As the year races to a close, the art world is looking ahead to the last major moment of the season with a week of fairs, glamorous parties, and pop-up exhibitions anchored by Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB). While the storied fair opens to the public Friday 6 December and runs through Sunday, VIPs are afforded with two days of previews to sample the most coveted artworks on offer beginning Wednesday the 4th. This year’s selection promises to be as robust as ever with presentations from 286 premier international galleries.
Joining ABMB are several other fairs across the city, from industry leader Untitled Art on the sands of Miami Beach to the New Art Dealers Alliance across Biscayne Bay. With curator and collectors flocking to Miami, many are taking advantage of the enthusiasm of the week and staging pop-ups across town. Just a short walk from ABMB is Moroccan photographer Hassan Hajjaj’s exhibition in collaboration with The Cultivist and Capital One. Taking inspiration from the bustling souk of Marrakech, the vibrant space will be activated in a series of dinners curated by MICHELIN-starred restaurateur Rose Previte, as well as tea services and performances.
Inside the Convention Center, ABMB’s distinct sectors offer a diverse mix of curated and thematic presentations, with the Galleries sector featuring seasoned dealers and leaders of the industry. This year, David Nolan Gallery stands out as an exhibitor to look for. Nolan has participated in Art Basel fairs for over 25 years and looks forward to the Miami Beach edition for its enthusiastic buyers who are “curious and eager to learn,” he says. Hoping to catch their eye, Nolan is bringing historic works by figures like Giorgio Morandi and Brice Marden, as well as newer pieces, including renowned artist Chakaia Booker’s sculpture made of rubber tires and wood that demonstrate the creative potential of industrial materials.
