Just when those December temperatures dip into the chilly zone, along comes the glittering, celebrity-driven Art Basel Miami Beach, where art lovers from around the globe pack their party outfits and descend on Florida for the start of the winter season. The event is the premiere modern and contemporary art fair in the Americas, and this season, it’s buzzier than ever. Welcome to the most fabulous party of the year.
Photography by James Jackman for Art Basel
Leading the creative charge for 2024 is the fair’s new director, Bridget Finn, who brings a deep knowledge of the art world after working in New York City galleries and co-owning the Detroit gallery Reyes | Finn. “Miami Beach is like no other place in the world,” Finn tells us exclusively, “The city is the meeting place of North and South America, with its tangible Latin and Caribbean influences.”
Artwork by Pedro Mana for Carmo Johnson
Art Basel’s spectacle grows every year, but this season, there is an emphasis on smaller galleries. That’s because they are offering petite-sized booths — all geared towards modest-sized galleries. Some 34 first-time artists are participating, the most significant number of newcomers since 2008. “We created the linear sliding scale system to ensure a more level playing field for galleries across all market segments. Our decision is grounded in the belief that small and mid-sized galleries play an essential role in a healthy art ecosystem,” Finn explains.
Artwork by Andile Dyalvane
Building on last year’s success, the fair will be a visual beehive for art aficionados poised to discover their newest favorite artist, from large-scale immersive pieces to innovative installations. On tap, Carmo Johnson Projects out of Brazil will show works by the artist collective MAHKU. These colorful, kaleidoscopic paintings depict indigenous chants from the Huni Kuin people living in the Amazon region of Western Brazil. Meanwhile, Gordon Robichaux Gallery in New York City will show mixed media and photo works by the late Agosto Machado, a Chinese-Spanish-Filipino visual and performing artist and activist.
“The show is, more than any other event in the world, a cultural conduit for not just art but design, fashion, music and film,” Finn points out. “It’s such a spirited, dynamic and fast-evolving event where every corner of the city is brimming with art.”
Artwork by Pierre Bonnefille
Be sure to pop into Design Miami, which offers collectible designs from the 20th and 21st centuries — think Art Basel for home decor. Peruse their streamlined setting, where you’ll find curated vignettes of furniture, lighting and accessories. This year, look for Pierre Bonnefille’s bronze “Banc Rhizome” from Les Ateliers Courbet in New York City, colorful ceramic works by “clay healer” Andile Dyalvane for Southern Guild and sculpture from designers Éric de Dormael and Agnès Baillon for Galerie Negropontes out of Paris.
Artwork by Eric de Dormael and Agnes Baillon
Finally, after breezing through the tents, don a fun party frock for some special openings in Miami’s many museums, galleries and private collections. Marvel at the art deco architecture, then book a table near the beach. And if you are lucky enough to find yourself at one of the many VIP parties, take it all in — this is Miami Beach with all its sizzle, the very nexus of art and culture in the Americas.
Art Basel Miami Beach December 6–8, 2024
