Feature image: Art Basel Miami Beach via Stephen Friedman Gallery
Miami Art Week Guide 2024
Miami Art Week, held annually in early December, transforms the city into a vibrant hub for contemporary art, attracting artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide. The 2024 edition, from December 2 to December 8, offers a rich tapestry of exhibitions, fairs, and events.
Art Basel Miami Beach
The centerpiece of Miami Art Week is Art Basel Miami Beach, hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center from December 6 to 8. This premier fair features nearly 300 leading galleries from 34 countries, showcasing works by established and emerging artists. Notable newcomers this year include galleries from Mexico, Poland, and Egypt, marking the largest cohort of first-time participants since 2008.
Satellite Fairs and Exhibitions
Beyond Art Basel, several satellite fairs enrich the week's offerings.
Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami: Located at One Herald Plaza, these sister fairs are central to Miami Art Week, featuring various contemporary and modern artworks. The fairs open with a VIP preview on December 3 and run through December 8.
Design Miami: Adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center, this fair focuses on collectible design, presenting works that intersect art, architecture, and interior design.
Untitled Art: Situated on the sands of Miami Beach, Untitled Art offers a curated selection of contemporary artworks, emphasizing emerging artists and innovative practices.
NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance): This fair highlights new and underexposed art, providing a platform for emerging galleries and artists.
Notable Exhibitions
Several Miami institutions present significant exhibitions during Art Week.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Features "Homecoming" by José Parlá, showcasing abstract paintings reflecting his Cuban-American heritage.
The Bass Museum: Presents "The Miami Years" by Rachel Feinstein, offering whimsical sculptures inspired by the artist's youth in Miami.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Miami: Hosts "Memory Collage" by Keiichi Tanaami, displaying surreal works by the Japanese artist.
Recommendations
To make the most of Miami Art Week, plan ahead by scheduling visits to key events and fairs to ensure a comprehensive experience. Beyond the main fairs, explore satellite fairs and local galleries to discover unique perspectives and emerging artists. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with Miami's vibrant public art, including the iconic Wynwood Walls and various outdoor installations that offer accessible and inspiring artistic encounters throughout the city.
Notable Past Sales
Miami Art Week has been the stage for significant art transactions:
Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian: In 2019, this piece—a banana duct-taped to a wall—sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami Beach. In 2024, it was auctioned at Sotheby's in New York for $6.2 million, purchased by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun. Sun continued the work's legacy as the two previous owners did and ate the banana. Upon purchasing Comedian, the owner receives a roll of duct tape, a banana, a certificate of authenticity, and installation instructions.
Philip Guston's Studio in Small Town: In 2022, this painting sold for $7 million at Art Basel Miami Beach, exemplifying the fair's role in high-value art sales.
Other satellite shows we highly recommend include SCOPE, Spectrum & Red Dot, Aqua Art, and Pinta.
Miami Art Week continues to be a pivotal event in the art world, offering a dynamic platform for artistic expression and significant market transactions.
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