The annual countdown begins for global art connoisseurs as the star-studded Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB) is held December 6-9. Just what to see and where to go? Art Basel magazine Editor in Chief Sue Hostetler reveals her tips to navigating the show and lists 2019 trends and artists to watch.
Artists to Watch for 2019
Todd Murphy, Simone Leigh (recent winner of the prestigious Hugo Boss Prize), Ebony Patterson, and Alex Israel (who will have a large, one-person exhibition with Gagosian in 2019).
Top trends anticipated at Art Basel Miami Beach?
At both the fair in the convention center and at many of the local institutions, look for a reconsideration of formerly outsider and/or self-taught artists previously considered on the margin. Within the main fair, a group of dealers are dedicating their booths to artists of diversity. Check out James Cohan Gallery’s exhibition of Addis Ababa, artist Elias Sime, Cape Town-based Blank Project’s presentation of Billy Zangewa’s work in the Nova sector, and NYC dealer Peter Blum’s inclusion of Joyce J Scott’s work, which incorporates West African weaving.
Additionally, Chicago gallery Kavi Gupta will dedicate his booth to the work of the group AfricaCOBA—African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists. Concurrently, The MOCA in North Miami will also have a show by AfriCOBA, and the work of the little known, 72-year-old Viennese artist Rudolf Polanzsky is included at the Rubell Family Collection’s new exhibition. Gracing the cover of the new Art Basel issue is the fabulous assemblage work of artist Deborah Roberts, which investigates both race and gender. And you’ll also see a focus on female artists. Perhaps most prominent is a retrospective of the legendary Judy Chicago’s work at the Institute of Contemporary Art (opening Tuesday, Dec 4).
What are you most excited to attend this year at ABMB?
- The Abraham Cruzvillegas project, curated by Philip Kaiser and Tim Griffin of the Kitchen, in the new Grand Ballroom at the Convention Center.
- The Tomás Sarceno project on the beach, investigating climate change and produced by Audemars Piguet.
- The Gagosian/Jeffrey Deitch Pop Minimalism Show at the Moore Building.
- The exhibition at PAMM, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s iconic “Surrounded Islands.”
If a first timer to ABMB, your tips to best navigate the show:
Simple. Come to see the art. Don’t come for all of the parties, or to go to the beach or for things you can do other times of the year. You’ve got the best art from all over the globe in one city for a week—take advantage of it. And prep for the traffic, but don’t let it keep you from visiting more far-flung locations like Wynwood or Palm Beach to visit Beth Rudin’s The Bunker.
FAVORITE MIAMI HOTEL: The Setai. It’s always such a welcome respite from the madness and lunch by the pool or drinks in their chic courtyard is divine.
TOP TABLE: Casa Tua. Every year it’s my stop after the fair’s VIP preview day. Don’t miss the spectacular Italian food and bellinis in the lovely garden.
FAVORITE MIAMI STORE: The Webster on Collins Ave. It’s the most well-curated selection of fashion in the country. I also love the design district. Craig Robins has built such a special shopping environment. The multi-level Gucci store is heaven on earth.
HOTTEST PARTY: Aby Rosen’s annual Thursday night dance party at The Wall in the W Hotel. At 3 a.m., you’ll see big name dealers, collectors and artists letting loose on the dance floor.
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