Karim Crippa Leads Art Basel Paris Opening as Vanity Fair Hosts Artists at Four Seasons
The fifth edition of Art Basel Paris begins Oct. 23 at the Grand Palais, featuring 211 galleries and a Vanity Fair‑Four Seasons event celebrating two leading contemporary artists.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Art Basel Paris opened on Oct. 23, 2026 at the Grand Palais for its fifth edition, the first under director Karim Crippa. The fair runs through Oct. 25 and features 211 galleries, while Vanity Fair partnered with Four Seasons to host a party for artists Camille Henrot and Alvaro Barrington at the Hotel George V.
What happened
The fair opened with tens of thousands of visitors circulating the Grand Palais, a venue noted for its labyrinthine layout when crowded. Crippa, who previously led communications for Art Basel Paris and edited globally for the organization, oversaw the event’s programming and logistics. On the opening night, Vanity Fair and Four Seasons organized a gathering in the hotel’s Louis XIII salon, bringing together Henrot and Barrington for a conversation and celebration.
What the reports add
Observer.com highlighted Crippa’s background, noting his Swiss upbringing, his rise through Art Basel’s communications and editorial teams, and the challenge of balancing the fair’s global reach with Parisian identity after the defunct FIAC’s slot was taken. Vanityfair.com added that Henrot’s new film “In the Veins” is on view at LUMA Arles and that Barrington’s installation at the Venice Biennale has generated significant buzz, with a forthcoming project on New York’s High Line slated for November.
What was said
Observer.com quoted Crippa saying the Grand Palais “can easily turn labyrinthine once tens of thousands of visitors begin circulating through it,” underscoring logistical concerns. Vanityfair.com reported that the host described the two artists as having “huge years,” and noted that the conversation between Henrot and Barrington was convened by the author of the article.
How it came about
Art Basel Paris was launched in 2022 as a partnership between Art Basel and the city, quickly becoming a key fall event in the organization’s portfolio. The fair’s schedule displaced the long‑standing FIAC, creating a need to integrate the event into the French art scene. Crippa’s appointment follows his tenure as head of communications for the Paris edition and senior editor for Art Basel worldwide. Vanity Fair’s collaboration with Four Seasons reflects the magazine’s tradition of pairing cultural programming with luxury hospitality, a pattern also seen in its recent coverage of major Paris exhibitions such as the Rafael Pavarotti show (see earlier Felo coverage).
Key facts
- Art Basel Paris opened Oct. 23-25, 2026 at the Grand Palais with 211 galleries. (vanityfair.com)
- Karim Crippa is the new director of Art Basel Paris, previously head of communications for the fair. (observer.com)
- Vanity Fair and Four Seasons hosted a party for artists Camille Henrot and Alvaro Barrington at the Hotel George V on the opening night. (vanityfair.com)
Sources
- [1] observer.com
- [2] vanityfair.com
