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Art Basel Miami Beach
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Art Basel Miami Beach
28 reviews in English
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Review from Jamie R.
Naples, FL
Updated - 12/14/2011 9 photos
Art Basel in the Miami Beach Convention Center. The art fair is on steroids here where world galleries take 13,000 sq ft to display contemporary art. Much is pre-sold. All works are curated at prices beginning $6k and into the seven figures. On opening day, exhibitors - with their understated table and what seemed to be only two client chairs in each gallery - were occupied with collectors who paged through portfolios or huddled with gallery reps in hushed tones.
The knowns ( Bravo, Botero. Britto, Thiebauld) mixed with the yet to be known. Three dimensional sculpture took up valuable real estate on the floor, so sculpture trended toward a Public Art scale.
It felt that this tenth anniversary, 2011 collection had a prevailing dark mood about it. For example, a three foot high "Curious Bear," cast in bronze ,was installed against a solid wall. He didn't seem curious at all. More like he was on Time Out. If a clear plexiglass wall had been placed in front of this sculpture instead of solid greenboard, the sad bear with his head against the wall would have become curious.
My personal mood, just like that little bear, changed from curious to overwhelmingly sad after being at the exhibition. I had time with world class art, but the visual metaphors were disturbing.Listed in: Hop on the Culture Bus
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2011
Ambitious, You have GOT to plan before arriving because the salons, restaurants, galleries, hotels,… Read more »
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Review from ana k.
Los Angeles, CA
12/8/2011
Sensory overload in the best visual way possible. It was my first time experiencing Art Basel Miami Beach. Immediate consensus: extremely impressed. I was hesitant about whether to go at first (tickets are not exactly cheap.. and the fact that it was being held in a convention center sounded like it would have too much of an unbecoming "mall" effect on the display of the art), but my doubts were quelled pretty instantaneously.
Pay no heed to the people who pretend not to be impressed or don't know any better than to be able to appreciate what's on offer here. As it was my first time, I may have had a less jaded perspective than someone who's been there for consecutive years, but given the sheer scope, size, and variety of art here, from Picasso and Magritte to gems of new artists I'd never heard of before but was grateful to discover... I find it hard to believe that there wouldn't be something for every artistic persuasion in this thoughtfully executed and well planned fair. I was also expecting the crowd to be crushing, as I went on the last day and while it was full, it never felt overwhelming. I found most people to be pretty respectful and polite.
Commensurate to the caliber of the art in the city for this particular weekend, is the quality of all the ancillary events, parties, and the general vibe that thus ensues throughout Miami Beach. The only thing I regret is not having arrived in Miami earlier.
Thank you Art Basel and the weather perfection that is Miami Beach in December for providing the platform for one of the most enjoyable weekends I've had this winter! -
Review from lara s.
12/7/2011 1 photo
Happy 10 years Art Basel Miami Beach! This monster of an art fair has been coming to Miami since 2002. It was originally slated to begin in 2001, but due to September 11 events, it was postponed one year.
Each year Art Basel and thus the surrounding art fairs get bigger and bigger. More and more people are aware of them and it gets more and more crowded. So, my one big tip, if you are planning to attend in coming years, is to plan ahead. Look online and get the info and whereabouts of things you want to see before stumbling into the convention center or traipsing throughout the city. Otherwise, it's just too daunting. A bunch of people usually post guides online listing some good things to see, addresses, hours, etc.
The best part of Art Basel proper (meaning Art Basel-sponsored events) was Art Video. I thought the selection of videos this year was excellent. I even went back a second day to try to watch the ones I missed. I also went to one night of the projection of Art Video at the New World Center. Great use of the building and city space for the fairs.
I also highly recommend the Studio Visits that are part of the Art Basel related programming. Each year artists in different areas open up their studios to visitors on different days. I went to Maria Martinez-Canas's studio as well as Carlos Betancourt's. What a better way to get to know local artist and their work than chatting with them in their studios. Plus, I love getting to know how other artists work - what materials they use, what books their reading, etc.
Overall, Art Basel was excellent this year and I look forward to the years to come. I hope you'll want to call Miami Beach home for a least a little while longer.Listed in: Miami Arts and Culture
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Review from Sergio F.
My 500th Review..wow. I'm thinking it should be of something special (and artistic)
Artists and Hipsters and 1%ers Oh My..
Notice the acrylic Paint..see the Klieg lights
That's not writing on the wall, that's live painting..Artists from All Over
That smoke..It's also BBQ from live cooking
Regular Wynwood Tagger, meet recognized artists
Pass as 1%er - or be one!
Lectures
Live DJ's
Take a road trip
Over to the Beach
Convention Center
More Art, - A painting , A soda can painted pink
Super Bowl, NBA Championship, Winter Music Conference
All Meshed into One
Art Basel Week - Welcome Back to MiamiListed in: Art Walkin'
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Review from BB B.
Milwaukee, WI
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my second time to Art Basel. Last time I concentrated on the non-convention center events - this time I focused on the convention center exhibit. To be honest, this time wasn't nearly as fun or interesting. Despite the diverse crowds, this is clearly an event for high-end art collectors. If you're a hardcore fan of abstract art, you'll be thrilled. If you're looking for interesting modern art in all different media, you might want to save the high entry fee and just shuttle, bike or taxi over to Wynwood or some of the other neighborhoods that have concurrent art events happening.
If I had to do it over again, I'd just buy a ticket for a day or two, rather than one for the entire event.
That said, it was still a great art event, I did see some incredible art and being in Miami in December is absolutely lovely.
(FYI - having just gone to SOFA Chicago a month ago, I'd highly recommend SOFA Chicago or NY over Art Basel MB. The variety of art, prices and perspectives are more engaging, and the entry fee is much more reasonable.) -
Review from Sarah B.
Miami, FL
9/13/2011
This is when I come and pretend to be a world art collector and try to act important (I'm kidding!)...Just everyone else acts that way..!!
This is a sister event to the one in Switzerland...must say the strangest art you will ever see!!! This is your expressive out of the box thinkers...
Pros:
Great after parties and events (free drinks.... lol ) .. Last year 2010...I went to Delano and Shore Club and a few hotels to attend some art galleries and shows.
Very elecletic artst crowd,,, great to see modern art. "
Convention Center has LOTS of galleries.... fun to take photos and look back at the pieces..
Interesting out the the box modern art and some famous pieces...
Students get a discount...
Cons:
Convention center is TOO PACKED
Snooby staff from art galleries... most not too friendly
parking is a hassle...
drinks and food inside convention center is a RIP OFF -
Review from Shawn B.
Miami Beach, FL
1/9/2012
If you enjoy fine art, even if you're not well versed in it, and you want to see the best of the best from around the globe, Art Basel is a must-see. This is the biggest and most prestigious art fair in America and with good reason. It's as if you're visiting 300 of the world's best galleries all in one place. The work is spectacular. It'll take you at least 2 days to peruse over 3000 pieces of art by both blue-chip names that you'll recognize immediately and contemporary works by the best mid-career artists working today. I'm an art historian and even I still find spectacular new works by artists that I hadn't know before. The ancillary fairs which occur concurrently are also a must - Scope, Pulse, and Aqua, to name a few. I guarantee that there's something for everyone, no matter what your artistic tastes.
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Review from Glenn G.
12/6/2011 6 photos
By far not my first art show or event but it was my first time at Art Basel and I am already looking forward to 2012. Next year though I plan on doing a few things differently. There is a lot to see spread around South Beach, Design District, Midtown and Wynwood (and possibly more but I am unaware if so), I would definitely set aside more than one day next time. I would also go online and read up on some of the exhibits; as much as I enjoyed them I didn't understand them (such as stacked beer cans at Rubell Family Collection or the testicles in a jar at the Seven exhibit). I was very impressed by how friendly and talkative many of the artists and gallery workers were. Everyone there was cheerful and seemed to have a high sense of pride in everything going on at Basel (it was quite refreshing). I've been to art exhibits and shows in the past and much of the time it was drab and the people dry and emotionless. Then again it should be noted my review excludes the South Beach area as I never made it over there. In summary: great art, welcoming galleries, incredible people watching and all around good vibe
Listed in: Cultured Connoisseur
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Review from Richard K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
3/18/2011
The actual convention gets....2 stars. It is full of snooty, rich folk and exhibits that do not do it for me and from what I hear it does not do it for most others, but hey to each his/her own.
Actual Convention - 2 stars
The design district had some really cool exhibits. A lot of good art, tons of free booze, and great restaurants in the area for those hungry after a good art walk. What I hate about the design district, much like the actual convention, is all the snooty, rich folk. They carry a disdain for the common folk or at least it is how they come off in my eyes.
Design District - 3 stars
Now, I say if you are going to spend one day on art basel; spend it in the wynwood district. The area is between Miami Ave and NW 3rd Ave (east to west) and 21st st to 29st (south to north).
The vibe is rocking. The people unpretentious. There are tons of food trucks and again loads of free booze. The exhibits are very diverse and some of the best in all of art basel. Also, parking is free, which is nice if you po' like me.
Wynwood - 10 stars
Overall, wynwood saves the day and the experience is .... 5 stars.Listed in: 50 First Dates (So. Florida)
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Review from George M.
12/25/2010
This review is for all the weeks happenings and going-ons
Art Basel is one long ass crazy week
Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in
the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 41 years
The satellite fairs are what blow this up to one of the BEST times to be a Miamian
too many things going down to even remember it all
Wynwood was popping - Primary Flight, street art
DD was alive - FriendsWithYou
Really great that this happens in Miami and hope it never stops
Next year you all have to subscribe to the Jenny Art Basel newsletter to know and go to EVERYTHING
"I'm not stopping until I have seen every piece of Art in Miami" -
Review from Gabrielle F.
Miami, FL
12/7/2010
I went to the Art Basel in the convention center.
The art was great but it was a lot better last year.
The selection of art is immense from light fixtures to sculptures.
The wine and food in the cafe there was ridiculously expensive but it is expected with Miami Beach.
Still a great place for viewing great work from all over the world.
** IF YOU ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13-22 GO TO CULTURE SHOCK MIAMI.COM AND GET YOUR TICKET FOR $5 NEXT YEAR ** -
Review from Lisa A.
12/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Had a great time at the 2010 show!
There was so many beautiful and interesting pieces and not to mention, great people watching! I will definitly return here next year. -
Review from Emme R.
Hialeah, FL
12/5/2010
As for the Art Basel exhibit at the convention center itself - eww, what a load of crap. I saw the most pompous, snooty pieces of "art". Pieces of wood strewn about, plenty of abstract "work" , naked women and their pubes displayed. Where are the pieces of work that comment on culture, where are the pieces that scream empathy, emotion, love, hate? S*&$# anything?! Isn't that the function of art - to speak with aesthetics, what language may limit us to? Where is the creativity??? This was excrement! Pure excrement!
I drove down with my buddy to Wynwood immediately afterward and had a greatttt time! Free parking, free drinks, great vibe, great street food, even AMAZING art! I will never go to the actual Art Basel event again.
As for Art Basel, the show - I would have given it two stars if it weren't for some noteworthy celebrities I pointed out. Art Basel, the celebration and the related events outside the convention center - 5 stars...NO, 10 STARS!Listed in: Art-ventures
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Review from Elizabeth D.
Miami, FL
12/10/2008 3 photos
Geez, I don't want to be the party pooper, but the Convention Center exhibit was really weak. So much so that I had to revisit some of the galleries in the Design District right after to revive my love of art.
Don't get me wrong, there were some very interesting pieces here, but I have to say a good 75% was outright ridiculous. I went as far as taking pictures of the worst art just to post them up and be like, "Come ON!" A floating black balloon? Pieces of blank paper tacked to the wall? A table with coins on it?
You can check them out under this listing's photos and decide for yourself...
Anywho, I do really appreciate and love Art Basel in Miami. It's one of the absolute BEST times of the year.
While this isn't a great review for the Miami Beach Convention Center exhibits, I will gladly give a million stars to some of the smaller galleries Downtown. These include Vanguard, Scope, and Art Asia. These galleries were not only free, but featured some of the most amazing art I have ever seen.
It's almost shocking that they charge $75+ dollars for a two-day ticket to see some really mediocre yet really expensive stuff. I mean, you can really go through the whole thing in just one day anyway. Your feet will likely kill you, but it's not impossible. I did see Lenny Kravitz wandering around with some Nicole Kidman-esque woman. He must have a thing for blondes. Anywho - that made it somewhat worthwhile at least.
In conclusion, HOORAY BASEL, boo convention center art. -
Review from Sarah F.
Brooklyn, NY
12/11/2009 1 photo
Art Basel was by far the best art show I have ever been to. The sheer volume of work here is amazing. There is so much to see - it's almost intimidating. We bought a day pass and I think after 4.5 hours we had still seen just over half of everything that was in the convention center. And it's not just new stuff either, there is a very diverse blend of new and old - from Picasso to Damien Hirst.
In addition to the convention it seems like every gallery and party promoter in Miami gets in on the action. There is stuff going on EVERYWHERE! We had an especially awesome time at the "Converse: Art is for Everyone" party. Located in the Miami district at the Awarehouse, it featured several awesome music acts (Kinky & Mala Rodriguez) and FREE OPEN BAR ALL NIGHT!
I think I would definitely come back for Art Basel again. It's a short trip down to Miami and there was just so much to see and do (alot of it free). We were thoroughly entertained the whole time. -
Review from Casie C.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2007
As a native and having lived in Miami Beach, Art Basel was just about the only cultured event I'd experienced. Some of the top galleries, artists, designers from all over the globe come together to showcase their pieces (seeing to it that Art Basel began in Switzerland). It's a fascinating conglomeration of people that flock to Miami's Design District: art collectors, art dealers and curators; and also what I believe helps to portray Miami Bch. as this 'mystical, place of make-believe where all the beautiful people go" type of place.......but it's all just an illusion.
It's a definite must see for anyone in the Miami area early December.
Sadly enough, there really isn't much to say about Miami + Miami Beach that can't be summarized in less than a paragraph. -
Review from jace s.
Boston, MA
Updated - 11/8/2009
Help Miami Art Basel Regulars! What are your favorite Free or inexpensive shows and events???
What are your opinions of the exhibits at the convention center? Must do or Don't Bother?
I will start:
*** Bridge Art at the Catalina Hotel. Aqua at Aqua Hotel. Parties, Music and Art in the Design District on Saturday night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2008
Art Basel is uber cool. We have gone 3 years in a row and because of the scary economy almost… Read more »
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Review from Scott L.
12/7/2009 1 Check-in Here
This review is for the art basel convention center exhibit and the other events I saw related to art basel, but not the satellite shows.
The showings here were basic modern art. Perhaps good for some collectors or high school students. The best gallery had classic art from Miro, DeBuffet, and other classic artists. And even this art would be seen in an intro art history book.
I was hoping for more innovative art, or even interesting modern art.
It's a good deal though, just the basics.
Down side - your day ticket does not include in and out. So plan accordingly. Other aspects of this event were highly disorganized.
The art talks seemed promising - the 2 attended were just okay.
The tour operators were also disorganized and unsolictious in general.
Figure out the vans that take you to the satellite shows for free. It was a challenge for me to find where the vans picked up, but once I did, it greatly helps getting around miami for free without parking. -
Review from brandon r.
Miami, FL
12/10/2008
This goes for Art Basel 2008: YES! the best thing to happen in Miami all year! It's early December, the weather is nothing but perfect, not overcrowded, plus A WHOLE LOT to see.
The only downside are all the high entrance fees to get into each of the major shows. On the positive side there were lots of events that weren't very well publicized, and not to be missed. Looking forward to next year's -
Review from J M.
Miami Beach, FL
4/19/2009
This is absolutely the best week in Miami. The quality of the tourists that come to town. The creativity and the art that are oozing out of every hotel, restaurant, back alley, and warehouse.
I have a simple review. Watch my videos on Art Basel & you'll get a feel for it. http://goLIVEmiami.com -
Review from cindy w.
New York, NY
2/10/2007 5 photos
Art Basel is the essence of what makes Miami + Miami Beach glamorous and cultured in a way that it isn't 360 days of the year. Yes, Miami Beach looks glamorous from an outsider's perspective and it is: beautiful, diverse people, wide sampling of restaurants, famous nightclubs, and the best beaches...but it's a small world and after awhile, it gets predictable. Miami Beach is not intellectually rich, there's 1 bookstore and it's on Lincoln Rd. The art galleries pander to old tourists (except for the excellent South Florida art center; see my review). Not to rant but what it comes down to is this:
Art Basel is the best event in Miami. Period. It's essentially an art fair aimed at contemporary modern art. It's housed at the Miami Beach Convention center. But, its not just about that location. It spreads out like a giant amoeba with various events that involve it.
Tons of art galleries, critics, buyers, gawkers, and celebs pour into Miami to throw several art fairs, parties, and more parties. For 5 days, downtown Miami, the design destrict, and the Beach are transformed and actually becomes culturally relevant. The level of "sophistication" goes WAAAAY up here: i see more fashionable people/freaks here then I do the other 360 days. Where are they hiding? Dunno.
But I can tell you this, if you want to experience Miami at its best, go to ART BASEL.
Art events that surround ART BASEL that everyone should go to:
SCOPE
http://www.scope-art.c...
NADA
http://www.newartdeale... -
Review from Genie M.
Sacramento, CA
1/8/2008
since the Inspired Art Fair in London '05 ( which i was fortunate to be IN) ... i've had this notion in my head @ Art Basel.
we went last month to 'celebrate' my 40th ... as i told craig ( as i had tears in my eyes). Basel is like my 'holy grail', being an Artist and all.
it was all this AMAZING ART with not as much attitude as i thought, wow ( although my husband was kicked. kicked. by someone b'cause he was defending the baggage/coat check attendants).
best bits:
+ seeing joseph cornell boxes WITHOUT the glass.
+ white cube = chapman brothers, damn. i miss london.
+ finding a tracey emin neon sign art in some random corner of a booth. if we had
$. yeah. not in this lifetime.
+ the whole super nova section
not so best bits:
+ i wanted a tote bag and they only gave them out to the press
+ no gift shop. i mean, really even MUSEUMS have gift shops
+ so much to see/do ... 4 days isn't enough
+ one ticket should be good for all days.
OVERALL: if you're an ART LOVER, you have to do ART BASEL (Miami or SWITZERLAND --- ah, one day). -
Review from Dan B.
12/16/2007
It's difficult to explain exactly why this place is as good as it is. I loved the art here. They have a good array of events and shows and epitomize the classy culture Miami Beach has. Art Basel is a definite credit to our society. If you even visit Miami Beach, it's obligatory you visit this place before you leave. I felt like the place and the art was very fantastical, which I enjoyed deeply.
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Review from Liz T.
Stuart, FL
11/8/2007 1 photo
cindy completely summed it up. art basel is a absolute MUST. in addition to the main events, the parasite events/shows are sometimes even better... so plan on trying to fit as much as possible in. i usually spend one day at the convention center and everything else i scour the events to find the coolest stuff.
highlight of last year was the beach concert with peaches (the artist not the fruit). reason why on top of her being just awesome... she decided at the end of the concert to strip down to nothing and jump in the cold ocean!! now there's art basel for you... never know what's coming. oh i'll upload the pic. hopefully won't get taken down. ;) -
Review from swys -.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2008
Satan says dance, Lot's of international names, Lot's of reason why to run to your studio and cry, tons of familiar faces, great weather, hotness on both gender, and can I say Satan Say's Dance. Oh, what a better place to see Holly-hood- A-Lister's out of place and getting snub in their own vacation spot back yard. Over all it's a zoo and if you care there is Art and that 's all that should matter.
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Review from rachel s.
Miami, FL
1/19/2008
The best thing to happen to Miami!
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Review from Peter G.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2010
Stallone was nowhere to be found?
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Review from Jessie H.
Somerville, MA
12/13/2008
If you like contemporary art - please go to this. It is amazing.
