Big Book, Big Fair

NEW YORK—Weighing Vogue magazine’s September issue has become the media’s favorite way to gauge a fattening fashion industry—or at least the number of ads involved. This gave us an idea. We wondered if we could do the same thing for the contemporary art market… On Wednesday the catalogue for Art Basel 38, which opens June 13 (Vernissage June 12), landed on the desks of dealers and art journalists around town. And it’s really really heavy!!! The postal scale puts it at seven and a half pounds—the size of a hefty newborn. No wonder Art Basel sends them around in those cute fabric carry-alls.

To the left, a look at the weight Art Basel's big book has gained over the years. P.S. Its little sister Art Basel Miami Beach seems to be putting on pounds as well.

Sarah Douglas and Katherine Jentleson compile the monthly databank page of Art & Auction magazine.