paradigm in art consumption by overcoming the physical constraints of traditional art exhibitions and transforming living spaces into galleries.
 
Subscribers have access to over 2,500 works of art presented in 4K resolution, ranging from photographs and illustrations to masterpieces from prestigious galleries and museums.
 
Beginning in 2021, Samsung Newsroom illuminated the stories behind these works of art through interviews with artists and representatives from partnering art organizations. This initiative aimed to enhance the art-viewing experience by conveying each artist’s methods and motivations. Samsung Newsroom revisited the past three years with Samsung Art Store, a digital curator enriching daily life with art.
 
 
35 Samsung Art Store Partners and 35 Distinct Perspectives
Samsung Newsroom interviewed a total of 35 Samsung Art Store artists. From the 2,500 pieces of art available, collections were created based on seasons or collaboration milestones. Artists and partnership representatives were then selected for interviews with these themed curations in mind.
 
The interviews offered Samsung Art Store subscribers a deeper understanding of the art by providing otherwise rarely accessible details about each artist’s life and values. Saya Woolfalk is one artist whose personal story shapes her creativity.
 
▲ (From left) Saya Woolfalk and “Sassafras” (2021)
 
Woolfalk utilizes various mediums including textiles and a combination of traditional print methods and digital print processes. In her interview, she discussed how her unique upbringing significantly shaped her creative world. Born and raised in New York, Woolfalk shared stories of spending summers with her maternal grandmother in Gifu, Japan. Some of her textile collages were inspired by these experiences.
 
▲ (From left) Serge Hamad and “Beach #4” (2011)
 
Serge Hamad, the most recent interviewee, is another artist whose upbringing is vividly reflected in his work. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast where he was born and raised, the “Relax” series marked his debut in fine art photography. In his interview, Hamad discussed how his multicultural North African and Western background influences his artistic vision.
 
▲ (From left) Natasha Durley and “As Mad as a March Hare” (2021)
 
The interviews have also introduced lesser-known artists. Natasha Durley creates vibrant, colorful illustrations inspired by her passion for animals and nature. She even follows biologists on social media for inspiration. In her interview, she revealed that she used to work at a call center before pursuing her dream of becoming an artist.
 
Durley shared that a portion of the proceeds from the collaboration benefits a biodiversity creation non-profit — highlighting Samsung Art Store’s positive impact on the broader ecosystem.
 
 
A Digital Curator Connecting Artists and Audiences Around the World
Samsung Art Store is building an extensive global portfolio of masterpieces that includes artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and artwork spanning various styles. By interviewing partnership representatives from esteemed museums and galleries worldwide, Samsung Newsroom offered Samsung Art Store subscribers behind-the-scenes stories of renowned pieces and tips for deeper appreciation.
 
▲ “Circus Sideshow (Parade de Cirque)” (1878-88) by Georges Seurat from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 
Viewing historical paintings in digital forms can offer fresh perspectives. Stephen Mannello, Head of Retail and Licensing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), recommended Georges Seurat’s “Circus Sideshow” as a particularly engaging piece to display on The Frame. Other beloved works from The Met’s collection include pieces by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, conveying the timeless impact of art across different eras and spaces.
 
▲ “Sunflowers” (1889) by Vincent van Gogh from the Van Gogh Museum
 
Modern art is characterized by artists’ innovative expressions and interpretations that redefine the art world to encompass a spectrum of art styles spanning different eras and fields. Samsung Newsroom showcased some of the best modern and contemporary artists transcending both time and form — from Vincent van Gogh, who heralded the beginning of modern art, to Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic, who is recognized across various mediums including fashion, film and live art performances.
 
▲ “VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII” (2022) by Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
 
Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic is a prominent multidisciplinary artist renowned for his striking and emotive works, with works exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the White House. In his interview last year, he explained his signature ethereal ink painting technique and his representative work, “VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII.” In addition, Mestrovic recommended his favorite pieces available on Samsung Art Store for those who are unfamiliar with modern art.
 
To broaden the artistic horizons of Samsung Art Store subscribers, Samsung Newsroom introduced a diverse range of photographic artworks — from black-and-white photos to unconventionally angled aerial shots — along with stories from the artists about how they were created.
 
▲ “Vortex” (2009) by Wolf Ademeit
 
Wolf Ademeit, a photographer known for his black-and-white wildlife photographs, highlighted the significant role that luck plays in animal photography during his interview. To capture “Vortex,” he repeatedly visited the zoo for months until the zebra posed perfectly for the shot. Such anecdotes allowed Samsung Art Store subscribers to gain a deeper appreciation for the value and effort embedded in Ademeit’s work.
 
▲ “Red Dunes” (2021) by Palani Mohan
 
Palani Mohan offered a glimpse into the impact of the pandemic during his interview. Spending half of the year on the road capturing various landscapes, he gained a new perspective of Hong Kong and the local environment. Through his representative work “Red Dunes,” Mohan displayed his passion for vibrant colors and photography.
 
▲ “Playa Shoreline” (2015) by Tommy Clarke
 
Tommy Clarke, a world-renowned aerial photographer, underscored the significance of angles in photography during his interview — showcasing fresh perspectives and compositions captured from a helicopter.
 
Artists and representatives praised Samsung Art Store’s strength in overcoming physical constraints. The platform allows subscribers to easily access art from distant continents that might otherwise remain inaccessible while helping artists expand their reach and explore new opportunities.
 
▲ “She Snap” by Manzi Leon
 
The interview with African art organization Artlife Matters introduced previously unfamiliar African art to Samsung Art Store subscribers. Notably, “She Snap” by Manzi Leon expressed the thoughts and feelings of women within his community — sparking imaginations and deepening engagement with the piece.
 
▲ “Axon” (2018) by Logan Hicks
 
Logan Hicks, Samsung Art Store’s first contemporary artist, gained significant attention in his interview. Residing in New York City, he uses multiple layers of stencils to blend urban aesthetics with extreme precision and detail. His work resonates with those nostalgic for New York or wishing to experience the city’s streets for themselves. The collaboration between Hicks and Samsung Art Store is an unprecedented example of overcoming the physical limitations of art appreciation, bringing street art into the homes of subscribers.
 
 
Expanding Art’s Reach With Samsung Art Store
Art continues to transcend physical boundaries to reach a wider global audience — and Samsung Art Store is expanding public access to art by providing a new platform for exhibiting pieces. By using technology to lower the barriers to art appreciation, Samsung will continue to inspire Samsung Art Store subscribers and art enthusiasts everywhere through collaborations and stories.
 
Explore past interviews in the link below. (Note: Some partnerships may have expired. Please check on Samsung Art Store to see latest list of offerings.)
 

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“Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood, looking at reflections on the water and the way the horizon keeps changing”
— Serge Hamad, photographer
 
Serge Hamad is a visual storyteller whose multifaceted talents as a journalist, photographer and artist have informed the rich tapestry of his work. Having documented sociopolitical issues in war zones earlier in his career as a journalist, he now captures calm and serene seaside images as a photographer. Hamad’s work, including the highly acclaimed “Relax” series, captures tranquility in his signature style and also supports human rights groups with its impact.
 
Born in the Mediterranean, Hamad has been profoundly influenced by his lifelong fascination with the sea. His photography, characterized by comforting and reflective qualities, has gained widespread recognition from global audiences. Since joining Samsung Art Store in 2020, his work has gained an even wider following as people have interacted with his art in new ways.
 
This June, Samsung Art Store added two more of his notable pieces — “Beach #61” in the “Colors of Pride” collection and “Beach #64” in “Hello Summer.”
 
In an interview with Samsung Newsroom, Hamad shared his creative process and how his background and life experiences shape his art, as well as the profound impact his evocative images have had on viewers.
 
▲ Serge Hamad
 
 
An Artist’s Journey
Q: Please describe your journey into the world of visual arts. What inspired you to move in that direction?
 
Earlier in my career, I used photography and videography to document various sociopolitical issues as a war zone journalist. In 2011, I decided to shift my focus to capturing more sincere and lighthearted scenes with my lens.
 
With the “Relax” series,1 my first body of work in fine art, I wanted to share peaceful and placid images with human rights organizations and support them with the proceeds. The public response well surpassed my expectations, so I decided to continue on this path.
 
Q: Your “Relax” series is well known. What inspired you to shoot a series on the beach?
 
I was born on the Mediterranean coast, and the sea has always fascinated me. Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood. I used to love looking at reflections on the water and the way the horizon kept changing.
 
My multicultural background, being half North African and half Westerner, has profoundly influenced my artistic vision and the themes I explore in my work. This unique blend of cultures allows me to draw from a rich tapestry of traditions and aesthetics, especially when it comes to colors. It has given me a broader perspective, enabling me to see and interpret the world through diverse lenses.
 
Q: How do you make your beach photography so engaging?
 
When it comes to capturing an engaging image, planning and timing are crucial. Planning is more than just checking the weather before a shoot — it’s also about selecting the right filming location. For example, I would go to a beach near a marina if I want a shot of a boat on the horizon. To capture a pelican diving into the sea, I would pick a specific beach and go there an hour before sunset. The rest of the atmosphere depends on human interactions with natural elements.
 
Q: Why does the beach hold so much significance for you?
 
Consistency is my top priority when developing a collection. I started the “Relax” series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself. I enjoy working at the beach because it reminds me of both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea from my childhood.
 
“I started the ‘Relax’ series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself.”
 
 
Collaborating With Samsung Art Store
Q: How do you choose which pieces to share with Samsung Art Store? What emotions or themes do you wish to share? 
 
I work with Samsung to select pieces that align with a particular themed curation because that way, I can focus on the message delivered to viewers. I strive to convey tranquility and harmony through my pieces on Samsung Art Store.
 
Q: Samsung Art Store featured “Beach #61” and “Beach #64” in its June collections. Can you share the meaning behind these pieces?
 
▲ “Beach #61” (2023)
 
“Beach #61” was shot in California. The rainbow-colored lifeguard house symbolizes tolerance.
 
▲ “Beach #64” (2023)
 
“Beach #64” is more of a friendly invitation for the viewer to follow my footsteps on a walk at the beach.
 
Q: Of all the works you’ve made available on Samsung Art Store, what are your three favorites?
 
I’d have to choose “Beach #4,” “Beach #37” and “Beach #32.” All three photographs show how humans share nature with seabirds.
 
▲ “Beach #4” (2011)
 
“Beach #4” uses a minimalistic approach to convey serenity with natural lines and colors. Before taking this photo, I wondered who would call a taxi to go surfing. It was only when the car approached that I realized it was a lifeguard vehicle.
 
▲ “Beach #37” (2016)
 
I couldn’t resist capturing this scene of a seagull resting on a dune that looked like a charcoal painting.
 
▲ “Beach #32” (2014)
 
Even if the seagulls in “Beach #32” had left and weren’t in the shot, we would still know that they had shared the dune with humans and enjoyed it together. The footprints of both humans and birds on the same dune symbolize their different influences on nature.
 
“Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that.”
 
 
Embracing the Future
Q: As an artist, how do you feel about the impact of technology on the art world?
 
Technology has always impacted my work and influenced my approach to photography. As a photographer, I use various tools every day to express myself — and different situations and subjects calls for different tools. Improving technology means giving artists more powerful capabilities to express themselves, so I embrace both analog and digital tools.
 
In my opinion, artists in all kinds of disciplines have always benefited from innovations. During my career as a photographer, I have seen the popularization of imaging technology to a level that made it accessible to everyone. I believe this has created new artists and will continue to do so. The main thing to keep in mind, though, is that technology is a tool. The artistic process happens in your own mind.
 
Q: How do you believe your collaboration with Samsung Art Store and The Frame has changed the way people appreciate art in their homes?
 
The Frame is a brilliant concept, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that.
 
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
 
I’m working on a new series called “A table here, a table there.” I plan to spend a few months traveling along the U.S. West Coast to produce it and hope to share the collection by the end of this year.
 
 
1 All the “Beach” artwork on Samsung Art Store are part of the “Relax” series.
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Samsung Electronics today announced it is showcasing its The Frame display lineup at Art Basel in Basel 2024, in its role as the show’s first official visual display partner. This year’s event is being held from June 13 to 161 at Messe Basel exhibition center in Basel, Switzerland.
 
Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel, today stages the world’s premier art shows for modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong and Paris. For its 2024 edition in Basel, Art Basel will bring together 285 leading international galleries from 40 countries to present artworks of the highest quality across all media — from painting and sculpture to photography and digital works — by artists ranging from early 20th century modern pioneers to emerging contemporary practitioners. Art Basel will once again reaffirm its unparalleled position as a platform for discovery and encounters that drive the art world.
 

 
At Art Basel in Basel 2024, Samsung is hosting Samsung The Frame Lounge, an exclusive booth for its lifestyle TV The Frame, under the concept “A New Way of Exploring Art.” Models of The Frame are installed both inside and outside a dedicated lounge, as well as throughout the show, to present visitors with a variety of vivid screen experiences.
 
“By participating as the first official visual display partner of Art Basel in Basel, The Frame has further established itself as the lifestyle TV we all think of when it comes to digitally displaying art,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We plan to provide more digital art experiences with The Frame, contributing to the expansion of the art ecosystem and pushing the boundaries of technological integration within the art world.”
 

 
Samsung’s exclusive booth features The Frame Wall, with 14 models of The Frame displaying works of art that showcase their exceptional QLED 4K picture quality. Inside the booth, a Highlight Zone displays the wide range of remarkable artwork available on Samsung Art Store, while an interactive space called “Find The Frame Zone” allows visitors to enjoy discovering The Frame hidden among real artworks, hung side by side.
 
The Frame Lounge is also offering two live discussion sessions (titled “The Frame & Chat”) across two days, hosted by Daria Brit Greene, curator of Samsung Art Store, Samsung’s digital art subscription platform. The first interview is with Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong (June 11) and the second is with Irene Kim, Global Head of VIP Relations, member of the Art Basel Management Board (June 12). Attendees can hear the insights of these two Art Basel leaders on the trend of art and key highlights of the show, as well as learn more about the meaning and goals behind the collaboration with The Frame.
 
In addition, to celebrate The Frame’s selection as Art Basel in Basel’s first official visual display partner, Samsung is hosting a session featuring prominent influencers, including Fritz Proctor and Geneva Vanderzeil, which gives them the opportunity to view the exhibition and experience The Frame for themselves.
 

 
The Frame was designed with art at the forefront. When it’s not in use, the TV can be used as home décor by displaying artworks or pictures on a premium, QLED 4K screen. And thanks to its Matte Display, users can admire the art clearly, even in bright rooms, making it look even more like a real work of art. Through Samsung Art Store, subscribers have access to over 2,500 artworks from renowned artists, museums and industry tastemakers around the world.
 
 
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
 
About Art Basel
Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world’s premier art shows for modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded beyond art fairs through new digital platforms and initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. Art Basel’s Global Media Partner is The Financial Times. For further information, please visit artbasel.com.
 
 
1 Event is open to the public from June 13 to 16, after VIP opening from June 10 to 12.
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