Tour Suggestion by Leonhard Burckhardt

We asked various personalities from the region which places they plan to visit during Kunsttage Basel. The fourth tour suggestion comes from Leonhard Burckhardt, president of Freunde des Kunstmuseums.

So much that's new, good, daring, familiar and unfamiliar in one city (and its surroundings) over a single weekend! Where to begin this art-filled Kunsttage journey? The tried-and-true—in my case, Kunstmuseum Basel—can't be wrong, especially as the museum tempts us with something thought-provoking: The exhibition "Verso" reveals the reverse sides of more-or-less familiar works from the collection, telling unusual stories that contrast with, complement, or even serve as abandoned drafts of their front sides. This 'backward glance' offers insights into the often challenging creative process—the detours taken before the final presentation emerged. For those preferring less introspection, the rehung main collection awaits: visual habits adjusted, connections freshly assessed, new constellations created.

Too serious? Then pop around the corner to Cartoonmuseum Basel, where works by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel (new to me) promise cheer.

My bicycle (what else?) then carries me to Kleinbasel, where DOCK presents a promising exhibition by young, multi-award-winning Basel-Ukrainian artist Oleksandr Holiuk. Those who've seen (or will see) Julian Charrière's superb show at Museum Tinguely can afterward collapse contentedly along the Rhine, stretching their legs to enjoy Basel’s loveliest riverside view—or pedal back across Mittlere Brücke to the (un)Basel-like extravagance of Irène Zurkinden, honored with a comprehensive retrospective at Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger | KBH.G Rediscovering her vibrant yet subtly ironic oeuvre delights—particularly her distinctive drawings.

A final stop (for those with remaining Pfuus—or leg strength): Stampas’ beautiful Old Town spaces, where Zilla Leutenegger explores the theme of books. As an avid reader, I can’t resist!

Then, richly stimulated, off to the next bar...