Art Basel Miami is HOT!

By Claire Gilbertsen.

Art Basel in Miami opens the first week in December, providing a fantastic excuse to escape to South Beach for some warmer weather for a few days. From December 3rd to December 6th, curators, artists, art buyers, museum directors, and art appreciators from all over will flock to Miami to see the masterpieces of all varieties. The world's top galleries will present the work of their top artists at the fair, including well-established galleries, historically important works, as well as emerging artists and experimental artwork to watch.

The show is divided into nine themed sectors to organize the content. The main exhibition hall features artwork of a variety of mediums: Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and films; and the large-scale installations and sculptures will be found in the Public sector, set in Collins Park and open to the public. There will also be several talks featuring fascinating lineups of experts and art connoisseurs from around the globe. The Conversations series begins with the Premiere Artist talk, featuring artists Trevor Paglen and Jenny Holzer, on the first day of the fair.

It's no surprise that one of the most anticipated exhibits will be by the New York based artist Nari Ward, whose survey exhibition "Sun Splashed" features an eclectic mix of found objects. As art continues to occupy and further explore digital mediums, the London gallery Pilar Corrias will feature three different and important video artists and will be a great booth to stop by. Another noteworthy artist whose work incorporates technology in a unique way is Daniel Keller, represented by Berlin gallery Kraupa-Tuscany Zeidler. Finally, the compelling modern art and photography by African artists at the Stevenson Gallery is a must-see, hailing all the way from South Africa.

There's so much to see at the gallery booths inside the convention center, but don't forget to enjoy art alfresco while you're in lovely Miami! Specifically, there will be 27 magnificent installation pieces in Public, the outdoor sector of the show. Artist Sam Falls has created the "Healing Pavilion," using crystals and gemstones, such as amethyst and jasper, to positively affect occupants. Another stunning outdoor feature is SoundScape Park, designed by Frank Gehry, where video art projects onto a 7,000 square-foot screen and surround sound plays through a state-of-the-art system. Be sure to stake your claim to one of the provided ground pillows in SoundScape Park to hear the sound art of Mariele Neudecker, whose Figure of 8 (a work created from peaceful noises in a rainforest in Ecuador) will play at 6 pm the first night of Art Basel Miami.

Tickets may be purchased on site, or, to avoid lines, ordered online through the Art Basel website: artbasel.com.

With so much culture to take in and so many marvelous parties to attend, Art Basel is a fabulous whirlwind of an experience. (This year, our very own Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jacobs plans to attend, and will be reporting back in the next issue of Resident!)