Every December art lovers and collectors from around the world descend on South Florida for America’s biggest art show, Art Basel Miami. Officially Art Basel takes place over the course of four days, but with independent satellite shows and parties taking place all week long its become part of a larger happening known as Miami Art Week.
Miami Beach Convention Center
There are over 250+ galleries representing over 4000 artists from around the world on display inside Art Basel. It can seem overwhelming, especially when you factor in related exhibitions taking place everywhere from the sandy shores of Miami Beach and trendy hotel lobbies and rooftops, to the Wynwood Art District.
Art Basel Showroom
As this was my first visit, I decided to use it as a learning and fact finding expedition. I missed out on quite a bit, I knew this would happen, but my expectations were more than met, and now that I have an idea of how to navigate I’m convinced that a return visit is definitely in order.
Research available events prior to your arrival and plan an itinerary. Many events are free, but for those that aren’t purchasing tickets in advance will help you to avoid waiting in long queues.
There is something for everyone. From paintings, sculpture and drawings to photography, films, video clips, digital art, and installations, you’ll find a feast for the senses that will appeal to all interests.
Ruinart Champagne
Pace yourself. Take you time, and enjoy all that art, discover a new artist, pose with something, and don’t worry if you can’t see it all, remember I mentioned there are over 4000 artists represented. Grab a glass of champagne, they have carts that come right to you, or other refreshment of your choosing and take your time.
Art Basel Refreshment Stop
We spent one full day exploring inside the convention center, another exploring the hotel exhibitions, and yet another in the Wynwood Art District, and still came nowhere near seeing everything on our wish list. Had I just one more day I would have loved to visit the emerging artists exhibition located directly on the sand and only steps from the crashing waves.
Thousands of amazing art pieces were on display at Art Basel Miami. Here are just a few of my favorites:
We Play Endlessly 2018
Artist: Jeffrey Gibson
Stained Glass and Light – 32 inches x 4 inches deep – Edition of 3
Artist:Jeffrey Gibson Title: We Play Endlessly
White Narcissus in Orange (Colour Wonder 2018)
Artist: Valerie Belin
Archival Pigment Print – 51 5/8 x 41 3/8 – Edition of 25
Artist: Valerie Berlin Title: Narcissus in Orange
Before Transparency 2018
Artist: Emil Lucas
Thread over Painted Wooden Frame – with Nails – 60 x 30 x 3
Forest Companions 2017
Artist: Takashi Murakami
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Board
Title: Forest Companions Artist: Murakami
Life is A Killer 2018 & Leave It As Is 2018
Artist: John Girono
Acrylic on Canvas – 56 inches x 56 inches
Studies for Lemon Tart 2011
Artist: Kim Dingle
Oil on Polyester – 14 x 11 inches each
Artist: Kim Dingle Title: Studies for Lemon Tart 2011
Untitled_0114, 2018
Artist: Davide Balliano
Plaster Gesso & varnish on wood – 60 x 60
Artist: Davide Balliano Untitled_0114, 2018
$#!+/Say No More
Artist: Mel Bochner
Oil on Velvet in Two Parts – 29 1/2 x 89 5/8
Artist: Mel Bochner Title: $#!+/Say No More
Rich Kid Blues
Artist: Jack Pierson
Metal, plastic, wood and Enamel – 62.5 x 64.25 x 4.13 Inches
Artist: Jack Pierson Title: Rich Kid Blues
Womxn – Women 2018
Artist: Andrea Bowers
Lightbox and Neon – 60 1/2 x 79 inches – Edition 1/3
Siebterjunizweitausenndundzehn
Artist: Ugo Rondinone
Acrylic Airbrush on Cavnas, Silkscreen one Plexiglass Plaque 8 Parts
Title: Siebterjunizweitausenndundzehn Artist: Ugo Rondinone
Three-Speed, 2018
Artist: Dave Muller
Acrylic on Gessoed Plywood – Three Parts – 58 1/2 x 1 1/4 Overall
Title: Three-Speed, 2018 Artist: Dave Muller
Large Fancy Room Filled with Crap
Artist: David Shrigley
Neon – 67 x 37 inches – Edition 1/3
Title: Large Fancy Room Filled with Crap Artist: David Shrigley
Shoooosh! 2018
Artist: David Shrigley
Neon – Edition 1 of 3
Title: Shoooosh! Artist: David Shrigley
Not Yet Titled 2018
Artist: Borna Sammak
Heat Applied T-Shirt Graphics on Canvas
Not Yet Titled 2018 Artist: Borna Sammak
Untitled 2007 (rich bastards beware no. 1)
Artist: Rirkrit Tiravanija
Painting 118 x 86 1/2 inches
Untitled 2007 (rich bastards beware no. 1) Artist: Rirkrit Tiravanija
More Justice More Peace 2018
Artist: Sam Durant
Electric Sign with Vinyl – Text 45 x 80 inches – Edition 2 of 3
Artist: Sam Durant Title: More Justice More Peace
Rirkrit Tiravanija
Untitled 2018 (black hole) 2018
Black Chalkboard Paint
Artists Unknown:
If you’re interested in modern and contemporary art including both established and emerging artists consider a visit to Miami, Florida during Art Week. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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