Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 concluded with robust sales and outstanding attendance, reaffirming its status as a premier global art fair. From December 4 to December 8, the event brought together seasoned collectors, museum directors, and art enthusiasts from around the world. With 285 galleries from 38 countries and territories, including 34 first-time exhibitors, this year’s edition offered a dynamic showcase of modern and contemporary art.
A Milestone Year
Under the new leadership of Bridget Finn, Art Basel Miami Beach achieved new milestones. Finn, the fair’s newly appointed director, brought a fresh perspective and focused on meeting the needs of galleries and collectors. “Art Basel Miami Beach is the largest art fair in the most robust market in the world,” Finn explained.
The 22nd edition featured the largest number of new exhibitors in a decade, reflecting the fair’s ongoing evolution. With cutting-edge technology, like an AI-powered Art Basel app developed with Microsoft, the visitor experience was streamlined and engaging. The app’s interactive features and personalized navigation enhanced accessibility across the 500,000-square-foot venue.
Galleries Sector: Highlights from Blue-Chip Icons
The Galleries sector stood out with museum-quality offerings from renowned artists. Galerie Templon captivated visitors with Robin Kid, aka THE KID’s painting “We Too Have A Job To Do! (Searching For America – I).” This work challenged societal norms with its rebellious and thought-provoking imagery.
www.templon.com | Instagram: @galerietemplon
Lévy Gorvy Dayan presented Yayoi Kusama’s “Flowers That Bloom Now” (2017), a colorful and vibrant piece that demonstrated Kusama’s mastery of form and repetition.
Website: www.levygorvydayan.com | I@levygorvydayan
At Gagosian, Jeff Koons’ “Gazing Ball (U.S. Mailbox)” became a centerpiece. Its mirrored surfaces invited viewers to reflect on themselves and their surroundings, merging nostalgia and innovation.
www.gagosian.com |@gagosian
Meanwhile, Cardi Gallery showcased Jannis Kounellis’ “Untitled” (2013), a striking composition of steel beams and symbolic objects that explored memory and human connection.
www.cardigallery.com | @cardigallery
Meredith Rosen Gallery presented Charlemagne Palestine’s “Pianoforte,” blending visual art with music. Known for his maximalist style, Palestine created a sensory experience that resonated with visitors.
www.meredithrosengallery.com | @meredithrosengallery
Nova Sector: Bold and Contemporary
The Nova sector spotlighted works created in the past three years. Gallery Vacancy impressed with Sydney Shen, Henry Curchod, and Michael Ho, whose pieces delved into migration and identity.
www.galleryvacancy.com | Instagram: @galleryvacancy
Positions Sector: Rising Stars
The Positions sector celebrated emerging talent with solo exhibitions. Carmo Johnson Projects showcased MAHKU – Huni Kuin Artists Movement. Their paintings transformed Huni Meka chants into visual narratives, offering a vivid glimpse into Amazonian heritage.
www.carmojohnsonprojects.com | @carmojohnsonprojects
Gordon Robichaux presented Agosto Machado’s poignant shrines, which serve as altars to an evanescing New York and its cultural history. A performer, activist, and archivist, Machado’s work captures the vibrancy of downtown New York’s creative scene while honoring influential figures from his life. His altars, intricate and deeply personal, commemorate friends lost to the AIDS epidemic and icons of the Stonewall Uprising, the Pyramid Club, and Andy Warhol’s Factory. These powerful pieces balance beauty and history, embodying Machado’s unique approach to memory and homage.
www.gordonrobichaux.com | @gordonrobichaux
Kabinett Sector: Curated Excellence
The Kabinett sector presented thoughtfully curated exhibitions within gallery booths. P.P.O.W. highlighted rarely seen works by Manuel Pardo, including pieces from his “Technicolor” and “Stardust” series. These works celebrated Pardo’s Cuban heritage and explored themes of gender and identity with a vibrant, comic book-inspired aesthetic.
www.ppowgallery.com | @ppowgallery
Pardo’s “Tahitian Bride” (1984) became a standout piece, combining stylized imagery with personal narrative, showcasing his technical mastery and storytelling.
Meridians Sector: Monumental Installations
The Meridians sector featured large-scale installations that pushed artistic boundaries. Alice Aycock’s “Goya Twister” (2024), presented by Galerie Thomas Schulte, towered above the fair. The work explored the duality of nature with emotional intensity, leaving audiences in awe.
www.galeriethomasschulte.com | @galeriethomasschulte
Curated by Yasmil Raymond, Meridians continued to offer ambitious projects that transcended the limitations of traditional booths.
Survey Sector: Historical Perspectives
The Survey sector focused on historically significant works. Galerie Eric Mouchet showcased Kendell Geer’s provocative pieces addressing apartheid and systemic violence, offering a stark reflection on history through powerful visual narratives.
Website: www.ericmouchet.com | @galerieericmouchet
Luis De Jesus featured conceptual clocks by Mimi Smith, tackling issues ranging from healthcare access to environmental justice. These works made an important feminist statement while connecting historical struggles to contemporary concerns.
www.luisdejesus.com | @luisdejesuslosangeles
Top Sales from Art Basel Miami Beach
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 closed with strong sales across all sectors. Keith Haring’s “Untitled” (1984) sold for $2 million at Gladstone Gallery, while Wangechi Mutu’s “Nyoka” (2022) fetched $750,000.
Website: www.gladstonegallery.com | Instagram: @gladstone.gallery
Emerging talents also saw success. James Cohan Gallery sold Jordan Nassar’s “Song of the Flowers” (2022) for $220,000. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, acquired Jin Han Lee’s “Our Time” (2024) for GBP 18,500.
Website: www.jamescohan.com | Instagram: @jamescohangallery
A Celebration of Art’s Impact
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 was more than a marketplace; it was a celebration of art’s power to inspire and provoke. From blue-chip icons to emerging talents, the fair offered an unparalleled experience for attendees.
As the art world looks ahead to Art Basel Hong Kong (March 2025) and Art Basel Basel (June 2025), the Miami Beach edition reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of the global art calendar. Each show defines trends, fosters connections, and highlights the enduring influence of art on culture and society.
For more information, visit artbasel.com.
All images by (c) Lisa Morales. Cover image courtesy of Art Basel Miami Beach (2024 Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center).
