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By: Lieba Nesis
Every December the art world waits with bated breath to see Art Basel Miami sales as a precursor to the year ahead . In 2024 there was a cautious sigh of relief as multimillion dollar transactions transpired with a $4.75 million sale for a work by David Hammons at Hauser & Wirth and a $3.5 million sale for a painting by Yayoi Kusama at David Zwirner. Lisson Gallery reported selling more than 15 pieces; however sales were still cooler than years ago when four people bidding on each painting was the norm.
With 286 galleries participating, Miami art week drew over 100,000 attendees with traffic at a near standstill as revelers made their way throughout the city. The actual fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center which ran from December 6-8 with VIP previews on December 4th and 5th comprised traditional gallery booths, solo spotlights, large installations and performance works. The anodyne themed work largely eschewed political themes so as not to affront potential buyers.
Arriving for the VIP preview on the 5th I was surprised at the lack of excitement that filled the humid air. Attendees looked tired and unenthused as the themeless art was the opposite of enthralling. Whereas, in 2023 celebrities such as Lionel Messi, Pierce Brosnan, Serena Williams, Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos had to avoid paparazzi this year DiCaprio was the sole luminary in attendance. The closing time of 7 PM was a relief, the depressing venue had me rushing for the exits. Perhaps, a couple of experts explaining the art might have added some interest; however, no such effort was made.
The parties this year were equally lackluster as usual participants such as watch companies Hublot and Piguet, alcohol brands Don Julio, Ketel One, and D’usse Cognac and fashion companies Dolce, Vuitton, Dior and Chanel along with BMW and Porsche all stayed away. Not even one Kardashian kept up with Art Basel. There were some halfhearted attempts by Pucci, Gucci, Miu Miu and Lamborghini to throw some small, underattended parties but the days of the all out no expense spared shindigs are gone.
After the November 20th “Art Week PHS Party Resolution” passed requiring hosts of large scale events obtain permits or face possible arrest the much heralded Art Basel house party was nearly halted in 2024. Billionaire Wayne Boich skipped his annual Friday night soirée that in past years drew Travis Scott, Cindy Crawford and David Beckham. Friday night the Nylon party continued at the Star Island home of Lenny Hochstein but was shut down early as exploding crowds couldn’t be contained.
80,000 people looking to party in the small venue of Miami has become more and more untenable. Jeff Altman’s annual 3 AM Saturday night mansion finale was another casualty of the crackdown as half a dozen police officers showed up before the doors even opened ensuring minuscule crowds at this former out of control rager.
And so Baselers were forced to congregate at the Faena Hotel, Soho Beach House and the Fontainebleau until fire marshals arrived when the hordes got out of hand. Saturday night December 7th was the peak with packed sidewalks and cool weather making traffic and an uber a near impossibility. John Summit at LIV was another crowded, expensive endeavor as tickets for entry climbed to $1,500 a pop. While Art Basel Miami showed no signs of slowing down as hotels were completely sold out from Dec 3-8th; it is doubtful it will regain its prior glory as lavish all night house and luxury brand parties become a thing of the past.
