Highlights from Art Basel Miami 2022 by Shalini Passi

With 280 galleries from 38 countries, taking place between 1st-3rd December, the 20th edition of Art Basel Miami began on a celebratory note at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC). Known as the cultural cornerstone of South Florida, 25 galleries participated in the fair for the first time. The line-up saw a strong representation from countries United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Considered as one of the most important events in the United States. Divided into different sections, namely: Galleries, Meridians curated by Magali Arriola, Nova, Positions, Survey, Edition, Kabinett, and Conversations curated by Emily Butler. The art fair saw a huge number of celebrity collectors gracing the space, as the creative spirits soared high.

1.White Cube, Booth E8

Presenting works by Darren Almond, David Altmejd, Michel Armitage, Theaster Gates, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Christian Marclay, Robert Irwin, Mark Bradford, Louis Giovanelli, among others. The range of subjects explored, and themes that were manifested in the artworks gave the booth an eclectic appeal. The sculptures by Atlmejd, grandiose yet grounded in metaphysical concepts , seamlessly worked against the monumental installations by stalwarts like Koons and Hirst. The space transformed into a corporeal manifestation of artistic monumentality and vitality that brought together artworks from postmodern and contemporary eras.

2.Goodman gallery, Booth C14

Since its inception, the gallery has been dedicated to the exploration and promotion of African art practices, and postcolonial narratives that have shaped visual vocabulary and representations, with politically-charged works that aim to bring a social change and start relevant conversations. The gallery showcased works by Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze, El Anatsui, Leonardo Drew, Carlos Garaicoa, Nicholas Hlobo, William Kentridge, Kapwani Kiwanga, Mateo Lopez, Misheck Masamvu, Shirin Neshat, Ravelle Pillay, Yinka Shonibare, Cbe Ra, Hank Willis Thomas, Naama Tsabar, and Michal Worke.

William Kentridge, Drawing for Self Portrait as a Coffee Pot (Tondo IV), Charcoal, pencil, digital print and collage on found paper, 2021, Goodman Gallery

Carlos Garaicoa, Sin titulo (Cayuelo) / Untitled (Cayuelo), Pins and threads on lambda photograph mounted and laminated in black Gator Board, 2018, Goodman Gallery

3.Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, Booth H18

The booth had a dynamic collection of sculptures, paintings, and installations exuding a futuristic aura where different artworks have transformed into whimsical explorations. The booth’s standout piece apart from Olafur Eliasson’s The Fivefold Memory of the Colour Mantra, is the sound installation Iridescent by Jonsi, renowned musician and artist, an organic amalgamation of sound and art. Other artists who were presented by the gallery were Kelly Akashi, Uta Barth, Math Bass, Monica Bonvicini, Martin Boyce, Sandra Cinto, Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, Sabine Hornig, Laura Lima, Mark Manders, Ernesto Neto, Rivanie Neuenschwander, Lisa Oppenheim, Dana Powell, Sherrill Roland, Analia Saban, Tomás Saraceno, Thomas Scheibitz, Haim Steinbach, Sarah Sze, Gillian Wearing and Lisa Williamson.

4.Hauser & Wirth, Booth F15

The gallery presented profoundly emotive and reflective pieces representing developments in the fields of psychic realism, abstraction, social realism, and German Expressionism. The gallery brought fresh renditions by various US-based artists such as Rita Ackermann, Mark Bradford, George Condo, Nicole Eisenman, Allison Katz, Glenn Ligon and Henry Taylor alongside significant historical masterworks by Louise Bourgeois, Luchita Hurtado and Jack Whitten, among others, delineating current societal and cultural landscapes. Whitten’s abstract expressionism, and geometric expressionism influenced by African art is seen in the use of African comb to produce texture that reveal colours underneath.

Jack Whitten, Psychic Intersection III, Acrylic on canvas with string, 1980, Hauser & Wirth

Rita Ackerman, Mama, This Instant in Action, oil and acrylic on canvas, 2022, Hauser & Wirth

Nicole Eisenman, Sailor with Cig #3, Bronze and Acrylic photopolymer, 2022, Hauser & Wirth

The Modern Institute, Booth F21

Glasgow-based space, the Modern Institute has dedicated its space to celebrate the works by artists worldwide, promoting both established and emerging artists. The works by Alberta Whittle are a visual symphony stringing along the different notes of identity, assimilation, and decolonization, while Walter Price’s works are emotive figurations that turn into a work of lyrical abstraction. The gallery brought together a wide range of artists like Martin Boyce, Anne Collier, Kim Fisher, Luke Fowler, Richard Hughes, Marc Hundley, Suzanne Jackson, Andrew Kerr, Jim Lambie, Liz Larner, Adam McEwen, Lewis Miller, Victoria Morton, Walter Price, Eva Rothschild, Andrew Sim, Simon Starling, Hayley Tompkins, Cathy Wilkes, Rachel Eulena Williams, Jesse Wine, Alberta Whittle, and Richard Wright, showcasing a dynamic collection of artworks touching among subjects ranging from sustainability to cultural ethos shaping one’s ideologies.