As if you ever need an excuse to head south to the sun, parties and sea of hot bodies that is Miami. Perhaps a better time than any is now just weeks away, for Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec. 5-8), the ultimate fusion of culture and nightlife. If you haven’t heard, the global Art Basel events represent art at its finest. Attracting a slew of international art lovers and artists, the Art Basel show presents premiere artwork from across the globe, as over 250 of the world’s leading galleries participate.
This year marks the 12th edition of the fair, with its size and scope now so large that it’s almost impossible to experience all the satellite fairs, museums and galleries. The event draws over 50,000 visitors each year, as leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa show historical work from the masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as newly created pieces by emerging ones to watch.
You can expect to find paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, films, and high quality works displayed in the main exhibition hall, while ambitious artworks and performances become part of the landscape at nearby beaches, Collins Park and SoundScape Park. One thing’s for sure: between the art dealers, artists, celebrities and scenesters, you’re sure to rub elbows with some colourful individuals. The party scene during Art Basel Miami is as big as the art scene.
Don’t know where to start? Claire Breukel, curator for “Unscripted” Bal Harbour and creative advisor for Downtown Miami, has recommended a “Top 10” list of exhibitions. Breukel has curated exhibitions in Cape Town, New York, Miami, Vienna and San Salvador, and her edited list features a varied mix for all art lovers – from performances and sculpture exhibits to photography. Other top picks include world-renowned Tracy Emin’s exhibit at MOCA and a show at the Rubell Family Collection.
– Ai Weiwei: According to What? at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
– CasaLin Hosts Hot Bed; Reverence in collaboration with Wet Heat Projects
– Contender, New Works from Kenton Parker at Primary Projects
– França at Fairchild curated by Cristina Grajales at Fairchild Tropical Gardens
– Hunter Barnes photography installation in the City of Opa Locka
– Nicholas Hlobo’s Intethe (A Sketch For An Opera) at Locust Projects
– Ping Pong 2013 curated by Sue Irion
– Piotr Ukla?ski: ESL at the Bass Museum of Art
– Tracey Emin: Angel Without You at MOCA, Miami
– 28 Chinese at the Rubell Family Collection
You can’t forget the glittering nightlife, of course. Our party picks?
Tuesday, December 3
Pompeya. Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 305-507-7900. Private club; by invitation only.
Drinking Room pop-up at the Hotel Astor.
Wednesday, December 4
Kendrick Lamar at the Mana Wynwood Sound Studio.
Thursday, December 5
Del Toro’s party at its headquarters in The Wynwood Building
Friday, December 6th
Art + Music + Beach at The Official VH1 + SCOPE Party featuring a live performance by Tegan and Sara at Ocean Drive and 9th Street.
Saturday, December 7th
Basel Castle at Grand Central Park
Of course, much like our beloved TIFF, many of the celebrity-filled parties are kept under tight wraps until the 11th hour… and when heading to Art Basel, it’s always good to have friends in high places.
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All images courtesy of Art Basel