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Art Basel is arguably the most recognisable name in the luxury art fair circuit—glamorous, influential, and a powerful player in shaping taste and market trends. But as its presence grows, so does the debate around its true role in the art world. At Zari Gallery, we recently turned to our Zari community to ask what they think. The responses offered a revealing glimpse into how artists, collectors, and creatives view the current state of the high-end art market.

When asked what purpose fairs like Art Basel should serve, the overwhelming majority of our audience said they ought to be spaces for discovering new artists and ideas. Only a small portion saw them as primarily for collectors or profit, and virtually no one felt that prestige or VIP access should take centre stage. This suggests a growing discontent with the exclusivity and commercial focus of these events—and a desire to return to art as culture, not currency.

That sentiment was echoed in responses to the question of influence. Many felt that while fairs should highlight artistic trends, they shouldn’t dominate the narrative. There’s a fine line between setting the tone and silencing alternative voices. A significant number of our followers voiced concern that global fairs may have too much power, limiting the visibility of movements and artists who fall outside the commercial spotlight.

One of the most discussed points was the concentration of power among a small group of collectors. With just 20 to 30 people capable of shifting the market by as much as 10%, our community expressed a clear discomfort. The majority called for a more diverse collector base to democratise the market and ensure a broader cultural representation. The feeling was clear: influence should be shared, not centralised.

The emotional response to seven-figure sales was equally telling. While some followers admitted curiosity about what makes a work command such a price, nearly half said they felt uneasy—concerned that such values turn art into a commodity. It’s not just about money; it’s about meaning. Art’s worth isn’t purely financial, and when market spectacle overshadows substance, it risks eroding public connection.

Ethical considerations were another theme running throughout the responses. Most followers felt galleries should care who they sell to, especially when artworks carry political or cultural significance. Similarly, there was strong support for artists having some say in where their work ends up, whether through direct decision-making or a more collaborative approach with their galleries.

The most poignant reflections came through in personal comments. Artist Jennifer Smith observed that Art Basel “feels less a celebration of creativity and more like a marketplace for the wealthy, where prestige often outweighs genuine appreciation.” Furthermore, Artist Malcolm Lewis reflected on his visit in 2019, recalling how difficult it was to speak to gallery owners: “it’s very tough trying to connect with gallery owners as they just want to speak to buyers,” he said. His experience cuts to the heart of a larger issue—when fairs become too transactional, they lose their human touch. The excitement of being surrounded by art fades when the only conversation that matters is whether you’re buying.

At Zari Gallery, we believe in championing artists and creating space for meaningful engagement—whether or not a sale is on the table. The luxury art market doesn’t have to be soulless. It can be a place of connection, creativity, and culture—if we choose to make it so.