Art Basel Miami 2024: A Vibrant Collision of Art, Parties, and Community

Keya Tama and Tristan Eaton at the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood Miami

Art Basel Miami 2024 was an electrifying mix of high-caliber art, unforgettable parties, and incredible connections. The main event and its satellite fairs—NADA, Untitled, Scope, Context, and Art Miami—offered an abundance of talent, creativity, and memorable experiences. Here are some highlights from this year’s edition.

Satellite Fairs: A Showcase of Diversity

Untitled Art Fair stood out with its beautifully curated booths. Victoria Miro Gallery made a splash, showcasing works by Vanessa Raw, Tidawhitney Lek, and Saskia Colwell, each bringing fresh perspectives and arresting visuals. Another standout at Untitled was K Contemporary’s solo booth for Taylor White, whose dynamic, emotionally resonant pieces left a lasting impression.

Over at NADA, the energy was electric, with a strong focus on emerging artists and experimental presentations. Scope, as always, had a playful and engaging vibe. Galleries like Munzon Gallery, Good Mother Gallery, Trophy Room LA, Maison Lune, and Mey Gallery brought their A-game, presenting innovative works and fostering meaningful conversations.

The Magic of Art Basel

Art Basel itself was a feast for the senses. My friend Ben Kalina, alongside Antonio Canobbio and Chris Prynoski of Titmouse, made a notable acquisition: a piece by Sickid (my friend Isaac Psalm Escoto, who was my studio neighbor at Tlaloc last year). They picked it up from the Jeffrey Deitch booth, a space brimming with dynamic and thought-provoking works.

Other highlights included stunning pieces by Chloe Wise and Jess Valice at Almine Rech and Jenna Gribbon at Massimo De Carlo. Their works demonstrated a compelling exploration of identity, emotion, and modernity.

The Fun and Quirky Moments

The SCOPE art show brought its usual mix of creativity and humor. Rabi Towing dressed in a banana costume referencing Maurizio Cattelan’s "Comedian" and attached himself to white walls around the fair, creating impromptu photo opportunities that delighted visitors.

Beyond the fairs, David Maxwell’s pizza party turned into a rager at Mac’s Club Deuce. This legendary dive bar became a hub of late-night revelry throughout the week, hosting old friends and new acquaintances alike.

Parties and Residencies

The Fountainhead Residency party was another highlight. Kathryn Mikesell’s house, adorned with works by artists like February James (also showing at the Rubell Museum), was a masterclass in curating art within a domestic space. The sense of community and inspiration was palpable.

Wynwood’s Street Art Energy

A visit to Wynwood revealed its gritty, street-smart energy, punctuated by Tristan Eaton’s Museum of Graffiti exhibition. Partnered with Spotify and Rolling Loud, the exhibition celebrated the vibrant intersection of street art and music.

A Day of Adventure

One of my favorite days was spent with Dom of ARTXIV, Railspur Seattle, and artist Dana Blume. Together, we navigated Art Basel, Untitled, and Scope, soaking in installations like Jaque Fragua and Yeil Ya-Tseen’s beachside work. Traffic forced us to bike five miles to Wynwood, but the adventure was worth it. After clocking over 30,000 steps (and countless White Claws and beers), we still managed to rally for a night out with friends.

Another highlight was spending time with Keya Tama, a South African artist, and Floor Milou Smit, an artist from the Netherlands. Both had murals featured at Scope Art Fair, and we took the chance to explore galleries together. We visited Mindy Solomon Gallery, Voloshyn Gallery, and Andrew Reed Gallery, taking in their incredible exhibitions and exchanging thoughts on the works we encountered. It was the perfect mix of art, conversation, and camaraderie.

Inspired to Create

Beyond the whirlwind of fairs, parties, and socializing, what left the biggest impact on me was the sheer breadth of creativity on display. Seeing so many artists push boundaries and tell their stories has completely reinvigorated my own practice. I feel deeply inspired to channel everything I experienced during this time into my painting. The colors, textures, and emotions of the Miami art scene have already started seeping into my sketches, and I can’t wait to see where this newfound energy takes me.

Closing Thoughts

Art Basel Miami 2024 was not just about the art—it was about the connections, the stories, and the shared experiences that make this event one of the most anticipated of the year. From groundbreaking works to late-night parties, this year’s edition will undoubtedly go down as one for the books. And as I head back to the studio, I’m carrying all of this inspiration with me, ready to pour it into my own work and keep the creative momentum alive.