2018 - What to Expect During Art Basel 2018

This article was featured in Dekad's 2018 4th quarter edition.

What began in the 1970’s with three gallerists and a vision has today grown into one of the most respected celebrations of art around the globe. Art Basel honors international artist talent  and shines a light on new, up and coming creatives. This for-profit affair provides a platform for galleries to show and sell their work to buyers while attracting a large international audience of art spectators and students. This year the massive global art fair will take place December 6th—9th with most noteworthy events in the Art Basel cities of Miami, Florida and Hong Kong, China.

Maimi 

The most popular US location to celebrate this event is of course, Mimi Beach. Leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will come together to show work from the masters of contemporary and modern art. In the main exhibition hall you can expect to see paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and films of the highest quality. The event will show works from a total of over 4,000 artists from over 200 of the world’s leading international galleries.

One of the notable themes this year is rediscovering pioneering artists with the concept that every work of art was once contemporary. This year, 16 galleries are showcasing artists that emerged decades ago, but whose creative output remains in tune with our times. For example, be sure to check out British artist Shelagh Wakely (1932-2011). “Her oeuvre is characterized by a celebration of nature and the ephemeral, which chimes with many contemporary practices. Using fruits, spices, or feathers, Wakely created an artistic universe that addressed the poetics of fragility. The use of non-traditional materials, as well as an ability to convey lightness, infuses her work with a peaceful vivacity.”

There are definitely a few sectors you shouldn’t miss. Nova, which was designed for galleries to present artists showing works created within the last three years, features strong juxtapositions and never-before-seen pieces fresh from the artist's studio. Another one for new artists is Positions, which allows curators, critics, and collectors to discover ambitious new talents from across the globe by providing a platform for a single artist to present one major project. The Edition sector highlights leading publishers of editioned works, prints and multiples and exhibit the results of their collaboration with renowned artists, providing visitors with the opportunity to see significant and rare publications.

To secure your spot, tickets may be bought in advance from the Art Basel official website or upon arrival at the box office in the West Lobby of the Miami Beach Convention Center, beginning December 6th. For an exclusive experience, purchase the ‘Premium+ Card’ which includes a 4-day pass, priority tour bookings, complimentary access to select museums in South Florida, priority booking to the new sit-down Restaurant by Michy’s, and a complementary Art Basel Year 48 book with bag (while supplies last). Visit the Art Basel website for travel and hospitality recommendations.

Hong Kong

For international travelers, the Hong Kong show, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, features premier galleries from Asia and beyond. “Underlining Art Basel's commitment to the region, half of the participating galleries once again have exhibition spaces in Asia and Asia-Pacific. The show provides an in-depth overview of the region’s diversity through both historical material and cutting-edge works by established and emerging artists.”

Make sure the Insights exhibitions are on your must-see list. “Insights presents precisely-curated projects highlighting artists from Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, spanning Turkey to New Zealand, including Asia, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The sector allows insights into artists' careers, particular themes, and art periods from 1900 through to the present day.” You’ll also definitely want to check out the Discoveries exhibitions which give “a powerful platform to emerging contemporary artists, showcasing work by the next generation of talent at an early stage in their career.”

While you’re there be sure to dedicate time to visit Hong Kong’s museums. These institutions offer a diverse range of possibilities, from Modern and contemporary art to Chinese calligraphy and tea ware. Together with prominent international and local art galleries, these institutions shape the modern cultural landscape of the city.

Sources:

https://www.artbasel.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Basel

Dekad Lifestyle Magazine: 2018 Forth Quarter Edition