Miami Art Week 2024
Art Basel at Miami Beach Convention Center
A Celebration of Art, Creativity and Life
Miami Art Week marks the grand finale of the annual art fair calendar. Each year, during the first week of December, Miami transforms into the epicenter of the art world hosting numerous internationally renowned art fairs, endless networking opportunities, and legendary parties. Yes, it is overwhelming. No, you cannot see every artwork or attend every event - even if you skip sleep. But without a doubt, you have to be there. The energy of Miami Art Week is unmatched, making it a unique experience in the art fair circuit.
Since its debut in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach has been the cornerstone of Miami Art Week, solidifying its place as the largest art fair in the Western Hemisphere. The 2024 edition was the biggest to date, bringing together 286 galleries from around the world at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year also welcomed 32 first-time exhibitors - the highest number of newcomers in over a decade. The strategy of the fair’s new director Bridget Finn to introduce an alternative and more affordable booth size has been a success.
Art Basel Miami Beach opens with two exclusive, invite-only VIP preview days, held before the public opening. These days are typically reserved for high-profile clients, artists, industry insiders, critics, celebrities, A-listers and their plus-ones giving potential buyers the opportunity to view the artworks. Typically the biggest sales take place during this time. While preview days were one focused solely on acquiring art by collectors and advisors, they have now become as much about being seen and socializing as they are about viewing the pieces on display.
There are different ways to approach a visit to Art Basel Miami Beach, but it’s important to be realistic - the sheer volume of artworks makes it impossible to see everything. You can either do your homework, prepare by researching galleries and artists to focus on your interests, or you can wander, get lost and let the artworks surprise you. For me, the first approach worked best, though I made sure to leave room for surprises as I wandered from gallery to gallery.
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Walking through the fair, the exceptional quality of Art Basel is immediately evident. Iconic artists like Ai Weiwei, Anish Kapoor, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Tom Wesselmann, Larry Bell, Lee Ufan, Yayoi Kusama, and Ed Ruscha are prominently displayed in the Convention Center. Among the many highlights, notable works that stood out for me include ‘Cylinder Green, Lavender and Gray’ by Marthe Alf, ‘Eight Soups’ by John Baldessari, ‘7ft 0in’ by Hilary Pecis, ‘Untitled (1 pm)’ by Anne Imhof, ‘Tea and Cigarettes’ by Lisa Yuskavage, ‘Above, Below’ by Math Bass, ‘Mary with the Medela’ by Julie Tuyet Curtiss, and the installation ‘EVERYONE LOVE PRESSURE’ by Eko Nugroho. The list of remarkable works feels endless. Here is my selection of galleries that I particularly enjoyed at the fair:
Xavier Hufkens (Brussels)
With three locations in Brussels, Xavier Hufkens has established itself as one of Europe’s leading galleries over the past three decades. Founded in 1987, it played a pivotal role in launching the careers of influential artists like Antony Gormley and Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Throughout the years, the gallery has broadened its roster to include renowned figures such as Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, and Sterling Ruby, while consistently introducing innovative new talents.
Featured artists: Milton Avery, Lynda Benglis, McArthur Binion, Louise Bourgeois, Joe Bradley, Matt Connors, Tracey Emin, Sayre Gomez, Giorgio Griffa, Thomas Houseago, Sherrie Levine, Mark Manders, Robert Mapplethorpe, Paul McCarthy, Alice Neel, Nicolas Party, Ken Price, Qiu Xiaofei, Sterling Ruby, and Joan Semmel.
Spinello Projects (Miami)
The monumental ceramic works of Miami-based multidisciplinary artist Nina Surel, originally from Argentina, captivated audiences at this booth. Spinello Projects’ solo-presentation of Surel’s works highlighted her ability to blend mysticism, botany, and the human experience into captivating, earthy creations.
White Cube (London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Seoul)
This world-renowned art gallery needs no introduction. Highlights of this year’s presentation included Jeff Wall’s iconic photograph ‘Insomnia’ (1994), sculptures by Danh Vo and David Hammons, and paintings by Howardena Pindell, Etel Adnan, Danica Lundy, and Ilana Savoie.
Mendes Wood DM (São Paulo, Brussels, Paris, New York)
The booth reflects the gallery’s growing influence and dynamic program. Mendes Wood DM was founded with the mission of bringing global attention to the Brazilian art scene. Over the years, it has grown into a multi-location gallery, fostering artistic exchanges worldwide in cities that continue to inspire and shape its identity.
Featured artists: Alma Allen, Laís Amaral, Maria Auxiliadora, Patricia Ayres, Alvaro Barrington, José Bedia, Neïl Beloufa, Lynda Benglis, Guglielmo Castelli, Adriano Costa, Julien Creuzet, Sonia Gomes, Sanam Khatibi, Vojtěch Kovařík, Mimi Lauter, Patricia Leite, Amadeo Luciano Lorenzato, Matthew Lutz-Kinoy, Paulo Monteiro, Ebecho Muslimova, Abdias Nascimento, Paulo Nazareth, Paulo Nimer Pjota, Rosana Paulino, Solange Pessoa, Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, Paula Siebra, Marcos Siqueira, Pol Taburet, Rubem Valentim and Leah Ke Yi Zheng.
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rodolphe janssen (Brussels)
The gallery highlights a mix of both established and emerging artists, primarily from Europe and North America. Rodolphe janssen consistently presents cutting-edge artworks, leading to fascinating discoveries. The booth offers an excellent perspective on the latest developments in the contemporary art scene.
Featured artists: Cornelia Baltes, Genesis Belanger, Louisa Gagliardi, Matthew Hansel, Thomas Lerooy, a bed series triptych by Patrizio di Massimo, Alvin Ong, Emily Mae Smith and Brooklin Soumahoro. Additionally, Sanam Khatibi is presented in a special Kabinett project.
Perrotin (Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Shangai)
Perrotin presents a solo exhibition of Danielle Orchard’s paintings at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024. Orchard reimagines the history of the female nude, blending the sharp lines of Cubism with a rejection of traditional sexist tropes. Her works depict nude women in moments of solitude, exploring themes of womanhood, pregnancy, and motherhood inspired by her own experiences.
Tim Van Laere Gallery (Antwerp, Rome)
The gallery represents 22 artists with whom Tim Van Laere maintains a close and direct relationship, always prioritizing their creative vision. The booth at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 embodies the gallery’s distinctive identity, inviting visitors to explore the bold and unique universes of TVL’s artists.
Featured artists: Bram Demunter, Marcel Dzama, Armen Eloyen, Adrian Gheniem Kati Heck, Leiko Ikemura, Friedrich Kunath, Jonathan Meese, Muller Van Severen, Tal R, Ben Sledsens, Dennis Tyfus, Rinus Van de Velde and Franz West.
Gladstone Gallery (New York, Brussels, Rome, Seoul)
Gladstone Gallery has had a profound impact on the art world, representing over seventy artists and playing a key role in launching the careers of some of today's most prominent figures. The historic glass panel by Keith Haring instantly draws visitors to the booth, while the other artists presented at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 further affirm the gallery's impressive track record.
Featured artisted; Matthew Barney, Jean Dubuffet, Carroll Dunham, Jaider Esbell, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Maureen Gallace, Aaron Gilbert, Keith Haring, Jim Hodges, Arthur Jafa, Alex Katz, Karen Kilimnik, Mark Leckey, Robert Mapplethorpe, Elizabeth Murray, Wangechi Mutu, Shirin Neshat, Philippe Parreno, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, David Rappeneau, Robert Rauschenberg, Ugo Rondinone, Ed Ruscha, David Salle, Salvo, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Rosemarie Trockel, Carrie Mae Weems, Lawrence Weiner, Michael Williams, and Anicka Yi.
Pace (New York, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Seoul)
Pace is a leading international art gallery, celebrated for representing influential contemporary artists and estates, including Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, and Mark Rothko. With a rich legacy rooted in the Abstract Expressionist and Light and Space movements, the gallery remains dedicated to its artists and their visionary work. This is showcased in its fair program, which brings a mix of emerging talents new to Pace and celebrated artists from the past century.
Featured artists new to Pace’s program: Alejandro Piñeiro Bello and Li Hei Di. It will feature contemporary artists Loie Hollowell, Alicja Kwade, Kylie Manning, Adam Pendleton, Hank Willis Thomas, and Leo Villareal, among others.
Featured master figures of the past century: Emily Kam Kngwarray, Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, and Wayne Thiebaud.
Miami Art Week, however, is much more than ‘just’ Art Basel. Beyond the Convention Center, the city transforms into a hub of activity, hosting satellite fairs, lively parties, pop-up galleries, and exhibitions that stretch across Miami and even into Fort Lauderdale. While some events are invite-only or tied to the fairs, many are informal and open to the public, making Miami Art Week a vibrant and inclusive celebration for both seasoned collectors as curious tourists.
Noteworthy art fairs complementing Art Basel Miami Beach include:
The fair featured 176 exhibitors under the curatorial theme ‘East Meets West’. This global focus highlighted lesser-known artists, galleries, and nonprofits from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Asian diaspora. Recognizing challenges in the art market, Untitled Art supports emerging galleries through subsidized booths in its “Nest” section. Guided by guest curators Kathy Huang and Jungmin Cho, the fair emphasizes diversity and collaboration, presenting cutting-edge contemporary works, curated displays, and dynamic performances.
New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA)
The 22nd edition hosted over 150 exhibitors from 37 countries. This fair showcased a diverse mix of contemporary art from across the globe, including first-time exhibitors like April April, Gallery COMMON, and Eugster II Belgrade. NADA’s ‘Curated Spotlight’, led by curator Jasmine Wahi in partnership with TD Bank, highlighted standout galleries and artists, such as Gonzalo Garcia’s surrealist works at CAM Galería and - my personal favorite of the fair - Bre Andy’s intimate oil paintings at Cierra Britton Gallery. The ‘NADA Projects’ section featured experimental pieces by Romance and Louis Reed. NADA continues to be a key platform for both established names and emerging talent in the contemporary art world.
The annual showcase of African and diasporic artists, focused this year on ‘The Architecture of Liberation’. The fair explores how art, design, and the built environment have shaped social justice movements. For its 12th edition, Prizm partnered with Revolt, presenting a dynamic display that highlights the intersection of art and political change. Prizm offers fresh and thought-provoking perspectives on the role of art in driving social and political transformation.
The 23rd edition gathered 85 galleries from 15 countries, including 43 first-time exhibitors. Held in the iconic Ocean Drive Pavilion, this year’s theme, ‘Interdependence’, explored the interconnectedness of people, communities, and the planet.. Known for showcasing innovative talent and pushing boundaries, SCOPE continues to be a must-see for art lovers seeking the latest trends and thought-provoking works.
With the theme “Blue Sky”, Design Miami highlighted its role as a platform for 21st-century avant-garde design, showcasing the best in both contemporary and historical works for two decades. Design, by nature, is both speculative and collective—a shared framework of reference in an increasingly interconnected world. Under the spirit of ‘blue sky thinking’,, the fair encouraged visitors to view design as a fundamental human need, offering a means to connect with and engage the world around us.
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Miami Art Week is not only about soaking up world-class art—it’s also a celebration. This is the week where art meets after dark. From exclusive gallery dinners to gallery openings and wild, chaotic parties featuring top DJs from around the world, it’s a non-stop, high-energy experience that takes over the city. Sleep is not for art lovers during Miami Art Week…
Miami Art Week seamlessly blends world-class art with vibrant social experiences, making it a one-of-a-kind event for art lovers, collectors, and creatives. While the fast-paced energy and sheer volume of events may be overwhelming, the experience is unmatched—capturing the essence of the art world in its most exhilarating, boundary-pushing form. Miami Art Week is more than just a series of art fairs. It brings the global art community together in a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and shared inspiration.
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Photos (c) Cultuurtoerist.