The 2021 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach – Art Basel’s first in-person fair in Miami Beach since 2019 – will feature 253 leading galleries from around the globe presenting the highest quality of works across all media, from rare and historical masterpieces to new pieces by today’s emerging artistic voices. In addition to showcasing exceptional art within its Galleries, Positions, Nova, Survey and Edition sectors, the fair will also present 16 large-scale artworks in Meridians; 25 carefully curated exhibitions as part of the Kabinett sector; as well as 10 panels as part of the fair’s renowned Conversations series.
Discover the many events taking place during Art Basel’s 2021 show in Miami Beach – from the fair’s various openings to special exhibitions and receptions hosted by South Florida’s cultural institutions. No tickets, no problem: a few events will be open to the public.
Cuban Art Exhibition at InterContinental Miami
In celebration of the city’s strong Cuban influences, Miami’s iconic downtown hotel, InterContinental Miami, has partnered with international artists to host a notable two-week Cuban Art Exhibition entitled Human Nature that will debut during Art Basel Week. The curated activation, which kicks off on Wednesday, December 1 and runs through Monday, December 13, will take place in the property’s lobby area which will be transformed into an exhibit showcasing the works of international artists, painters and sculptors. Participating talent includes painters’ Rigoberto Mena, Sergio Payares, Antonio Guerrero, Ernesto Javier Fernandez Zalacain and Roberto Ricieri; sculptors’ Ramon Pedraza, Roberto Perez Crespo and Juan M. Vazquez; and live etchers’ Julio Cesar Pena, Adela Grillo and Damaso J. Perez. To commemorate the exhibition, InterContinental Miami is hosting an Art Basel Kickoff event on Wednesday, December 1 beginning at 8PM. Local art enthusiasts and hotel guests alike will enjoy live art demonstrations, meet and greets with the artists, live music entertainment and vibrant cocktails by the hotel’s Pan-Latin steakhouse Toro Toro. For more information, visit https://www.icmiamihotel.com/art-basel. Cover: Free to attend; cocktails priced a la carte
InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in downtown Miami. Telephone: (305) 577-1000
Havana Nights White Party at Cervecería La Tropical
Cuba’s oldest brewery opened a new and permanent home in Wynwood in February 2021 after being seized by the communist Cuban government in the 1960s. For the brewery’s first Miami Art Week, La Tropical will be hosting a Havana Nights White Party to celebrate the launch of a limited edition Miami Art Week can with Cuban artist Rigo Leon, who was recently part of McDonald’s Ritmo y Color campaign celebrating Hispanic culture and pride. Leon also painted the murals outside the brewery and has his own personal ties to the brand by way of his mother, who was a model for the original brewery in Cuba. On Thursday, December 2, La Tropical will be celebrating the debut of the limited-edition 16oz. cans of La Original, the brewery’s flagship beer made with the original recipe dating back to 1888. Starting at 5PM, guests will enjoy Live music by Machaka and special giveaway bundles throughout the night. The giveaways are open to the public and guests can enter HERE. Winners will be announced at the event. In addition to the can launch portion of the evening, La Tropical will be exhibiting several installations by contemporary Cuban artist Sandra Ramos with seven supporting artists. One of Ramos’ most engaging pieces, “90 Miles,” a runway installation spanning 30ft, will be on display in the taproom until December 12, giving guests the opportunity to literally walk on art, making it a perfect photo opp during Miami Art Week. Ramos’ complete exhibit “OXYGEN is a bridge of art between Cuba and the United States” also includes video projects by Ramos, Leon, and seven other artists that will be exhibited during the event. La Tropical’s full menu of craft beers and Latin-Caribbean cuisine by Chef Cindy Hutson will also be available. Cover: $10, includes one complimentary beer. Tickets available HERE.
Cervecería La Tropical is located at 42 NE 25th Street in Wynwood. www.cervecerialatropical.com
Metaversal_Language Digital Art as NFTs Art Panel at Time Out Market Miami
Recognized as one of the city’s cultural hubs, Time Out Market Miami has partnered with Blackdove for the digital showcase of Metaversal_Language: Digital Art as NFTs. Curated by Jess Conatser with new works by DATASYNCED, REO, Kenneth Alexander, Ben Heim & A.I. Poetry and Sasha Stiles. Metaversal_Language explores the idea of creative code art as the language of the metaverse.
Kick off Art Week on Wednesday, December 1st at 6:30PM, as Time Out Market Miami and Blackdove Gallery will host an Artist Panel Discussion moderated by Time Out Editor Virginia Gil. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to ask featured artists questions and enjoy complimentary sips courtesy of Time Out Market. Free to attend; RSVP HERE
Additional activations throughout the week include:
- Friday, December 3rd at 1PM – Kenneth Alexander x Blackdove special live-minting, lunch and learn session where guests will learn how to pair their crypto wallet to BD to display NFTs on television or BD digital canvas.
- Saturday, December 4th at 1PM – A.I. poetry reading by Metaversal_Language Digital artist Sasha Stiles where she read excerpts from her new book TECHNELEGY.
- Sunday, December 5th at 1PM – Real-time generative art performance with Ben Heim.
- Join the Recovery Brunch on Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th from noon – 4PM. Hangover cures will include brunch items from your favorite vendors, Bloody Mary and healthy mocktails specials from the bar,complimentary tokens for Vitamin B12 and Energizing Belean shots from biostation: Premier Age Management & Wellness Centers, artist activationsand lots more.
Rusty Pelican x Victoria Kovalenchikova Gallery Viewing
Join us at Rusty Pelican Miami for an Art Basel gallery viewing presented by Victoria Kovalenchikova on Thursday, December 2 from 6PM to 10PM. Inspired by the connection between all humans, Kovalenchikova explores the planet as a work of art. Using Google images to explore the Earth in its entirety, she plays with angles and textures to create a kaleidoscope of colours, patchworks of pattern; and interconnected spheres without beginnings or ends. Open to the public, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail & caviar while viewing the art. Free and open to the public, reservations can be made via Eventbrite. Rusty Pelican Miami is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne.
“Agents of Change” at the Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls, the district’s famed outdoor street art museum, will unveil 13 brand new installations in tandem with Miami Art Week 2021. Based on the theme of “Agents of Change,” the artworks will come to life in real-time beginning November 22, with live installations continuing through November 28. After a private unveiling on December 1, the museum will be open to the public for a week of artist talks, art competitions, DJ sets and more, included with regular museum admission (special Art Month passes are also available allowing unlimited access for $65). This year’s line-up will feature acclaimed artists from Japan, Portugal, France, Cuba, Mexico and the United States. Wynwood Walls, 266 NW 26th St. Nov 28–Dec 5.
The Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark
The Confidante and Museum of Graffiti are teaming up with talented female graffiti artists, activists and skaters from around the world from November 30 to December 2 to create, paint and activate a custom, large-scale skate ramp in the hotel’s backyard. Visitors can look forward to skate demonstrations from the Skate Nymphs, a female empowerment panel hosted by Yes Julz on December 2, and an art exhibit by Few and Far Women of 30 pieces throughout the first floor of The Confidante. All work will be available for purchase and a scannable QR-code with a custom audio tour will be open to the public.
Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration
The French fashion house is taking over Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza with a full-size, multi-sensory labyrinth installation by immersive artist, Es Devlin, to celebrate the 100th birthday of its iconic fragrance, Chanel No. 5. The massive sculpture will be flanked by over 1,000 trees, measuring 100 feet in diameter with walls up to 22 feet high, and will be activated with sound, light and scent components. Once the labyrinth is dismantled, the temporary “forest” will be replanted in parks throughout Miami-Dade County. The installation will be open to the public through end of December.