Take My Breath Away: Art Basel in Miami Beach!

By Darlene Vazquetelles

The time is approaching for Miami's Art Basel, which will be held December 5-8 of 2013 in the city that has earned the nickname of the "Capital of Latin America." The Art Basel is a main event in which you can experience Modern/Contemporary works being displayed in one of the biggest stages in the art world. This show is held every year in Basel, Switezerland, Miami, and Hong Kong. If you are an art fanatic or if you simply appreciate the creativity of talented individuals, this is the place to be. 

Art Basel in a Nutshell  

Galleries present the creme de la creme of the art world and then art world's newcomers exhibit their paintings, photograpy, film, drawings, sculptures, and digital art. We see art pieces, which often reflect souls of creative artists. 

Art Basel Scene: Art & Fashion Unique to Miami Beach 

Parisian Brand Lanvin at Art Basel in Miami Beach

This type of event serves as a platform for galleries as they get access to a worldwide audience of buyers, museum directors and curators, who are managers, experts and overseers of cultural heritage. Also, it is a platform for the experienced and the novice artists who want to present their latest visual forms of imagination and individuality. In a time when technology has pretty much taken over our lives through the smart phones, computers and video games, events like this give us the opportunity to be in touch with the physical beauty that surrounds us and have fun while we experience a truly worldwide cultural event. 

Collage of Paintings and the Overall Scenery Throughout Years at Art Basel in Miami Beach

Learn More About the Art World

An event that was founded in 1970 now welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year with over 4,000 artists showcasing their talents. It promises to be a fun event for people of all ages. You will be able to see pieces of art from Europe, North and Latin America, Asia and Africa. For those of you who desire to attain a deeper knowledge of art and the international art world, you have a chance to do so by attending a panel of discussions held by experts on the aforementioned topics. You will be able to learn more about art from a geographical and a historical perspective. 

Exhale Pavilion at Art Basel in Miami

Art Basel will be taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Public artworks are sited nearby at Collins Park, while Video is presented across two venues, inside the MBCC and in the outdoor setting of SoundScape Park. 

Fitz & Co. During Art Basel (on Miami Beach)

Guided Tours at Art Basel 

There are different ways of planning your day at Art Basel. You could do research on the artists who you want to see and panel discussions you want to attend. If you prefer to have someone guide you through the event, you could book guided tours. Some tours to consider are through the established art critics of ArtNexus; these tours are available daily during show hours (Thursday through Sunday). Reservations should be made in advance by contacting Maria Sol Romero at +1-786-468-1913 or through tours@artnexus.com. 

Street Style during Art Basel in Miami

Art Fair Tips

In order to make the most of your day, I want to give you some pointers so frustration does not kick in when you encounter some event rules. All bags larger than 12 x 12 inches, briefcases and backpacks must be deposited at the coat check before entering the exhibition halls. Also, make sure you leave items like umbrellas in your car as they will not be permitted in the premises. Taking photos or videos is not permitted in the exhibition halls without the written permission of the show management. Hence, make sure you leave them at home as you would probably not want to just check them in with your other belongings. 

Parisian Brand Lavin 

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the exhibition halls, with the exception of service animals for visitors with disability so leave these "babies" at home with the promise of a good old walk when you get back. 

Artist Johan Konig

Ticket Prices

Tickets to Art Basel can be purchased at the show venue or online. Ticket demand is high so it is strongly recommended that you buy your tickets early. The day ticket goes for USD $42.00, evening ticket for USD $32.00, permanent ticket for USD $90.00, and reduced for Students and Seniors USD for $26.00. For groups of 10 people or more, it goes for USD $26.00 per person, combination ticket for Art Basel and Design Miami USD $55.00 and chaperoned school classes go for USD $13.00 per person. For advanced group and school-group sales, you can call the Miami Beach Convention Center box office at +1-786-276-2611 or visit the Colony Theatre box office (Tuesdays through Saturdays 12pm to 5pm) at 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL, 33139. Freebie alert: Admission is free for children up to 16 when accompanied by a parent! 

Art Basel in 2012 in Miami Beach

For more detailed information on the artists that will be showcased in this year's Art Basel in Miami, I suggest visiting https://www.artbasel.com/en/miami-beach

Sky Walkers by FriendsWithYou
During Art Basel on Miami Beach in 2006

I hope that you enjoy this event as much as I know I will when I attend in a couple of weeks. I will be posting about my experience at the event, and certainly will let you know which artists impressed me the most! 

Ocean Front at Art Basel in Miami Beach  in 2009

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