Zilkens' News Blog

Zilkens‘ News Blog 42 2023

In London, Frieze has come to an end - In Munich, the Highlights opens on Tuesday for the VIPs and on Wednesday, even Jakob Schwerdtfeger moderates a discussion there between Alexander Wiebe and me on the topic: Art insurance - do you need it or can it go away? The entrance is free for everyone who visits the fair in the Munich Residence.

After February 24, 2022 and October 6, 2023, we run the risk of pretending that everything is normal in the art world. While the declarations of support for Ukraine were spontaneous and widespread, after the heinous attack by Hamas one has the impression that for some people it is rather a Yes But that reigns in the head. In his 514th issue, Stefan Kobel has collected many voices that castigate this ambivalence. This despicable, inhuman attack by the radical Islamic Hamas cannot be justified by anything, but also by nothing at all. Nor can aid money to Palestine be justified if hatred of Israel continues to be taught in schools there. The same applies, by the way, to institutions in Europe that do similar things under the pretext of religious education and also stir up hatred in our societies. Those who sow hatred place themselves outside the guard rails of our liberal constitutions and are therefore not entitled to any kind of tax-funded assistance.

The events also concern the insurance market. If, after the invasion of Ukraine, no insurance policies can be organized for classical risks on foreign markets, the premiums for war risks in Israel are rising. However, the state of Israel is economically stronger than Ukraine and can counter the reluctance of insurers with guarantees.

In Poland, more than 73% of eligible voters went to the polls, possibly setting the stage for replacing the current government's selfish and nationalistic course with one that is more open to the world. Also against the background of the election results in Slovakia a few weeks ago, this is an encouraging result for Europe.

After Munich and the highlights, the art world - at least those interested in the trade - will be looking to Paris, where Paris+ opens its doors from October 20. Presumably, the offer is rather something for the more stuffed wallets - the others can test the ealsticity of the market with a good offer beforehand in Bavaria.

I wish you all a week with an upright walk - even if it is sometimes difficult.

Your Stephan Zilkens and the team of Zilkens Fine Art Insurance Broker GmbH in Solothurn and Cologne