Celebrating the magic of Miami during Art Basel 2024
Art Basel is making its much-anticipated return to Miami Beach this December, spotlighting the city as a cultural and artistic powerhouse. Under the fresh direction of Bridget Finn, this year’s edition brings an exciting renewal of creative energy, with 286 leading galleries from 38 countries showcasing their work. Most notably, over two-thirds of galleries represent the Americas, reaffirming the fair’s dedication to artistic innovation and regional excellence.
For 2024, Art Basel welcomes an impressive 34 first-time exhibitors—a remarkable rise not seen in over a decade. Alongside these fresh voices, new curators and exhibition formats promise to reshape this premier art fair experience. Prepare to be captivated by new vistas of creativity as the event celebrates diversity, ingenuity, and the boundless possibilities of modern art.
A reimagined Meridians sector
Marking its fifth anniversary, the Meridians sector promises to be a standout attraction this year. Tasked with bringing a fresh vision to this space for large-scale installations is Yasmil Raymond, the former director of Portikus in Frankfurt. Visitors can marvel at 18 ambitious projects by esteemed artists from across the Americas and beyond—all integrated seamlessly into the southern end of the show floor.
Among the highlights is Alice Aycock’s awe-inspiring Goya (2024), a monumental 10-foot-tall spiral sculpture designed to enchant and provoke. Equally stunning is Zhu Jinshi’s Pathway (2024), a towering installation constructed from 10,000 sheets of rice paper. These dynamic creations represent the scale and innovation that Meridians promises to deliver this year.
Intimate discoveries in the Kabinett sector
Meanwhile, the Kabinett sector, celebrated for its carefully curated exhibits, offers visitors a chance to explore 24 unique presentations. This year, there’s an enriched emphasis on diversity and artistic discovery. Among the offerings is a vibrant abstract installation by Costa Rican artist Federico Herrero, whose colourful wall canvases and site-specific floor painting draw inspiration from the urban landscapes of his hometown, San José.
Another standout feature of this year’s fair is the UBS Art Studio, located in its new Southwest corner position. Here, audiences will encounter an immersive solo showcase by Peruvian-American textile artist Sarah Zapata. Presented in collaboration with ARTNOIR, Zapata’s works weave together identity, craft, and materiality, sparking meaningful dialogue between viewers and the art itself.
Conversations to ignite ideas
Complementing the visual splendour of Art Basel, the Conversations programme invites thought leaders and the public to dissect contemporary trends and issues in the art world. Open to all and curated for the first time by Kimberly Bradley, a renowned American writer and editor, this series of debates aims to engage audiences in compelling discussions.
The programme launches with an in-depth discussion between Bradley and artist Hank Willis Thomas. Other notable sessions include ‘Art and the great wealth transfer’, featuring Solita Marcelli, the Chief Investment Officer for UBS Americas, alongside other industry pioneers. These talks offer an intellectual feast for visitors eager to explore the evolving paradigms shaping the art world today.
Magical moments beyond the fair
Beyond the walls of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami itself transforms into a sprawling gallery of creativity. For the first time, Times Square Arts presents captivating video works by 30 artists, projected nightly onto the facade of SoundScape Park. This unique collaboration brings public art into the heart of the city, creating an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Elsewhere, the Bass Museum hosts Rachel Feinstein’s first major retrospective in her hometown, a celebration of nearly three decades of sculptural brilliance inspired by Miami’s cultural vibrancy. The Institute of Contemporary Art adds to the excitement with a monumental exhibition of works by Marguerite Humeau. Additional highlights include Shinique Smith’s stunning public art installation at the Port of Miami and Do Ho Suh’s immersive creation at the Margulies Collection.
Discover the pulse of Miami’s art scene
This December, Art Basel goes beyond being an art fair – it becomes a gateway to the very soul of Miami, blending world-class artistry with the city’s magnetic charm. From gallery highlights to public installations, there’s no shortage of extraordinary encounters awaiting visitors at every turn.
At Zurani Advisory, we welcome partnering with you to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing art world. Let’s explore your unique needs and uncover opportunities together. Reach out today to start a meaningful conversation about how we can turn your vision into reality.
