If you are in Miami, you have probably found it tough to ignore that one of the world’s most premiere art shows, is going on right now. With 267 galleries and thousands of artists represented, it is an event that draws nearly 70,000 visitors each year. You may be wondering, however, where did Art Basel begin?
The vision for an international art fair came from three Basel, Switzerland gallerists 45 years ago in 1970. Even at these not-so-humble beginnings, 16,000 visitors came to the show to see the show. Only five years later, Art Basel was the size it is now of about 300 exhibitors. Over the next 25 or so years, different sectors to the show, like film, were developed and grew.
In 2002, Art Basel came to Miami for the first time. It has since consistently ranked as one of the favorite events for the international art world. The Nova sector began a run in Miami Beach in 2003. This sector is for recent artists and is “designed for galleries to present one, two or three artists showing works created within the last three years, the Nova sector features strong juxtapositions and never-before-seen pieces fresh from the artist’s studio.”
In 2013, Art Basel bridged the Eastern and Western art worlds when opening its first show in Hong Kong.
This year, BMW and Art Basel are collaborating for the Hong Kong and Miami shows.
So far, Art Basel Miami Beach has drawn in a crowd- including celebrities Leonardo DiCaprio and Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz will appear with other musicians in a display.
Art Basel is certainly a world-renowned event that has a long history of drawing in crowds. Even if you are not an experienced art collector, the many sectors offer so much for all different people to see. Miami Beach has continued to offer Art Basel the perfect home for its Americas show, and we at RE/MAX Paradise hope you have a chance to enjoy it!