The 22nd edition of Art Basel Miami Beach began with the usual mix of avant-garde art, high-end fashion and cultural spectacle attracting collectors, curators and celebrities from around the world. The fair, located in the Miami Beach Convention Center, raised the standard on its VIP preview days of Dec. 4 and 5 with high-profile sales and pioneering shows.
Huge Sales on VIP Preview Days
The fair, whose vip days started Tuesday, kicked off with a flurry of high-profile deals. Hauser & Wirth said it had seven figure-sales of several works, including by Jeffrey Gibson. David Nolan Gallery displayed masterworks by Giorgio Morandi and Brice Marden that drew significant interest from collectors. These preliminary sales highlighted the persistent magnetism of modern and contemporary art. The Art Newspaper Wallpaper
A New Era of Exhibitions
The section Meridians, curated by Yasmil Raymond, seduced viewers with large-scale installations and performances. Highlights included the immersive sculptures of Alice Aycock and thought-provoking work by Rachel Feinstein. The sector and its 17 ambitious projects factored human connectivity and environmental stewardship into the themes, setting a tone (and narrative arc) for the fair at large.
Fashion Meets Art
The ceremony had glamour courtesy of the luxury brands. Cartier marked the 100th anniversary of its iconic Trinity ring with a pop-up exhibition in the Design District, as it traced the design’s cultural legacy. LVMH’s Culture House returned with a gallery offering curated exhibitions and discussions on diverse narratives, while Gucci and Miu Miu held exclusive events, effortlessly merging fashion and art. Art Basel, The Cut
This Week’s Cultural Highlights and Star-Studded Events
The opening days of Art Basel Miami Beach were not simply about the artwork; they encapsulated a cosmic convergence. Using 100 life-sized elephant sculptures, Xerjoff’s “The Great Elephant Migration” depicted the fragile coexistence between humanity and nature on South Beach. The event also played out in Miami nightlife, with additional performances by Diplo and Lil Wayne at hotspots such as LIV Miami and E11even that drew an array of celebrities.Vogue Page Six
A Promising Opening to Art Basel Miami Beach 2024
This year, under director Bridget Finn’s leadership, the fair features a record 286 galleries from 38 countries (34 making their debut). The energetic debut emphasized not only the wealth of diversity and innovation within the art world, but also Miami’s standing as a cultural hub.
With Art Basel Miami Beach running until December 8, we can expect even more challenge-inspiring art, first-of-its-kind partnerships and moments to remember. Now, sign up for the daily arts newsletter and read how the art world enters one of its most colorful periods, as everyone descends on Miami to does what.
Feature image courtesy: artlyst
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