Just one month after Donald Trump’s re-election as US president, the 22nd edition of Art Basel Miami Beach could prove a microcosm of a politically divided country. “It is an incredibly pivotal moment and an interesting time to be having the fair,” says Bridget Finn, its new director. “I’m sure that artists and gallerists will approach it in unique ways.”

Exhibitor Christiana Ine-Kimba Boyle, partner and co-owner of New York gallery Canada, sums up the widely different reactions within the art world. “Lots of artists are feeling downtrodden and are still trying to make sense of [Trump’s re-election], while collectors feel a bit grounded now, more protected in terms of their finances. So they are more open to spending, which should at least support the artists.”

While Floridians voted decisively for the Republican party, there will be plenty of art within the fair that goes against Trump’s politics. These include works that address climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration and feminism.

Meridians, the section of the fair for large-scale art, includes a work featured in Peru’s pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale: Roberto Huarcaya’s “Amazogramas” series (2014-24), including a three-metre-long photogram — a process that exposes paper to light without using a camera — highlighting the precarious environment of the rainforest (Rolf Art Gallery, $160,000).

I’ll be looking for Trump-related commentary — though please no images of him’

Elsewhere in this section, PPOW brings Portia Munson’s “Bound Angel” (2021), an installation of bound everyday objects displayed on a wedding dress to present restrictive ideals of femininity ($200,000). The work, “can be immediately understood as a powerful commentary on the rampant misogyny that has resurfaced in the US,” says gallery co-founder Wendy Olsoff.

Boyle describes Canada gallery’s mixed-artist booth in the fair’s main section as a “celebration of a multitude of diverse voices — artists who identify as cis-gender, non-binary, queer, of colour, or a wide combination of these listed identities.” They include Katherine Bradford, Xylor Jane and Joan Snyder.

Previously unseen sculptures and paintings by the late Indonesian artist I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, which confront the autonomy of the female body and female pleasure, will be on display in the Survey sector through Gajah Gallery (S$9,700–S$110,000; £5,731–£64,994). New York’s Kasmin gallery is showing a gestural charcoal by feminist artist Judith Bernstein (“Signature”, 1995–2007, $35,000). 

The good news for galleries is that interest in such works in high among the international and coastal collecting community. “I’ll be looking for Trump-related commentary — though please no images of him — more works that address things like what ‘Maga’ actually means, where are we going?” says New York collector Kim Manocherian.

Italian collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, who runs a private museum in Turin, says that “It isn’t an easy moment, all over the world, and I will absolutely make sure to find work [in Miami] that addresses the current political climate.”

As the US continues its political realignment, the art market has its own issues to address. Art Basel’s Finn, a former gallerist, is acutely aware that her fair comes at the end of a difficult year during which even New York — the most active and largest art trade hub — has experienced gallery closures and disappointing auction results. At the moment, “helping galleries to reach a larger audience is key,” she says. “I’ve tried to listen as much as I could to their feedback and to think about strategies to help them.”

One result is that Art Basel has rolled out the option of smaller booth sizes to its main sector exhibitors. This year’s fair has 34 new entrants among its total of 283, with 13 taking up the smaller booth option. Charles Moffett starts in the Nova section for new work brought by young galleries — where a 36 sq metre booth costs around $24,500. He brings a joint presentation by gallery artist Kim Dacres, who works with discarded rubber tyres (price range $7,000–$35,000), and Melissa Joseph, who uses felt ($10,000–$25,000), including a work they have made together. “They are good friends,” he says, “and we want their work to be in cohesive conversation.”

Ultimately, she says, whatever the political climate, “anything we can do to expedite people making sales is a priority”. Nerves might be jangling more than usual this year, but so far, so good at the leading US fair, says Nicholas Olney, president of Kasmin gallery. “The timing is good — it comes at the end of the year, when lots of collectors have clarity about their finances and just now the fundamentals of the economy are good. Whatever people feel about it, we have got past an election that had sucked up a lot of our headspace and we’ll have to see what the next four years bring. For now, it’s time to get to business.”

Art Basel Miami Beach, December 6 – 8, 2024

Associated Press

Toronto Raptors (5-14, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (8-8, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Friday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -7; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: Miami hosts Toronto in a matchup of Eastern Conference teams.

The Heat have gone 6-5 against Eastern Conference teams. Miami ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 15.7 fast break points per game led by Tyler Herro averaging 3.9.

The Raptors are 2-7 in Eastern Conference play. Toronto ranks second in the league scoring 19.2 fast break points per game led by RJ Barrett averaging 5.6.

The Heat score 110.4 points per game, 6.2 fewer points than the 116.6 the Raptors give up. The Raptors average 112.5 points per game, 3.2 more than the 109.3 the Heat give up to opponents.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bam Adebayo is shooting 43.2% and averaging 15.9 points for the Heat.

Jakob Poeltl is averaging 15.5 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 5-5, averaging 111.4 points, 42.8 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 9.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.4 points per game.

Raptors: 3-7, averaging 107.6 points, 48.3 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Kevin Love: day to day (back).

Raptors: Kelly Olynyk: out (back), Gradey Dick: day to day (calf), Bruce Brown: day to day (knee), Immanuel Quickley: out (elbow).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Finding the perfect place to stay during Miami Art Week is a critical part of curating your perfect event itinerary. After all, nothing will ruin the vibe of a glamorous week faster than subpar accommodations—or worse, finding out every hotel in the city is sold out.

Of course, there’s always Airbnb, which is offering both places to stay and places to play in its partnership with Art Basel Miami this year. Amongst its play options are exclusive Experiences: behind-the-scenes tours of the Art Basel Miami fair with Bridget Finn, director of Art Basel Miami Beach and interactive dining events hosted by renowned culinary artists.

If you’re more the type to insist on daily housekeeping, 24-hour room service and spa treatments on demand, welcome to my world! Here, my recommendations now turn to ensuring you receive exactly the type of luxurious pampering a week of exhibition and party hopping during Miami Art Week will necessitate.

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club: Where Art Deco Meets Artistic Soul for Miami Art Week

3925 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club’s timeless art deco elegance and contemporary creativity collide with the convenience of being near Miami Bach Convention Center, ground zero for Art Basel Miami Beach and the catalyst for Miami Art Week. Perched along the iconic Miami Beach Boardwalk, this oceanfront oasis is wrapped in lush greenery and poolside perfection.

Cadillac is participating this year in No Vacancy, a juried art competition presented by the City of Miami Beach in collaboration with the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). The initiative transforms 12 iconic Miami Beach hotels into creative playgrounds, showcasing site-specific works by 12 artists selected from a competitive call for submissions. Each artist receives a $10,000 stipend to bring their vision to life, and two participants will share $35,000 in prizes—a $25,000 Juried Prize awarded by a panel of local art professionals and a $10,000 Public Prize decided by popular vote.

At Cadillac, you’ll find acclaimed artist Marielle Plaisir and her evocative mixed-media piece, Rhapsody for a Beloved World. Through vibrant Caribbean colors and salvaged vintage photographs, Plaisir’s work reflects themes of innocence, resilience, and unity, presenting a hopeful vision of connection across boundaries. This powerful piece invites viewers to explore the interconnections of identity, culture, and humanity, perfectly complementing the hotel’s art deco charm and modern elegance.

EpichotelDowntown Miami Hotels | Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Kimpton EPIC: Brickell’s Hub for Art, Culture, and Canine Companions

270 Biscayne Blvd. Way Miami, FL 33131

Nestled in the heart of Brickell, Kimpton EPIC is a destination for art lovers, cultural enthusiasts and pampered pooches alike. My personal connection to the EPIC runs deep: a stay here with my dog during a 2017 business trip inspired my eventual move to Miami. This serendipitous hotel is also a big supporter of local artists. Launched in 2021, the EPIC Art is a bespoke Artist-in-Residence Program designed to celebrate local talent and offer guests an immersive glimpse into Miami’s thriving art scene. This year-round initiative showcases a dynamic mix of disciplines and mediums, spotlighting both emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds.

Through December 2024, the hotel’s 16th-floor corridor becomes a vibrant gallery space, hosting rotating exhibitions and live art activations to enhance the guest experience. During Miami Art Week, Adriana Torres Sánchez’s luminous murals will be found poolside and in cabanas as the month’s featured artist. If your dog’s passport has more stamps than the average flight attendant, EPIC will make a fine stay for you and your best friend.

Arlo WynwoodHome

Arlo Wynwood: Explore Miami Art Week from a Hotel Built for Artists

2217 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127

Arlo Wynwood is a hotel experience doubling as a gallery, which is only apropos during Miami Art Week. Nestled in the heart of Miami’s arts district, this 217-room hotel offers striking exterior murals by local Miami artists like Hoxxoh and MILAGROS Collective with curated installations throughout its halls.

Chris Rivers’ exhibition Cosmos will debut at the hotel with a public reception from 6–10 p.m. on December 4. Rivers’ cosmic-inspired works deliver bursts of color with rich layers of intricate details — think flowers, figures, and curvilinear motifs — to draw you into his mesmerizing universe. Beyond this opening, Arlo regularly showcases over 250 pieces of art, such as the serene plexiglass mural by Ari Robinson on the yoga deck and the phygital 3D elevator designs by Brooke Einbender.

The Sagamore Hotel South BeachMiami Beach Hotels | The Sagamore Hotel South Beach

The Sagamore South Beach: A South Beach Staple for Miami Art Week

1671 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

When it comes to blending high art with even higher hospitality, Miami’s “Art Hotel” The Sagamore South Beach, has been at the heart of Miami Art Week since its inception. If you choose to make this Art Deco boutique gem your center of operations, you’ll find in the lobby a headlining exhibition: Eternal Creations, an arresting collection of seven, one-of-a-kind, pure silver sculpture casts of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, using original molds from the Fonderia Artistica Ferdinando Marinelli in Florence, Italy. This exhibition is brought in partnership with BitBasel MOA Miami and Treasure Investment Corporation.

The 23rd Annual Sagamore Art Brunch on December 7 is a marquee event drawing industry leaders, artists, and collectors from around the world. The brunch promises live art activations, fashion shows, NFT displays, a performance by the South Florida Symphony, an opulent culinary experience and creative mixology stations. If you see me floating by as this is one of my RSVP yes’s, be sure to say hello.

StandardhotelsHotels near South Beach Miami | The Standard, Miami Beach | 4 Star Hotels in Miami Beach

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach: Relax, Recharge, and Reimagine Miami Art Week

40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

If you’re looking for a sanctuary during the art-fueled chaos of Miami Art Week, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is where I’d be living for the week if I weren’t already in my own condo across town. Between its tranquil hideaway lounge areas and a spa that I can verify works miracles, The Standard is one of my favorite go-to spots for firing up my laptop and finding inspiration from the surrounding lush tropical garden incorporated into the hotel grounds.

Celebrating the hotel’s 25th anniversary, The Standard Miami Beach turns its creative spotlight on art with two must-see exhibits. A Reimagination Of Disco + Design: The Future Perfect x Supermarket Creative x The Standard Spa, Miami Beach transforms three guest rooms into immersive vignettes—think Metallic Disco, Wabi Sabi, and Glam—as interpreted The Future Perfect artists Chris Wolston, Chen Chen & Kai Williams, and Reinaldo Sanguino. Producers Nicky Nighttime and Michelle Leshem add to the disco inferno with curated soundscapes to make each room sing.

Outdoors, Flags for Future, presented in partnership with D’Puglia and L’Officiel, lines the gardens with 40 stunning upcycled flags, each a symbol of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. For design lovers, Antonio Aricò’s Magna Grecia Collection blends ancient Italian craftsmanship with modern flair in an installation rich with Puglia’s history.

AKAHotel AKA Brickell | Luxury Hotel Miami

Hotel AKA Brickell: Where Brickell’s Skyline Meets Miami Art Week

1395 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Hotel AKA Brickell is a sleek haven perched in the heart of Miami’s buzzing Brickell neighborhood. Recently redesigned by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, this 25-story urban oasis offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and an environment more fitting as a refined residence than a traditional hotel. Stay for the luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views; come for the art and tequila.

On Wednesday, December 4, Hotel AKA Brickell becomes an art and flavor destination with the unveiling of APEX: A Particle Expansion Show by Solento Organic Tequila co-founder and artist Todd DiCiurcio. This heptaptych mural, created live on-site, takes center stage in the lobby, combining reflective surfaces and monochromatic artistry into a striking visual narrative. The evening also marks the debut of a.gave, a single-barrel tequila by Solento. After a day navigating the Miami Art Week fairs, wind down at ADRIFT Mare, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, where the new signature cocktail, the Solento Drift, awaits you.

Nikkibeach“Tell Only Your Best Friends”

Nikki Beach Miami Beach: Sun, Sea and Soundtracks

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

For an iconic blend of luxury, music, and oceanfront elegance, Nikki Beach Miami Beach has been the go-to destination since launching in 1998. Nestled on the pristine sands of 1 Ocean Drive, this flagship location offers a sprawling complex featuring a renowned beach club, lush garden area, cabana bar, and an award-winning restaurant serving a global menu inspired by Nikki Beach’s presence in Dubai, Koh Samui, and Santorini.

As Miami Art Week heats up, Nikki Beach invites you to Basel on the Beach on December 5, where resident and guest DJs Eran Hersh, EC Twins, and Sam Haze will set the soundtrack for your night with a sonic journey through chill, deep, afro, and Latin house music. If your exhibitions and party hopping starts to weigh you down, you wouldn’t be faulted for skipping the remaining events to lounge on Nikki Beach’s luxurious day beds and sip cocktails while soaking up the hotel’s brand of Miami Art Week sun, sea, and sound.

FaenaLuxury Hotels, Dining, Art, & Wellness | Faena

Faena Hotel Miami Beach: The Ultimate Miami Art Week Destination

3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Designed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, Faena Hotel Miami Beach is home to my favorite spa in all of Miami: the 22,000-square-foot Tierra Santa Healing House, boasting one of the largest hammams on the East Coast, and whose holistic treatments, sound therapy, and shaman-developed rituals have been melting stress from my body since moving to Miami. If you need more reasons to choose Faena as your ground zero during Miami Art Week, the hotel’s packed lineup of events may just convince you to stay on the grounds entirely and save your Lyft budget for cocktails at the bar.

Faena Art presents Seletega (run, see if people are coming) by Native Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin, a monumental, site-specific installation on Faena Beach addressing themes of interconnectedness and our collective responsibility for the future. Inside the Faena Hotel Cathedral, Lyra Drake’s Faith in a Finite World invites guests to engage with a divine feminine oracle powered by custom AI. Local talent Magnus Sodamin joins the roster with his nature-inspired Reflections of Florida Wild as part of the No Vacancy competition, underscoring Faena’s commitment to supporting Miami’s artistic community.

From December 3–5, Robb Report takes over the Faena penthouse with House of Robb, an exclusive series of panels, tastings, and networking events. Highlights include discussions with Maserati’s head designer Klaus Busse, an intimate conversation with Faena founder Alan Faena, and a cigar lounge experience hosted by La Aurora. Daniel Ashley Co., a major sponsor for House of Robb, brings two exclusive debuts to Faena: the Series I – Vault Edition ensemble, featuring a rare Super 220/Cervelt & Gold Powder fiber blend, made in collaboration with Dormeuil, for the most bespoke suit tailoring; and the “World’s Finest Sunglasses,” crafted with Leisure Society.

If you’re looking for nightlife, the Faena Theater transforms into an intoxicating venue with electrifying performances, including Fatboy Slim’s highly anticipated afterparty on December 3 and a show by internationally renowned DJ Francis Mercier on December 4. Adding to the mix is Verdy x Complex Miami at Faena Forum from December 6–7, where the Japanese designer will introduce two monumental sculptures of his signature characters, Visty and Vick, designed specifically for this event. Meet and greet with Verdy on December 6, and have shopping access to a curated selection of his iconic pieces, including archival items and limited-edition releases from his famous projects, Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth.

When you’re done exploring all Faena has to offer for Miami Art Week, enjoy decadent dining at Los Fuegos or Pao by Paul Qui, or simply unwind in Faena’s luxurious pool and beach areas. If you do make it to Tierra Santa Healing House, make sure you book your massage with Carlos. Thank me later.

Up next in my pre-Miami Art Week series, where to wine, dine and be seen.