Image via Complex Original
Whether or not you’ve ever been to Art Basel Miami Beach, you’ve probably seen the swirl of articles and glamorous celebrity Instagrams surrounding the first week of December events, which many affectionately refer to as “Art Basel.” There are amazing parties, next-level art exhibitions, exclusive dinners, and surprise musical performances throughout Miami and Miami Beach. Those who are extra lucky may end up on a yacht or at a party where Pharrell or Kanye show up.
All told, a week that was originally meant for art collectors and media has become a full-on spectacle. To help you navigate, enjoy these Must-See Exhibitions at Art Basel Miami Beach 2015.
“Unrealism” by Jeffrey Deitch and Larry Gagosian
Location: Moore Building, 3841 N.E. 2nd Ave. #400, Miami
Dates: Dec. 3–6, 2015
Though they’ve historically been competitors in the art world, it seems that gallerists Jeffrey Deitch and Larry Gagosian have remarkably chosen to collaborate on an exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach. “Unrealism” will include figurative painting and sculpture by emerging and established artists such as Ella Kruglyanskaya, John Currin, Jamian Juliano-Villani, Urs Fischer, and Tala Madani.
Tom Sachs Sculptures at Half Gallery
Location: The Miami Beach EDITION, Bungalow 252, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Dates: Dec. 3–6, 2015
Taking residency for a second time at the one-year-old Miami Beach EDITION hotel, Half Gallery will show sculptures by the artist Tom Sachs, along with new work from Aurel Schmidt, Daniel Heidkamp, and Justin Adian. The exhibition follows pop-up space Bodega 254 that Sachs just announced in New York City.
“Dimensions” by Devonté Hynes and Ryan McNamara
Location: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Dates: Dec. 3, 2015
Performance artist/sculptor Ryan McNamara and musician/composer Devonté Hynes (also known for his work as Blood Orange) have collaborated on an immersive performance experience based on the history of Miami as a city for people to live out their fantasies. The experience at PAMM blends dance, music, and sculpture for a one-of-a-kind evening by the two visionaries.
“The Future Was Written” by Daniel Arsham
Location: National YoungArts Foundation, 2100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Dates: Through Dec. 11, 2015
Daniel Arsham consistently brings noteworthy work to Art Basel Miami Beach. Last year, he brought “Welcome to the Future” to Locust Projects, where he filled a room full of what he calls “future relics,” or rather, symbolic recent technology that have quickly become signs of the past. This year, he has an interactive exhibition at the National YoungArts Foundation that contains almost 2,000 objects made of chalk that changes throughout the week.
“Artsy Projects: Nautilus”
Location: Nautilus Hotel, 1825 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Dates: Dec. 2–6, 2015
Artsy, the online resource for art collecting and education, is collaborating with the Nautilus Hotel during Art Basel Miami Beach through an on-site exhibition curated by their own contemporary art specialist, Elena Soboleva. Installations include sculptures by Dan Colen, Chloe Wise, and Nick van Woert, a mural by Mira Dancy, a pool painting by Katherine Bernhardt, and a site-specific work by Eddie Peake.
“Kith Homage”
Location: 727 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Dates: Dec. 3–6, 2015
New York’s Joshua Liner Gallery is hosting an exhibition with KITH founder, Ronnie Fieg, which will include the work of Greg Lamarche, David Ellis, Jim House, Wayne White, and more. Fieg will be signing copies of his new book before the Friday, December 4 opening from 12–2 p.m.
“Flash” by Lenny Kravitz
Location: 160 N.E. 40th St., Miami
Dates: Dec. 2–6, 2015
The one and only Lenny Kravitz is showing black and white photographs that he’s taken while traveling around the world over the last few years. Some of the photos originally appeared in his book of the same name (Flash), which came out last year. Though some may know Kravitz’s creative side through his ventures in interior design, his photography is not to be overlooked.
Yves Behar at Design Miami/
Location: Meridian Avenue and 19th St., Miami Beach
Dates: Dec. 2–6, 2015
The incredible Yves Behar, designer of coveted furniture, speakers, clothing, jewelry, and more, is the recipient of the Design Miami/ 2015 "Design Visionary Award." His work at Design Miami/ itself is not to be missed, as he will have a special exhibition honoring his legacy that shows the brilliant breadth of his work.
“Miami” by Daniel Buren
Location: M Building, 194 N.W. 30th St., Miami
Dates: Dec. 1–6, 2015
Bortolami Gallery brings the work of Daniel Buren to a pop-up space at the M Building in Miami for a show appropriately titled, “Miami.” The exhibition (which will surely be an Instagrammers dream) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the French conceptual artist’s works with fabric and the 8.7-cm stripe, and it will change throughout the next year that it’s up.