Basel 2025

A Pop-Up Art Exhibition of Portraits Exploring Identity Through Diverse Cultural Perspectives Schmuck is a new pop-up art exhibition opening in the heart of Basel that invites visitors to explore the complexities of identity through the powerful and evocative medium of portraiture. Named after the German word for “jewel” or “ornament,” Schmuck was conceived and led by Manolis ten Haaf and Thomas Rüegger. Hosted in a historic venue that once operated as a jewelry shop, the exhibition gains a dimension of craftsmanship and heritage that enriches the experience. It showcases a diverse group of international artists and galleries, featuring pioneers such as Joseph Beuys, Xanti Schawinsky, Peter Blake, and Nat Finkelstein, whose innovative work has profoundly shaped contemporary art discourse. These renowned figures form a foundation that is further enriched by emerging talents such as Koos de Vries, Marinus van Hall, Elio Ticca, Nicola Ghirardelli, Julia Silova and many more. Each brings a unique perspective to the construction and expression of identity and portraiture, adding depth and multiple layers of meaning to the exhibition. Schmuck exhibition explores themes of representation, belonging, and transformation. By blending traditional and experimental techniques, the exhibition highlights the power of visual storytelling to capture the human experience. Basel’s rich cultural history and its location along the Rhine — a major international river bordering six countries and historically linking diverse communities — create an ideal backdrop for Schmuck’s timely reflection on identity, resonating across borders and generations.

Creative Director: Manolis ten Haaf
Production and Design: Thomas Rüegger, Marinus Van Hall
Curators: Arianna Guidi, Manolis ten Haaf
Invited galleries:
CUT ART
KYAS ART
SALON TEN
HAAF PROJECTS GOLDRAUSCH GALERIE
Artists: Joseph Beuys, Xanti Schawinsky, Peter Blake, Nat Finkelstein, Jorge Rivera, Koos de Vries, Marinus van Hal,l Julia Silova, Nathalie Diserens, Michel Gilgen, Elio Ticca, Benedetta Guid,i Nicola Ghirardell,i Kaspar Ludwig, Christien ten Haaf, and others