The Greek origin of the word “basal“ refers to the fundamental and the basic. In medicine and anatomy, where the term is most commonly found, basal describes both minimal levels necessary for survival and the position of an organ at the root of a system or structure. In the arts, drawing has traditionally been the medium most closely associated with formulating the founding principles of a body of work, and bringing to light the elementary processes in an artists' practice. It is with pleasure that Aanant & Zoo announces basal, a group exhibition featuring drawings by 11 international artists. Not only do the works selected indicate a root investigation in each artists' practice, they also explore notions of the base or bottom from multiple and sometimes contradictory points of view.