While the World Cup has trained all eyes on South Africa, the soccer pitch is far from the only adrenalized field of competition this week, as dealers, jet-setting collectors, and other motley members of the art elite gear up for Art Basel — the annual art event where the score is tallied in dollars, and the much-coveted trophies come in both sculpture and canvas.

This year's edition, opening to V.I.P.s on Tuesday night, promises the usual array of artworks that range from blue-chip stars to statement-making installations in the fair's adjoining Art Unlimited section, which displays large, pricey pieces in a museum-like setting. Then, amid the glamorous champagne-fueled escapades that define Art Basel's extracurricular offerings, there are also the alternative fairs Liste, Pulse, and Volta — all of which ARTINFO will cover in exclusive dispatches from the aisles.

With the art market shaking off its recessionary daze, the festivities promise to be vigorous this year. Here, in the accompanying slide show, is a preview of the wares that will be on offer at Art Basel proper.