Last December, Art Basel Miami returned in full force for its 2024 edition marking the inaugural fair under the direction of Bridget Finn, who brought a deep knowledge of the art world as part of the gallery ecosystem from her eponymous Detroit-based gallery Reyes | Finn, Mitchell-Inness & Nash and the Anton Kern Gallery in New York.
Record-breaking attendance and global participation from 286 galleries and 75,000 attendees graced the Miami Beach Convention Center during its VIP and public days, including art patrons and private collectors from around the world.
Polo player and budding art collector, Agustin Arellano commented on the unspoken collective theme surrounding the rise of indigenous art; “Native American artists and Latin American artists were becoming more prominent voices in this year’s fair. He also notes, “that several themes surrounding politics and the state of global affairs were some of themes explored by certain artists.”
Diversity and inclusion was far more prevalent this year with Art Basel’s team ensuring that attendees were able to experience several new perspectives. A redesigned booth model facilitated the inclusion of diverse voices, enriching the fair’s narrative. Finn expressed pride in these innovations, stating, “Across the board, galleries presented truly ambitious, rare, and career-defining proposals, sparking significant conversations for the art world.”
Established Names and Emerging Stars
20th Century artists such as Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Cecily Brown, and Kara Walker were just a few of the most featured names in the fair, along with groundbreaking works by Alice Aycock, Portia Munson, MAHKU, Vita Kari and more, which fostered a dynamic engagement and dialogue.
Engaging Programming and Legacy Initiatives
Conversations, Art Basel’s renowned talks program, curated by Kimberly Bradley, drew record-breaking attendance. A highlight was the Premiere Artist Talk by Iranian American artist Shirin Neshat, which captivated audiences. The City of Miami Beach’s Legacy Purchase Program continued its tradition of acquiring outstanding works, selecting Nina Surel’s “Allegory of Florida” for permanent display at the MBCC.
The fair also embraced digital innovation through the launch of the new Art Basel App, developed in partnership with Microsoft. This app introduced AI-powered features, enhancing visitor engagement. Additionally, the Digital Dialogues program explored intersections between contemporary art and digital technology, engaging traditional collectors and crypto art enthusiasts alike.
The Art Basel Shop and UBS Collaboration
The Art Basel Shop, curated by Sarah Andelman, debuted its largest iteration to date, offering exclusive collectibles and collaborative pieces from acclaimed artists. UBS, the fair’s Global Lead Partner, celebrated 30 years of partnership with Art Basel, featuring immersive programming such as Sarah Zapata’s solo showcase in collaboration with ARTNOIR.
Looking Ahead
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 concluded with resounding success, reaffirming its position as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence. The next edition is set to take place from December 5 to 7, 2025, promising even greater innovation and global collaboration.
For more information on Art Basel; check out: www.artbasel.com
