The first major art fair following the United States presidential election took place in Miami Beach’s vibrant and sunlit setting in early December. Anticipation ran high, with questions about potential sales figures, visitor numbers, controversies and even the risks of vandalism or protests. However, the atmosphere at the Miami Beach Convention Center was surprisingly calm and composed, allowing the spotlight to remain firmly on the artists and the art itself. This year’s edition of Art Basel Miami Beach showcased a remarkable 286 galleries, 34 of which made their debut at the fair.
During Art Basel, I work as a tour guide, offering tours for collectors, art enthusiasts and all types of visitors with different levels of interest in art. Interestingly, I’m often asked the same questions: “What’s your favorite work? Which gallery stood out the most? What was the most expensive piece on sale?” These are daunting questions to answer, especially in the setting of a world-leading fair that brings together iconic modern and contemporary masterpieces from the past, present and future.
As much as I make an effort to introduce a variety of artists and galleries in my tours, clearly, the most buzzed-about spaces continue to include powerhouses like Gagosian, Pace, Hauser & Wirth, Lehmann Maupin, Perrotin (famous for the banana phenomenon), White Cube and David Zwirner. Note that some of these galleries do not even allow us to bring groups.
However, my personal approach to visiting the fair always begins in the periphery, where the specialized sectors — Survey, Nova, Positions, and Meridians — are located. These sections offer unique insights into emerging artists, curatorial trends and the risks galleries are willing to take in highlighting innovative talent. “The Kabinett” sector, meanwhile, allows galleries to dedicate a focused area to a single artist, creating a more intimate, curated experience that encourages viewers to dive deeper into one individual’s vision.
As a Brazilian born and it being the place that inspired me to select the art sector as my passion and career, I can’t help but follow up with its trends. Brazil maintained its significant presence in the global art scene this year, bolstered by the success of the recent Venice Biennale, led by Brazilian curator Adriano Pedrosa. At Art Basel Miami Beach, 19 Brazilian galleries showcased the country’s diverse artistic landscape, interweaving narratives rooted in Brazil’s cultural and ecological heritage.