Art Basel Miami Beach 2023: A Kaleidoscope of Contemporary Creativity

As Fall begins to draw to a close in Miami, the art world turns its gaze to the annual spectacle that is Art Basel Miami Beach. In 2023, this illustrious event continues to be a beacon for art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural connoisseurs from around the globe. Art Basel Miami Beach is not just an art fair; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transforms the city into a canvas of modern imagination and a stage for avant-garde expression.

Art Basel, which originated in Basel, Switzerland, has become synonymous with the contemporary art scene. Its expansion to Miami Beach has created a unique fusion of artistic innovation and Miami’s eclectic energy. The fair typically takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, but its presence is felt throughout the city with satellite shows, pop-up galleries, and exclusive events that make the entire week an immersive experience.

What to Expect in 2023

The 2023 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach promises an array of experiences that cater to the diverse tastes of its international audience. Here’s what attendees can anticipate:

Global Galleries: With over 250 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa showcasing significant works from masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as a new generation of emerging stars, the variety is unparalleled. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display, offering a comprehensive look at the art of today and tomorrow.
Sectors: The fair is divided into sectors, each offering a different perspective. ‘Galleries’ is the main sector, featuring established galleries’ most important works. ‘Positions’ allows curators, critics, and collectors to discover new talents, with each gallery presenting a major project by a single artist. ‘Nova’ is where new cutting-edge works are presented, created within the last three years. ‘Edition’ features leading publishers of editioned works and prints, and ‘Kabinett’ is a curated exhibition space within the galleries’ booths.
Conversations and Salon: Art Basel’s Conversations and Salon series provide a platform for dialogues and discussions on a range of topics, from the role of art in contemporary society to the dynamics of the art market. These sessions are led by prominent members of the art world: artists, curators, critics, and collectors.
Film: A sector dedicated to films by and about artists. Screenings take place inside the convention center and in the beautiful outdoor setting of SoundScape Park, where a monumental 7,000-square-foot projection wall brings the works to life.
Public Art: ‘Public’ brings sculptures and installations to the picturesque Collins Park, with works by leading and emerging international artists. It’s a chance to see how contemporary art interacts with the urban landscape.
Miami’s Local Art Scene: Beyond the convention center, Miami’s dynamic galleries, private collections, and museums join in with special exhibitions and events. The Design District, Wynwood, and the Museum Park are just a few of the areas where the spirit of Art Basel is echoed.

The Impact Beyond Art

Art Basel Miami Beach is more than an art fair; it’s a cultural event that spills into the streets, beaches, and businesses of Miami. Fashion shows, exclusive parties, and celebrity sightings add to the fair’s glamour, while discussions on sustainability, diversity, and cultural policy reflect its depth and relevance.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2023 is set to be a testament to the power of art to connect, challenge, and celebrate the human experience. It’s a place where the art community comes together to honor the past, present, and future of creative expression. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious onlooker, the fair offers something to inspire and engage everyone who steps into its world of wonder.

As the event approaches, the anticipation builds for what is sure to be another unforgettable chapter in the history of Art Basel Miami Beach. Prepare to be dazzled by the art, the people, and the city, all coming together for a celebration of creativity that knows no bounds.

Best Art Basel 2022 Events and Parties

This year’s Art Basel will be the biggest showcase yet while celebrating its 20-year anniversary! This event will feature contemporary art from 283 galleries in 38 different countries and will include some of the hottest events and parties. Here is your list of must-attend events!

“Art of the Party” Ocean Drive’s Annual Celebration

Thursday, December 1st

To throw their annual “Art of the Party” party on December 1, Ocean Drive will take over the Fontainebleau Miami Beach poolscape. Evan Mock, star of “Gossip Girl,” will be on the cover of this year’s December Art Issue, which will be released at the celebration. The cover of the issue, which was produced by GRIF and his team at HUMXN, will be the magazine’s first-ever digitally made design.

Maddox Gallery Art Show

Now through Sunday, December 4th

For the seventh consecutive year, Maddox Gallery will participate in Art Miami, where it will have a booth at AM220 and exhibit pieces by well-known artists like Banksy, David Yarrow, George Condo, KAWS, The Connor Brothers, Andy Warhol, Cooper, Kusama, and more.

A $4 million Bansky sculpture was notably purchased by Maddox Gallery the previous year on the first day of Art Miami’s VIP preview. This time, Yarrow’s works, including the well-known “Summer of ’75” photograph of supermodel Cindy Crawford, will be on display at Maddox Gallery.

Casa Del Sol’s Miami Art Week Yacht Installation

Now through Sunday, December 4th

In order to showcase a floating installation on a super yacht, Eva Longoria’s Casa Del Sol Tequila is collaborating with the collectible design gallery Ago Projects in Mexico City. Throughout the week, the vessel will hold exclusive events for Vogue, the artist Daniel Valero, Purist magazine, and companies including FarFetch, Rebecca Minkoff, and Cult Gaia.

Art Week at LIV

Now through Sunday, December 4th

The celebration of Art Week will include multiple events at the nightclub LIV, starting with a kick-off party sponsored by Alesso. The Chainsmokers, Martin Garrix, and Black Coffee will then perform there.

Story Nightclub: Basel Edition

Saturday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, December 4th

A fantastic array of performers will be at Story Nightclub to celebrate the yearly art expo. On Saturday, December 5, Cardi B will perform after the DJ set by The Martinez Brothers and Caleb Calloway. The following evening, music producer and DJ Deadmau5 will wrap out Art Week.

Fabel Miami VIP Grand Opening Party

Thursday, December 1st

A legendary VIP grand opening celebration will be held at the new open-air rooftop restaurant and lounge Fabel Miami, owned by award-winning architect Matthew Rosenberg and his business, M-Rad.

During the party, there will be unique DJ sets, Mediterranean food samples from Fabel, flowing wine and cocktails, and an exclusive first peek at the venue’s rooftop restaurant and bar.

Joia Beach Presents: Art Hearts Fashion Pop Up

Saturday, December 3rd

In honor of Art Basel, Joia Beach and Art Hearts Fashion are hosting a party with live art performances, a silent auction, and music by DJ Deroos.

Resy and American Express Design District Pop-Up

Now through Sunday, December 4th

Resy and American Express are working together to spotlight modern artist Phillip K. Smith III while celebrating Art Basel Miami with a number of activations throughout the week.

Massimo Bottura, Missy Robbins, and Mashama Bailey will host a dinner series for Amex and the reservations app, and a panel discussion on the state of black art and artists will be part of the “Savor & Soul” brunch. Throughout the week, they will also be doing events at Joe’s Stone Crab, COTE Miami, and Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

Moxy South Beach

Thursday, December 1st

During Miami Art Week, Moxy South Beach will host The Tracy Piper and Voss Gallery for a special live painting session and artist conversation.

NYLON House Miami Art Week party

Friday, December 2nd

The annual Miami Art Week celebration featuring music, art, culture, and beauty is hosted by NYLON House in collaboration with David Grutman and BMW. A global deejay lineup will perform at the event, which will take place at Strawberry Moon at the Goodtime Hotel and bring a symphony of light, sound, and installations to Miami’s art community.

Saint Laurent Rive Droite Sex By Madonna Exhibition

Now through Sunday, December 4th

To honor the re-edition of Madonna’s book “Sex” by Rive Droite, Saint Laurent will attend Miami Art Week with an installation that was organized by Madonna and Anthony Vaccarello. Anyone above the age of 18 is welcome to view the timeless images in a temporary seaside box erected particularly for the event.

Soho Beach House Art Week

Now through Sunday, December 4th

For Miami Art Week, Soho Beach House scheduled various VIP occasions. Wyclef Jean will play at a private dinner given by Core Response and featuring Sean Penn. Members will also get to listen to Armand de Brignac moderate a discussion with artist Derrick Adams.

Rick Ross will sing at a celebration celebrating Chris Labroy’s appointment on November 29 at Soho House and Porsche. James Blake will be among the DJs performing at Soho Beach House on December 2, and ANDREW and BornxRaised will perform there on December 3. The next day, Leon Bridges and Dash will perform at a party at Soho House to round up the week.

Sexy Fish: Dine and Dance

Now through Saturday, December 3rd

Renowned restaurant Sexy Fish As Art Basel takes over the city, Miami will host many events. A program for “After Dark” will include performances by WhoMadeWho, Themba, Kemikal Ali, and more artists.

The National Hotel Official Miami Art Week Party

Thursday, December 1st

The National Hotel Miami Beach is hosting an evening of sustainability and conservation in the art world as part of the “Official Miami Art Week Party20th “‘s anniversary celebrations. The sensory experience includes lavish served hors d’oeuvres for the first hour made by Mareva 1939 and complementary welcome beverages.

Michelob ULTRA Basel Debut

Thursday, December 1st

Making its Art Basel debut, Michelob Ultra will introduce its 2022–23 campaign. Through a special digital art pop-up event that included a performance from 21 Savage and visits by NBA icons Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton, Michelob ULTRA NBA Team Cans were promoted.

Freehold Hospitality Art Basel Programming

Now through Sunday, December 4th

Over the course of the weekend, Ape Drums of Major Lazer, Perreo Intenso, Perreito 305, Spencer Ludwig, Tyla Yaweh, and SK8 Maloley will play at FREEHOLD Miami as special guests.

Fuel Venture Capital’s VIP Yacht Soirée

Saturday, December 3rd

During Art Week, Fuel Venture Capital is hosting a cocktail party on the Sealyon superyacht, which will be hosted by renowned photographer Tony Kelly. The TK Latin Jazz Trio will play live music at the invitation-only event.

Artists & NatGeo Photographer Presents ‘Evolve’ at the Eden Roc

Thursday, December 1st

During Miami Art Week 2022, renowned painters Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier will debut “Evolve,” their most recent exhibition, at the Eden Roc Miami Beach in association with Hilton Asmus Contemporary. The uncommon public exhibition, which is free and accessible to the public, takes a retrospective look at photography to examine the unusual and unexpected beauty of the world.

Tribeca Music Lounge

Friday, December 2nd

Chance the Rapper is getting ready to release his new album “Star Line Gallery” later this year and will be giving a presentation at Tribeca’s pop-up Music Lounge in Miami. He will discuss rethinking the idea of “album art” while recognizing Black artists in a conversation with artists Yannis Davy Guibinga and Nikko Washington. OKX is the event’s sponsor.

Maestro Dobel’s panel discussion

Friday, December 1st

As a partner of Design Miami, Maestro Dobel will moderate a panel discussion on “elevating the next generation of creatives” with Jennifer Olshin and Patrick Charpenel as panelists. The discussion will examine the role that patrons and cultural institutions play in fostering the next generation of creatives.

Cardi B at Sapphire Lounge

Friday, December 2nd

We are One Week Away from Miami Art Week and Art Basel and Here is What You Need to Know

From November 29 to December 4, 2022, Miami becomes the epicenter of the art world, featuring more than 20 international art fairs, 1,200 galleries, hundreds of artists, and tens of thousands of art enthusiasts.

Art Basel Miami Beach at the Miami Beach Convention Center is the focal point of this yearly explosion of the arts. The ultimate international art market, Art Basel Miami Beach, offers art enthusiasts a vast selection of works, from installations by promising up-and-comers to masterpieces from the 20th century.

Here are some ideas for how to view as much of Miami Art Week 2022’s greatest exhibits as possible, despite the fact that it’s impossible to see everything.

Tuesday, November 29th

Start Art Week in Miami’s Design District, where artwork is pervasive. A large portion of it will come from Germane Barnes, a Miami-based architect, who was given the 2022 Miami Design District Annual Neighborhood Commission award. This will allow the installation of the architect’s idea, Rock | Roll, in the neighborhood’s public areas.

As part of Prizm 2022 Contemporary African Art Fair’s 10th Anniversary celebration, galleries and artists will be examining how the development of fine art practice around the world has been impacted by popular modes of artmaking that originated in global African contexts. The exhibition is at 4220 N. Miami Ave. from November 29 to December 11 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, November 30th

The most significant pieces of art from the 20th and 21st centuries will continue to be displayed at Art Miami, Miami’s oldest international and contemporary art fair, which is offered by a number of the most reputable galleries in the world. The 10th edition of its sibling fair, CONTEXT Art Miami, will give mid-career, developing, and cutting-edge artists from new and established galleries the ideal platform.

Over 215 galleries from 17 different countries will be represented by the combination of Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami at the One Miami Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Thursday, December 1

VIPs are permitted to tour Art Basel Miami Beach two days before the general public gets a first look on Thursday. In 2022, the fairest of fairs will mark 20 years since it first opened. Tickets to view the finery brought in by hundreds of top contemporary art galleries from across the world may be purchased here.

Be sure to pay attention to the Buffalo, New York-based Native American-owned K Art gallery’s booth, which features the work of three Indigenous contemporary artists, including the renowned Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds (Arapaho/Cheyenne) and the well-regarded up-and-coming Erin Ggaadimits Ivalu Gingrich (Inupiaq/Koyukon Athabaskan) and Robyn Tsin

El Espacio 23 in the Allapattah district features more works of Cuban art and culture. Over 100 artists from Cuba and the Cuban diaspora are represented in a new exhibition that draws on the collection of Jorge M. Pérez, a Cuban refugee himself.

Friday, December 2nd

Begin the day by visiting NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance) Miami 2022, which will feature 146 galleries, exhibition spaces, and nonprofit organizations from more than 40 locations around the world. The Ice Palace Studios’ doors open at 11:00 AM (1400 North Miami Ave.)

The Wynwood district, renowned for its many murals of street art, is one mile from the NADA fair. On December 2 and 3, Prime Video will host a massive immersive art activation based on the original series “Riches” at Soho Studios (2136 NW 1st Ave.; entrance on NW 22nd St.) in the heart of Wynwood. Through photography, sculpture, painting, music, video, and performance art, the exhibition showcases components from the show that best represent the freedom of expression and sense of identity in the Black diasporic experience.

Saturday, December 3rd

Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè, the artist who grew up in North Miami, will present his first significant solo museum exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami. In this exhibition, William presents his first colossal sculpture in addition to more than 40 paintings and prints that all focus on the precariousness of black life in America, the desperate yearning for black joy, and the affirmation of black gay humanity.

By transforming ordinary objects into extravagant ones, Ral de Nieves’ vibrant, three-dimensional beaded sculptures honor his Mexican heritage as well as drag and dance culture. His artwork is on exhibit at the mile-away Nina Johnson Gallery (6315 NW 2nd Ave). Admission is free from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sunday, December 4th

At SCOPE Miami Beach, which is situated on South Beach’s renowned Ocean Drive between 8th and 10th Avenues, keep going till the finish line (801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach). With Charly Palmer’s “Infinite Black” series on display will be Black-owned Knowhere Art Gallery from Martha’s Vineyard, MA, one of more than 150 varied contemporary exhibitors. Palmer depicts contemporary events and African origin in each of her paintings.

For all event schedules and locations, click here.

Art Basel Miami Beach Attracts Over 60,000 Attendees

Art Basel returns to Miami Beach with its first ever in-person show in the United States since 2019. With robust sales and exceptional presentations, this show paves the way for years to come. Art Basel’s first show took place on December 2nd, closing on December 4th with reports of brisk sales across all market areas and throughout the course of the exhibition.

The event drew over 60,000 people in total throughout the course of its VIP and regular days with well-known art collectors from 72 countries throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Latin America as well as 253 international galleries from 36 countries. In 2019, the art exhibit drew in 81,000 but with the new digital programs, Art Basel could be experienced from the comfort of home.

Through a digital program that includes Online Viewing Rooms, virtual walkthroughs, livestreamed chats, and social media broadcasts that bring the energy and excitement of the show floor to the widest global audience possible. This digital program first tested at the Hong Kong and Basel show with a successful implementation.

According to an Art Basel press release, 44 galleries joined the event for the first time ever, which included Wilding Cran Gallery from Los Angeles, Curro from Guadalajara, Daniel Faria Gallery from Toronto and many more. There were also 4 additional galleries from Africa.

According the Global Director of Art Basel, Marc Spiegler, “This show marks the first truly international art fair to take place in the United States since the beginning of the pandemic. It has been incredible to witness again the energy in the halls and the enormous pent-up demand for seeing, buying, and selling art in person. We featured a much more diverse range of voices than ever before, making this show particularly vibrant and rich in new
discoveries.”

Art Basel will be coming back to Miami Beach on December 1st-4th, 2022.

The Hottest Art Basel Events Remaining

Art Basel Miami is here and we’ve seen some of the hottest exhibitions, art, and parties that have taken place in Miami. These included the Dior Medallion Chair Exhibition, the Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration, the Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark, and so much more! Art Basel isn’t just about a week-long of art exhibits, it’s about expression, creativity, and of course, fun! We have compiled the hottest events for the rest of the week!

Exhibitions:

Empowering the Creators of Culture- Nft now x Christie’s Present “The Gateway”

Immerse yourself in a journey of discovery at nft now x Christie’s Art Basel 2021 gallery, The Gateway, a celebration of the NFT community and its achievements. Just as creators have been reclaiming the financial systems, we’ve taken over a 23,000 square foot darkened floor at a Miami bank building, transforming it into a maze of rooms that encourages attendees to use their senses to explore the space that now features carefully curated pieces from trailblazing artists. When: Friday, December 3-Opened to the public but registration is required.

Playboy & BIGBUNNY Present A Night of the Surreal

Playboy, the legendary lifestyle brand, will present an extraordinary evening at Casa Tua to unveil their surrealist perspective on Miami Art Week in honor of BIG BUNNY. The event will include newly commissioned pieces by Nina McNeely, Maurice Harris, Miranda Makaroff, Filip Custic, and Maria Forqué, as well as a selection of surrealist work from Playboy’s library, as well as DJ sets by Mona Matsuoka, Mia Moretti, and Boys Noize. When: Friday, December 3

Pop Up Shows

Pimp Your Bag with Olivia Steele and Vee Collective

Olivia Steele, a modern visual artist, will be personalizing Vee Collective bags from 1 to 7 p.m. at Showfields Miami. Vee Collective bags are made from 100 percent recyclable materials and have simple aesthetics that are ideal for travel, sports, shopping, or leisure. Olivia Steele will provide free customization to guests who purchase a Vee Collective bag. When: Friday, December 3

Marea Pop-up at Osteria Morini

Altamarea Group’s Marea will be in Miami for two days exclusively during Art Basel. This dinner series, held on the patio of the Kimpton Hotel, which also houses Altamarea Group’s younger sibling restaurant, Osteria Morini, will offer some of Marea’s characteristic dishes, including the famed octopus fusilli. From Friday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 4th, guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu with carefully chosen wine-pairing for $375 per person at the Marea pop-up. When: Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th, Reservations can be made here.

Parties

E11EVEN Miami’s Line-up

The party will continue over the weekend, with a performance by Migos on Friday, December 3rd, and a special act to be revealed on Saturday night. Carnage + Bia will close up the long weekend with a live concert on Sunday, December 5th. 11miami.com

A-Trak & Friends

Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Boys Noise, Roger Sanchez, Kito, and Jubilee are among the cast members. Friday, 9 p.m., at Oasis Wynwood, 2335 N. Miami Ave., Miami. RSVP at tixr.com for free admission.

Donavan’s Yard

Sango, Kitty Cash, and the Sound Club also appear. 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; 1800lucky.com, 9 p.m. Friday. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.

Essential

Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan. K, and Julie McKnight also star. No. 3 Social, 50 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-748-4540; no3social.com, 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and may be purchased at eventbrite.com.

NADA Afterparty

10 p.m. Friday, at Center for Subtropical Affairs, 7145 NW First Ct., Miami; cstamiami.org.

Lizzo

Saturday, at 9 p.m., at the Miami Beach Edition, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com. The in-person event is by invitation only; livestream tickets range from $9.99 to $262.99 and are available at live-now.com.

Art, Blues, & Soul Festival

3 p.m. Saturday at African Heritage Cultural Arts, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami; 305-638-6771; ahcacmiami.org. With Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Jones, and Jon B. Tickets range from $35 to $85 and are available at eventbrite.com.

Michael Bibi B2B Loco Dice, Luciano, and Art Department

Saturday, 4 p.m., at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Miami. Tickets range from $15 to $150 and are available at eventbrite.com.

Rock the Bells: Yacht the Basel

Kasha Paige, Just Blaze, DJ Millie, DJ Steve, DJ Nyla Symone, and DJ C-Stylez join the cast. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Seafari Mega Yacht, Chopin Plaza, Miami. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.

Basel Is Lucky

Art Department, Cocodrills, Andrea 10seconds, and Nelson Diaz will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; Admission is free before midnight; tickets cost $20 at eventbrite.com.

Miki Beach

Philipp Jung, Seth Schwarz, Dude Skywalker, Nii Tei, Alex Cecil, Iman Rizky, Freak the Disco, and others appear in this film. ATV Records, 1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-456-5613; atvrecords.com, 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 through ra.co.

This is a Skyscraper Robot Mashup of Miami’s Most Iconic Art Deco Architecture

Miami Robot. By artist Joel Kuntz

Contemporary artist Joel Kuntz’s work often explores ideas about urbanism, architectural style, and iconography. He addressed all of those themes in his Globobot Series, of large graphic prints and 3D figures, created by mashing together simple line drawings and cutouts of the most recognizable buildings from major cities around the world, transformers style.The results are person-shaped miniature towers, or robots, that somehow still look remarkably like the cities they’re based on.

New York’s Robot is a futuristic gotham topped by One World Trade Center’s spire. Paris is a gnarly gargoyle combining Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Paris Pantheon, etc. with an ancient hump (The hump looks like the pantheon, a temple-like Dome commission by Napoleon as his tomb), all wrapped in a daringly translucent little cocktail dress. Of course this ‘outfit’ is really just the more modern great glass pyramid of the Louvre.

And then there’s Miami. Here it is in neon rainbows. The Miami robot is mostly but not entirely a big pile of art deco stuff scattered around South Beach. Kuntz has squeezed in one or two post-modern and contemporary works too. See you if you can recognize which ones. Check out the rest of Kuntz’s robot-city-mashups over at his website, here.

Great Moments in Miami Architecture, as Seen in Original Newsreels

Miami’s most iconic architectural landmarks and styles have stood the test of time, making their lasting aesthetic values and design excellence evident through the lens of history. It’s easier to judge a building’s importance with a few decades to think about it . Art Deco wasn’t always loved, but now it’s prized above almost everything else as some of the most innovative and imaginative stuff ever designed in Miami. The Mediterranean Revival Freedom Tower was almost knocked down too, and now it’s probably Downtown Miami’s most iconic landmark. A symbol of Miami.

So, what did we Miamians think of our architecture when it was new? Check out these old newsreels preserved in the Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, at Miami Dade College and preserved on YouTube, and see for yourself.