This year’s was the 16th Art Basel Miami. The modern and contemporary art fair is held at the beginning of the winter, when everybody is happy to escape to a warmer climate.

A WINTER FAIR IN THE SUN

For a week, the whole art world migrates to Florida, and Miami Beach becomes the most radiant capital of the arts. Art professionals and collectors, amateurs and neophytes come to see a great selection of artworks, the many attractions of the fair and its satellites. There is much to see and buy: multiple sites in the city partake in the flurry of events and exhibitions. This year, the fair coincided with the grand opening of the new Institute of Contemporary Art and of the renovated Bass Museum of Art.

The local art scene welcomes the art world’s snowbirds with open arms but also great expectations. It is an opportunity to raise money and make the best impression so that the following year will attract even more visitors.

A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Miami Beach is renowned for its night life as much as its blue sky and perfect shores. During Art Basel, thecity becomes a perpetual movable feast. All parties are invitation-only, but you just need to dress the part to get in. The Mondrian Hotel is always exquisite, and many of the art dealings happen on its poolside. Buyers are always ready to go, sales are strong and parties are thrown to celebrate. Various juries and prizes take place during the fair. This year, three emerging artists were shortlisted for the BMW Art Journey: A.K. Burns, Jamal Cyrus and Mariela Scafati. Their projects will be funded and you can follow them on www.bmw-art-journey.com.

www.artbasel.com/miami-beach

Text: Barbara Stehle

Cover : Mariela Scafati, Body sobre mesita, 2015 © Courtesy of the artist and Isla Flotante Gallery