Art Basel in Miami Beach celebrating 20 years

Since 2002, Art Basel in Miami Beach has been a highlight of the art world calendar, connecting the art scenes of North and South America, Europe and beyond in a celebration of contemporary art.

This year marks the fair’s 20th anniversary, with UBS is the Lead Partner from the beginning, and will see its largest edition to date – featuring 282 exhibitors from 38 countries and territories, 26 of those participating for the first time.

Leandro Erlich. The Room, 2006-18. Installation view: Seeing and Believing, Mori Art Museum,

Tokyo, Japan, 2017(Image credit: Photography: Hasegawa Kenta)

Many individuals commented on the striking absence of the curatorial effort that has become common at major art fairs. There were big-ticket sales throughout the day: David Castillo Gallery sold a new work by Vaughn Spann "Marked Men" (factors of loss) (2022) for $180,000.  Pace Gallery selling an Andy Warhol flower silkscreen painting from 1964 for $3.8 million and a work by Agnes Martin, Untitled #4, have been sold for $7 million. 

“Miami feels particularly global this year—more so than ever before,” said Lehmann Maupin co-founder David Maupin. “A strong demand for museum-quality works is coming from all corners of the world.” 

As is customary, the fair extends beyond the Convention Center walls to events throughout Miami, taking place at various galleries and museums. Peruse event websites to strategize your plan for the week, starting with https://www.artbasel.com/events

Art Basel Miami Beach, 1-3 December (invitation-only preview days on 29 and 30 December)  at Miami Beach Convention Center.