Art Basel confirms steady rise of Paris in art world

Visitors look at 'Panda' by Takashi Murakami on an antique Louis Vuitton trunk during the public opening day of the Paris+ by Art Basel at the Temporary Grand Palais in Paris on Oct 20. Photo: AP

Art Basel launched its inaugural fair in Paris on Oct 20, seen as capping the re-emergence of the French capital as a major arts hub following the impact of Brexit on its main rival, London.

But the event also raised eyebrows for controversially replacing a longstanding local art event.