Art Basel Miami 2024 has come and gone, but the vibrant energy and unforgettable experiences from this year’s festivities are still fresh in the minds of art enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Untitled Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Indira Cesarine, attended Art Basel Miami on behalf of the publication, immersing herself in the city’s dynamic art scene. This year’s event was filled with unique experiences, groundbreaking exhibitions, and unforgettable parties that celebrated art in all its forms. Additionally, The Untitled Magazine hosted an exclusive event on December 6th with Dine with Dez, marking an extraordinary night of art, food, and entertainment. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most notable events from Art Basel Miami 2024.
Faena Art Preview & Reception + Fat Boy Slim After Party (December 2)
Faena Art once again delivered a memorable Miami Art Week experience, unveiling monumental installations and sculptures by artists Lyra Drake, Magnus Sodamin, and Nicholas Galanin. The highlight of the preview was Galanin’s “Seletega,” a site-specific piece on the sands of Faena Beach, questioning collective responsibility in shaping the future in the form of a wrecked Spanish galleon sunken into the sands. A cocktail reception allowed guests to interact with the artists before a vibrant after-party with a live DJ set by Fat Boy Slim. Faena Art’s dedication to presenting cross-disciplinary works continues to make it one of Miami’s most anticipated cultural hotspots during Art Basel.
MOSEX Launch Event – Museum of Sex Miami (December 2)
On December 2, the Museum of Sex Miami launched its highly anticipated exhibition in its 32,000 square-foot space. The museum marked its debut in the US with the first solo exhibition of Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, known for his hyper-realistic depictions of the human form and futuristic robots. In addition to Sorayama’s exhibition, the museum presented Modern Sex: 100 Years of Design and Decency, a retrospective look at the design and marketing of sexual health products. The museum also featured an enhanced edition of its signature installation, Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival. This immersive exhibition offered visitors a thought-provoking exploration of human sexuality, design, and history.
BitBasel: Michelangelo’s Eternal Creations (December 2-8)
BitBasel celebrated its fifth anniversary this year with a transformative exhibition, “Eternal Creations,” held at the iconic Sagamore Hotel. The event marked a significant moment for the intersection of art and technology, featuring pure silver sculptures cast from Michelangelo’s masterpieces. This installation was complemented by cutting-edge Web3 art, further establishing BitBasel as a platform for innovative artistic expression. The event’s mix of classical and digital art redefined the boundaries of creative possibilities, drawing attention from art collectors and tech enthusiasts alike.
The Rubell Museum Opening (December 2)
The Rubell Museum’s opening during Art Basel 2024 introduced three new exhibitions, showcasing the museum’s diverse and evolving collection. This year, the spotlight was on Vanessa Raw, the museum’s 2024 artist-in-residence, who presented new work alongside recent acquisitions from artists like Omari Douglin and Cajsa von Zeipel. The museum also presented highlights from its permanent collection, including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cecily Brown, and Rashid Johnson. The Rubell Museum’s continued focus on emerging artists and innovative exhibitions made this opening a must-see event for collectors and art lovers.
Invisible Luggage at the Historic Hampton House Museum (December 2)
The Historic Hampton House Museum presented Invisible Luggage, an expansive group exhibition featuring contemporary artworks by over 50 artists. The exhibition explored themes of memory, displacement, and freedom within the context of the Hampton House, a space that served as a cultural hub during segregation. With works from artists like Marina Abramović, Ebony G. Patterson, and Jacolby Satterwhite, the exhibition invited viewers to reflect on the complex histories and stories tied to the space. This powerful exhibition highlighted the intersection of art, history, and activism, offering a unique lens through which to engage with the past and present.
Cartier’s “Trinity 100” (December 3)
On December 3, Cartier hosted an unforgettable celebration in the Miami Design District for the 100th anniversary of its iconic Trinity design. The event featured an immersive pop-up experience dedicated to French writer Jean Cocteau, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with some of Cartier’s most prized pieces. The exhibition was a testament to Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and its deep connection to art, history, and culture. The evening culminated in an electrifying performance by Janelle Monáe, whose captivating show added an extra layer of glamour and energy to the already prestigious event. The “Trinity 100” celebration not only honored a century of innovation in jewelry design but also reinforced Cartier’s commitment to blending art, culture, and luxury, making it a standout moment during Miami Art Week.
Pucci Party at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (December 3)
On December 3, Pucci returned to Art Basel with a whimsical celebration at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. In collaboration with Artistic Director Camille Miceli, the luxury brand transported guests to Florence, offering a night of surprises including gelato stands, interactive games, and magicians. The event brought Pucci’s Italian heritage to life, blending art, fashion, and playful entertainment in a truly unique experience.
MOCA North Miami’s Fall Exhibition Opening (December 3)
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami kicked off Art Basel with a private preview of its fall exhibitions. Visitors were invited to explore Andrea Chung: Between Too Late and Too Early and Smita Sen: Embodied. The evening featured live music and local cuisine, culminating in a moving dance performance by Smita Sen. Her performance, exploring themes of memory, grief, and spatial expression, extended the themes of her exhibition into the live space, creating a dynamic blend of visual and performance art.
Jeffrey Deitch Presents Austin Lee: Psychomachia in Miami (December 3-9)
Austin Lee’s Psychomachia exhibition, presented by Jeffrey Deitch at 35 NE 40th Street in the Miami Design District, showcased the artist’s signature exploration of human emotion through technology. Combining traditional art-making with software technologies, Lee created vibrant paintings, sculptures, and video works that explored the complexity of human psychology. This solo exhibition, which ran from December 3-9, continued the legacy of Deitch’s influential art projects in Miami and drew attention for its bold, innovative approach to portraying human emotion.
ICA Miami Opening Night (December 3)
ICA Miami kicked off Art Basel with its Opening Night, presented by W Magazine, featuring five special exhibitions. Highlights included Lucy Bull: The Garden of Forking Paths and Marguerite Humeau: 1skley-* on the third floor, and Keiichi Tanaami: Memory Collage on the second. With support from Christie’s Art Finance, Lexus, MAC Cosmetics, and W Magazine, this glamorous event offered an exclusive preview of cutting-edge contemporary art, celebrating the institution’s role in fostering artistic innovation.
Gucci’s Boule De Neige Installation (December 3-8)
Gucci’s show-stopping installation in the Miami Design District featured a massive snow globe positioned between their two boutiques. The festive display, inspired by Gucci’s Italian heritage, was filled with luxurious Gucci luggage, as well as recreations of Palazzo Gucci in Florence and the brand’s SoHo storefront. The plaza surrounding the installation was decorated with three abstract murals by Corydon Cowansage, transforming it into an interactive holiday experience. Gucci’s installation stood out for its whimsical take on the season and the brand’s commitment to blending art, fashion, and design in a unique way.
Art Basel Miami Art Fair VIP Opening (December 4)
The VIP Opening of the Art Basel Miami Art Fair on December 4 marked the official start of Miami Art Week, bringing together galleries, artists, collectors, and art lovers from around the globe. The fair, one of the most prestigious art events in the world, featured a diverse range of contemporary art from over 250 galleries, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Visitors had the chance to explore an impressive array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. The fair’s dynamic programming, which included special projects, performances, and installations, set the tone for the rest of Miami Art Week, reaffirming Art Basel Miami’s position as a vital hub for contemporary art and cultural exchange.
LVMH’s Culture House (December 4-8)
Returning to the Miami Design District, the LVMH Culture House was one of the standout events of Art Basel Miami 2024. This immersive gallery celebrated the intersection of art and luxury, showcasing works by artists like Kandy Lopez, Yuki Ando, and Glenneisha Darkins, while focusing on marginalized communities, including artists of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The exhibition featured an exciting array of works, including cutting-edge sculptures and installations. Daily panel discussions offered an engaging opportunity to hear from LVMH brand presidents, cultural tastemakers like Terrence J and Emory Jones of Roc Nation, and influential figures such as Jessica Rivera. This year, LVMH also spotlighted emerging talent, including two student artists, making the Culture House a hub of innovation and creativity during Art Basel.
QUI Tequila and Nobu Rare Launch Event (December 4)
On December 4, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and QUI Tequila Founder Medhat Ibrahim hosted an exclusive event amidst the glitz of Miami Art Basel, celebrating the launch of Nobu Rare, a 25-year-old tequila crafted in collaboration with QUI and KAWS. This innovative blend showcased the exceptional craftsmanship of QUI Tequila, the artistic vision of KAWS, and the legendary culinary expertise of Nobu. The evening featured inventive cocktails and exquisite hors d’oeuvres, offering guests a taste of luxury that seamlessly fused art, fine spirits, and haute cuisine. The event underscored the growing intersection between the worlds of fine dining, art, and high-end spirits
Soho Beach House: Porsche Presents – Art and Music with Amaarae (December 4)
On December 4, the renowned Soho House celebrated its legendary Art and Music event, powered by Porsche. Held at the Soho Beach House Tents, this highly anticipated party featured a live performance by Amaarae, the Ghanaian-American singer known for her unique fusion of pop, R&B, and Afrobeats. Her performance energized the crowd, blending sultry vocals with infectious beats, creating an unforgettable night of music during Art Basel Miami. The event continued Soho House’s tradition of bringing together the best of art, music, and luxury, making it a must-attend gathering for Art Basel insiders looking to dance, network, and celebrate in style.
PAMM Presents at Pérez Art Museum Miami (December 5)
PAMM’s annual Art Week bash, PAMM Presents, was a celebration of Miami’s diverse artistic culture. This year’s event featured a live performance by the global collective HOMECOMING™ curated by Grace Ladoja, and sets by Miami’s own DJ talent. The event also provided an opportunity to experience current exhibitions at the museum, including Jose Parla: Homecoming. PAMM’s dedication to promoting artistic expression, coupled with its ability to bring together international talent and local culture, made PAMM Presents a key highlight of Miami Art Week.
Ocean Drive – The Art of the Party (December 5)
On December 5, the iconic Ocean Drive: The Art of the Party event launched the Art Issue, featuring a performance by Chance the Rapper at the Fontainebleau Hotel. This star-studded affair celebrated the intersection of art, music, and luxury, attracting a glamorous crowd of influencers, artists, and celebrities. The night was a highlight of Art Basel Miami, blending live music with fashion and dynamic art installations.
The Untitled Magazine x Dine with Dez Art Basel Celebration (December 6)
The Untitled Magazine teamed up with Dine With Dez for an exclusive event on December 6, bringing together a curated group of art, fashion, and entertainment insiders for an immersive dining and entertainment experience. Held at the Broken Shaker Miami Beach, the event featured a private VIP dinner followed by an afterparty with a stunning synchronized swimming performance by the Aqua Lillies and DJ sets from Quiana Parks, Dylan Ali, and Akia Dorsainvil. Co-hosted by The Untitled Magazine’s Indira Cesarine, along with Dine With Dez founders Desmond Sam and Ramses Rubio, the event continued the publication’s tradition of creating unforgettable moments during Art Basel.
The Lost Warhols at Baxter Miami (December 7)
The Lost Warhols exhibition, held at Baxter Miami, brought together two prominent contemporary artists, Karen Bystedt and Bradley Theodore. This immersive show featured reimagined Warhol-esque works and offered a contemporary take on one of the most iconic figures in modern art. The exhibition highlighted the continuing influence of Warhol’s legacy on contemporary artists and collectors, and provided an exciting space for Art Basel attendees to explore new perspectives on Warhol’s timeless work.
The Great Elephant Migration Installation (December 2-8)
One of the most talked-about public art installations at Art Basel Miami 2024 was The Great Elephant Migration. This free exhibit, which debuted in Newport, RI earlier in the year, made its Miami Beach debut from December 2-8, showcasing a herd of elephant sculptures placed between 36th and 37th Street. These lifelike sculptures were a popular Instagram destination, drawing large crowds as they represented a compelling visual metaphor for migration and environmental preservation. The herd’s migration from city to city highlighted the growing importance of public art in raising awareness on global issues.
Art Basel Miami 2024 lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting and diverse art and culture moments of the year. From cutting-edge exhibitions to exclusive parties, this year’s Art Basel brought together global talent and cultural innovation, setting the stage for new conversations in the world of contemporary art. Whether through powerful installations, immersive experiences, or high-energy parties, Art Basel continues to be the ultimate destination for art lovers and creators from around the world.
