Twice a week, Whitewall is here to sift through the news so you don't have to. After the jump, find out what's worth reading from this week's news.
1. Art Basel this year is far less flashy than years past. That is, excluding the Pharrell Williams and Takashi Murakami collaboration, "The Simple Things." Priced at $2 million, the piece was bought by two collectors who decided they'd rather share it than live without it - an art world version of thriftiness.
2. Just in time for summer, the High Line in Chelsea is now open. Along with great views be sure to check out artist Spencer Finch's commissioned installation between 15th and 16th street.
3. While the flash and high prices of Basels past may be gone this year, the excitement for collectors is not. And apparently for good reason. “People have brought their best things," dealer Helly Nahmad told the Art Newspaper.
4. Everyone's talking about the Brad Pitt and Naomi Campbell spottings at Basel.
5. New York's contemporary art establishments aren't alone in getting hit hard by the economy. ARTINFO reports on nearly a dozen San Francisco galleries either shutting their door or relocating.
