Ah, Art Basel Miami Beach—a week synonymous with world-class art, over-the-top parties, and, in my case, a chaotic series of unfortunate events.
It all began with such promise. I arrived at my friend’s condo in Sunny Isles, a beautiful spot that’s about as close to the South Beach action as Jupiter is to Mars. Nonetheless, I'm thankful for the luxury accommodations, where yes, the staff thought I was a DoorDasher at first—humbled is an understatement. No matter, I was ready to conquer Basel in style. That is, until I opened my bag and discovered that my MacBook’s screen was shattered. The horror! With no time to spare, I made a pilgrimage to Aventura Apple, where I put my powers of persuasion to the test, begging a Genius to fix it... that day.
In true Art Basel fashion, the drama escalated: while waiting for my Mac diagnosis, my trusty *cough* iPhone12 *cough* decided to upstage the moment and die completely. Cue me shelling out for a new 16 Pro Max (thanks, Apple) and enduring the absolute chaos of the cloud while setting up my accounts. Naturally, Instagram locked me out of my account—the one I was using to coordinate plans with friends, gallerists, dealers, and advisors. Because of this digital disaster, I missed every VIP preview, leaving me to admire the art of frustration rather than the art on display. Yes, I’m still locked out. Thanks a lot, Meta.
The Joys of Basel Logistics (Or Lack Thereof)
Despite the tech drama, I persevered, jumping headfirst into the usual Basel chaos. If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting in an Uber for an hour and a half to cover a mere three miles on Collins, Basel is the place for you. Pro tip: ditch the Uber and hop on a Citi Bike for an unforgettable arrival. Sure, you’ll show up sweaty and slightly defeated, but hey, it’s performance art—just tell everyone it’s a metaphor for the endurance of the human spirit in the face of modern urban challenges.
The week reached new comedic heights when I had to fly to Atlanta for a quick meeting. My day began at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at 5 a.m., only for me to accidentally fly back that evening to Miami International Airport (MIA). That’s right: my car was parked at FLL. Basel truly teaches you the art of resilience (and maybe the art of double-checking your itinerary.)
Finally, the Art! (What I Actually Came For)
Now that the Basel-induced madness is behind us, let’s talk about the real reason I braved this whirlwind: the art. While I missed some of the buzzier previews, I managed to catch several shows that made all the drama worth it.
This year, I managed to make it to NADA, Art Miami, Context, Art Basel, and SCOPE, and I’d rank them in that order. NADA took the top spot for me—not because it had an overwhelming number of pieces I loved, but because the works that did resonate with me were ones I’d gladly hang in my personal collection. Plus, I always appreciate seeing what’s on the rise in the art world.
Art Miami was solid—exactly what you’d expect, nothing groundbreaking, but consistently good.
Context was alright, with a few likable pieces, though it leaned heavily commercial.
Basel, let’s face it, only escaped last place because I had a quick in-and-out visit to meet with a few gallery directors and bumped into some old friends. Otherwise, it felt like a rerun of the same works the same people have been flipping for decades.
And then there’s SCOPE… oh boy. Walking through felt like stepping into a hypebeast ad for Supreme. Loud, chaotic, and not remotely my taste. Surprisingly, there were two artist who stood out. Then there was a gallery that mildly piqued my interest, but when they told me to "just follow the artist" on Instagram, I explained my Instagram lockout situation. I asked for a PDF of the artist’s works, but I never heard back. Apparently, they’d rather risk losing a sale than miss out on a follow.
The moment we've all been waiting for: My top 7 picks
Aaron Morse - sold
Gallery: Philip Martin
Fair: NADA
Aaron Morse stole the show with his Western works that feel like an out-of-body experience. The vivid colors and mind-bending level of detail created an almost surreal sense of immersion, pulling you straight into the narrative of the work. It was a fresh and electrifying take on the Western genre—bold, imaginative, and impossible to forget. Morse’s ability to blend traditional themes with such a vibrant, otherworldly vision was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Vincent Grondona - sold
Gallery: Coral Gallery
Fair: Art Miami
Vincent Grondona came in a close second for me. This oil and acrylic masterfully captured a dreamlike scene of boats adrift in a shimmering palette and completely drew me in. The intricate texture and delicate balance of light and shadow through his take on classic impressionism made it impossible to look away—a true standout.
Vera Edwards - sold
Gallery: FLECHA
Fair: Context
Vera Edwards’ work was absolutely beautiful and struck a deeply personal chord, reminding me of the stories my grandmother used to tell about her visits to the Philippines. Her work felt earthy and inviting, creating a sense of calm and nostalgia. While I’m not typically a fan of triptychs, Edwards’ use of the format added a dynamic flow that pulled me into the scene. Her ability to evoke such warmth and storytelling through her palette and simple imagery was truly captivating.
Weston Applegate
Gallery: Gershman Sanders
Fair: SCOPE
I’m typically not drawn to prints or photography, but Weston Applegate’s work completely stopped me in my tracks. Maybe it’s because I have a small Western-themed collection within my personal collection, (note my top pick,) but his black-and-white cowboy imagery was striking. The composition, mood, and raw, rugged charm of the cowboy made it impossible to look away. Applegate’s ability to capture such mystery yet magnetic intensity in his subjects is truly impressive.
Thérèse Mulgrew
Gallery: MEY
Fair: SCOPE
Thérèse Mulgrew's painting captures a quiet intimacy that feels both tender and provocative. The attention to detail in the hands, with their delicate rings and painted nails, evokes a deeply personal moment frozen in time. The soft folds of the fabric and the subtle play of light across the figure add an almost cinematic quality. It’s a piece that draws you in, inviting reflection on vulnerability, sensuality, and the stories hidden in quiet gestures.
Leon Keer - sold
Gallery: WANROOIJ GALLERY
Fair: Art Miami
Leon Keer’s work effortlessly blends hyperrealism with a nostalgic charm that brings out my inner child. The piece transported me back to the days of eagerly tearing open packaging to get to my beloved Hot Wheels cars—yes, I still have my originals. The vibrant pop of color and intricate detailing, down to the paint chips on the cars from imagined collisions within their packaging, was playfully thoughtful. His work is both lively and masterful, evoking a sense of imagination and wonder.
Peter Alexander - sold
Gallery: PACE Fair: Art Basel
Peter Alexander's urethane sculpture at Pace is a masterful exploration of light, color, and form. The elongated, tapering structure seems to glow from within, its gradient hues of deep blue transitioning into lighter tones as if capturing the essence of a fleeting sky. The piece exudes a sense of weightlessness and serenity, drawing viewers into its ethereal presence. A dynamic interplay of transparency and opacity, Alexander's work leans minimalistic yet is profoundly engaging.
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the most unforgettable sights of the week—no, not a masterpiece at one of the fairs, but the new, aggressively fluorescent, borderline radioactive Jaguar that felt like a direct assault on my retinas. Was it art? Was it marketing? Was it a crime against good taste? Who’s to say? All I know is that it felt like James Turrell had been forced into a collaboration with 2019 Kim Kardashian and Ye—overproduced, overly polished, and leaving you wondering, why? Art Basel is about pushing boundaries, this car certainly succeeded—though my eyes are still recovering.
Company: Jaguar
Fair: Art Miami
Lessons from Basel (and a Reminder to Breathe)
Despite the hiccups, Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 was a testament to the enduring power of art—and my sheer determination to survive. If this week taught me anything, it’s to expect the unexpected, laugh at the absurdity, and always double-check where your car is parked.
Until 2025, Basel. Next time, I’ll be better prepared—and hopefully not locked out of Instagram.
By: Michael-Chase Strollo
Art
Published: December 11, 2024 12:15 PM ET
United States, Art, Travel,
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