Katharina Grosse Transforms Messeplatz with Temporary Art Installation

Basel, Switzerland - In a striking display of contemporary art, German artist Katharina Grosse has unveiled her latest work, "CHOIR," at Art Basel 2025, which involves spray painting the Messeplatz, a prominent public square. This monumental piece, presented to the public just ahead of the prestigious art fair, spans several thousand square meters and incorporates various structures, including a fountain and a large clock situated on one of the exhibition halls' facades.

Grosse, widely recognized for her ability to transform spaces through vibrant spray paint, has previously executed large-scale works in diverse environments, from New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina to urban settings in New York. This particular installation is notable not only for its scale but also for its ephemeral nature. The paint is scheduled to be removed after just seven days, making it one of her most transient public artworks to date.

According to Natalia Grabowska, curator at the Serpentine Gallery in London, Grosse's approach to this project required extensive logistical planning. “We needed to prepare the site carefully, including emptying the fountain and applying an anti-graffiti coating to ensure the paint could be washed away later,” Grabowska explained. This preparation highlights the complex relationship between art and public space, as well as Grosse's commitment to creating immersive experiences.

Grosse expressed her excitement about the challenges posed by the size of the work, stating, “For me, it’s an amazing possibility to develop my work further and test my thinking and painting.” She emphasized that while she created models prior to the installation, the reality of on-site work often leads to spontaneous changes driven by the environment. “I have to make it work and be vivid but coherent,” she remarked.

The artist's unique methodology was likened to unscripted choreography by Grabowska, who noted that Grosse's physical engagement with the space creates a dynamic interaction with the audience. "She walks back and forth — it is a bit like unscripted choreography, a bit of a dance,” said Grabowska, highlighting the performative aspect of Grosse’s painting process.

Despite the temporary nature of "CHOIR," Grosse hopes to leave a lasting impression on visitors, encouraging them to rethink traditional notions of painting. “It doesn’t have to be like a pancake on a wall,” she stated, inviting the public to experience art in a new light. This philosophy resonates with the broader goals of Art Basel, which seeks to challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary art.

As thousands of attendees flock to Art Basel to engage with various artistic expressions, Grosse's installation stands out not only for its visual impact but also for its conceptual underpinnings. The fleeting beauty of her work, which will exist only in memory and photographs after its removal, serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence inherent in art and life.

The installation also raises questions about the role of public art in urban environments. Grosse's work invites discourse on the intersections of art, community, and the spaces we inhabit. In a world increasingly defined by constant change, her piece offers a moment of reflection, urging viewers to appreciate the ephemeral beauty of creativity as they navigate through the bustling atmosphere of Art Basel 2025.