A FairAssessment

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A FAIR
ASSESSMENT

By Jenny Starr Perez

MIAMI ART WEEK BRINGS ELECTRIC ENERGY AND GLOBAL TALENT TO THE CITY. HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO FAIR-HOPPING AND ART-PEEPING LIKE A PRO.

Miami Art Week 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for art lovers and trendsetters alike. Anchored by the iconic Art Basel Miami Beach, the week brims with creativity, showcasing everything from immersive installations and modern sculptures to street art and high-fashion design. Here’s a look at the fairs, exhibits, and installations that will transform the city into a vibrant canvas.

ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH:

The Pinnacle of Art Week

Art Basel Miami Beach, the crown jewel of Miami Art Week, returns December 6-8 with its largest lineup since 2008. Directed by Bridget Finn, this edition includes 286 galleries from 38 countries, representing artists across North and South America, Europe, and Asia . This year introduces a new booth option that promotes accessibility, making space for a variety of smaller and mid-sized galleries. Art Basel’s “Meridians” sector, curated by Yasmil Raymond, is a standout, showcasing large-scale installations that transcend the traditional art fair format, while sectors like “Nova” and “Survey” highlight emerging talent and historically significant pieces.

Beyond the main fair, Art Basel is collaborating with local museums for exhibitions like Rachel Feinstein’s 30-year retrospective at The Bass Museum and a powerful exploration of the Chicano Movement at Pérez Art Museum Miami. Visitors are in for a week of inspiration and bold statements in contemporary art.

artbasel.com

ART MIAMI & CONTEXT ART MIAMI:

Contemporary Classics

Running December 3-8, Art Miami and its sister fair CONTEXT Art Miami bring over 160 international galleries to One Herald Plaza. These fairs have earned a reputation for displaying works from acclaimed 20th and 21st-century artists alongside cutting-edge talent. CONTEXT offers emerging artists a premier platform, while Art Miami’s Platinum VIP Preview on December 3rd kicks off the week with exclusive access for collectors and curators.

artmiami.com and contextartmiami.com

SUPERBLUE MIAMI’S “LIGHTFALL”:

An Immersive Journey

For a sensory escape, visit Superblue Miami’s “Lightfall,” an ethereal installation by Studio Lemercier, created with ambient electronic musician Murcof. Visitors walk through misty, light-filled spaces that mimic natural elements like air, water, and light, heightening one’s sense of connection to the environment. “Lightfall” combines art and technology to create a meditative experience and joins Superblue’s long-standing “Every Wall is a Door” exhibit, featuring works by artists like teamLab and James Turrell .

superblue.com

MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT’S “PEARL JAM”:

Celebrating African Heritage

In the Miami Design District, this year’s Design Commission, “Pearl Jam” by designer Nicole Nomsa Moyo, pays homage to the artistry of the Ndebele tribe of Southern Africa. Geometric structures—a giant necklace, a sprawling bracelet, and tree-suspended earrings—invite exploration, with each piece crafted sustainably. The installation extends through the district, blending tradition with the modern energy of Miami’s art scene. Moyo’s interactive work reflects the spirit of Miami Art Week: global, vibrant, and meaningful.

miamidesigndistrict.com

UNTITLED ART, MIAMI BEACH:

Innovative Collaborations

Untitled Art Miami Beach is back with a focus on supporting artists through impactful partnerships. The fair offers seven prizes this year, with residency opportunities from institutions like CCA Andratx in Mallorca, The Last Resort Artist Retreat in Baltimore, and Miami’s own Fountainhead Residency. The fair’s partnerships foster a culture of artistic exchange, bringing together a diverse mix of emerging and established voices that reflect Untitled Art’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation .

untitledartfairs.com

WYNWOOD WALLS:

Icons in Street Art

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Wynwood Walls launches “Street Art Icons”, featuring international artists such as Askew One, Sophie Mess, and Logan Hicks. A book launch for Street Art Icons by Assouline will feature a live discussion with Jessica Goldman Srebnick and esteemed curator Jeffrey Deitch. This year’s events also include artist talks, DJ sets, and hands-on workshops. Wynwood Walls remains a center of creativity in Miami, merging the pulse of urban art with the city’s cultural evolution .

thewynwoodwalls.com

CHROMA 2024:

Artistic Transformation

CHROMA 2024, curated by Graciela Montich, takes over the Lucid Design District beginning December 3. This multidisciplinary show features 20 artists exploring themes of transformation and sustainability. CHROMA 2024’s message is one of optimism, using creativity to envision a peaceful, inclusive future. With works that blend humanity and nature, CHROMA offers a thought-provoking experience in Miami’s creative landscape.

For tickets, head to eventbrite.com.

AQUA ART MIAMI:

Boutique Fair in South Beach

Aqua Art Miami, located in the intimate Aqua Hotel on Collins Avenue, brings an approachable, laid-back energy to Miami Art Week. This fair showcases emerging and mid-career artists within the cozy setting of South Beach’s courtyard hotel, fostering an accessible environment for art lovers and newcomers. A beloved destination for fresh perspectives, Aqua remains a highlight for art professionals and fans alike .

aquaartmiami.com

FAENA ART:

Monumental Works

The sands of Faena Beach will feature Seletega by Native Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin, a commentary on collective responsibility and environmental balance. Faena Art also presents “Faith in a Finite World” by Lyra Drake, a divine oracle in the Faena Hotel Cathedral that invites audience interaction. This year’s Faena Art installations offer a profound dialogue on interconnectedness and the role of faith and agency in the modern world.

faenaart.org

Visitors can expect this year’s Miami Art Week to be a journey through international art, offering a mix of bold installations, immersive exhibits, and artistic encounters. From Art Basel’s mastery in contemporary art to the community spirit at Wynwood Walls, the annual event remains a global gathering place for visionaries, pushing the boundaries of art and fostering meaningful conversations that resonate beyond the canvas.