46 years since art gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner and Balz Hilt of Basel created an international art fair, the world’s leading art event opened its door to the general public on the 16th of June. The fair was created with an idea to connect the world’s premier galleries and their patrons, as well as serve as a meeting point for the international art world, and this year, 280 of the world’s leading galleries are showing works from over 4,000 different artists.

Ranging from modern day masters to current emerging stars, Art Basel will be hosting close to 100k visitors in the period of three days. Featuring some of the most important art from around the world, attendees can enjoy the works of such art-stars as Gerhard Richter (seen above), Jeff Koons, John Chamberlain, Mike Kelley, Ed Ruscha, Kaws, Alex Katz, George Condo, Yoshitomo Nara, Damien Hirst and many, many more. Being on the spot along with the first visitors, we’re bringing you the first part of our personal highlights of this year’s edition.

Photo credit by @sashabogojev