The Power Brokers of Art Basel

The rich and their representatives are descending on Basel, Switzerland this week for Art Basel, the world’s most prestigious art fair. It opens to the public tomorrow. For three days, billions of dollars will be spent on the work of famous and about-to-be famous artists. Three New York art auctions set records last month, setting the stage for record sales in Basel. Millions have already changed hands in today’s private pre-fair sales. And only six powerful people determine who gets to show at the fair. Who are they and why do they have so much power?