The Best Booths at Art Basel Miami Beach: A Fun Look at Amazing Art

Art Basel Miami Beach is an exciting event that showcases incredible artwork from talented artists all around the world. In this article we will take a user-friendly casual approach to highlight some of the best booths at the event. So get ready to dive into the world of art and discover some captivating pieces!

Shizu Saldamando's Unique Portraits at Charlie James Gallery

Shizu Saldamando is an artist whose portraits stand out from the crowd. Her booth at Art Basel Miami Beach features paintings on wood panels that incorporate the natural grain of the material into the compositions. But that's not all – Saldamando also adds pieces of washi paper glitter and vintage glass to create captivating effects.

In her tender portraits Saldamando depicts people who are part of her circle including performance artists models and activists. One of the highlights is a portrait of Chicana artist Yreina D. Cervantez who has influenced generations of artists. Saldamando's booth also includes sculptures that she started creating during lockdown referencing her Japanese heritage and the experiences of her maternal family in internment camps during World War II.

Brockman Days: 1967–1990 at Parrasch Heijnen and Franklin Parrasch

Step into the booth dedicated to the Brockman Gallery a groundbreaking space founded by Alonzo Davis and Dale Brockman Davis in 1967. Located in the historically Black neighborhood of Leimert Park this gallery played a key role in supporting Black and Latinx artists when they were often overlooked by white-owned galleries.

The booth features works by influential artists such as Romare Bearden David Hammons and Charles White who all received early support from the Brockman Gallery. This booth is a tribute to the gallery's significant impact on the art world and its commitment to championing artists of color.

Vivian Browne's Abstract World at Ryan Lee Gallery

In the Survey section of the event you'll find a booth dedicated to the under-recognized artist Vivian Browne. Browne's work from the 1960s exudes a semi-figurative style but it's her abstract works from the early 1970s that steal the show. These pieces were inspired by her transformative trip to Africa in 1971 where she was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and patterns.

Back in New York she channeled her impressions into exquisite abstract pieces that still radiate beauty even after 50 years. Browne's exploration of color and form is a testament to her artistic vision and her work will be the focus of a traveling survey starting in 2025.

Kang Seung Lee's Poignant Sculpture at Commonwealth & Council

Prepare to be moved by Kang Seung Lee's sculpture at the Commonwealth & Council booth. This four-person booth also features stunning pieces by Raa Esparza Guadalupe Rosales and Young Joon Kawk. Lee's sculpture resembles a black T-shirt with the words "SLUTFORART" boldly displayed. This provocative phrase was the motto of the late photographer Tseng Kwong Chi known for his impactful work.

Nearby Lee has created graphite representations of Kwong Chi's photographs that depict the artist in his Mao suit at iconic landmarks around the world. While the original photos are crystal clear these graphite representations are intentionally blurred serving as a haunting reminder of the artist's absence due to his passing from AIDS. It's a powerful tribute to the queer artists who paved the way.

Pepe Mar's Intriguing Assemblage at David Castillo Gallery

Miami-based artist Pepe Mar brings a unique approach to his assemblage at the David Castillo Gallery booth. Mar sources objects from LGBTQ thrift stores meticulously putting together sculptures that take months to complete. His assemblage at the event features buckets vases animal figures and more all enclosed behind a yellow-green Plexiglas box.

What catches the eye is a section that appears to be affixed powder pigment but is a piece of fabric that Mar applied and then tore off. This ghostly fabric reveals the past lives of the sculpture adding depth and intrigue to the artwork.

Azza El Siddique's Thought-Provoking Installation at Bradley Ertaskiran

Montreal-based gallery Bradley Ertaskiran presents an installation by artist Azza El Siddique that captivates viewers. In the center of the booth a metal structure slowly drips water onto a collection of half-fired and misfired clay pots. Over time these pots will gradually wear away turning into mere puddles by the end of the event.

The structure also features an LED display showing excerpts from the Book of Dead presented in a stock ticker-like fashion. Additionally two cement sculptures of El Siddique's Doberman stand at the front resembling sphinxes. The installation seamlessly combines ancient Egyptian funeral practices symbols of power and wealth and the eventual decay of clay pots resulting in a poignant and thought-provoking experience.

Devin N. Morris' Unique Sculptures at Deli Gallery

Deli Gallery presents the recent sculptures of Devin N. Morris an artist who recently completed a prestigious residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Morris scours different parts of New York City for discarded objects giving them new life and transforming them into artworks that depict scenes of Black American domesticity.

These sculptures showcase the artist's talent for repurposing everyday objects to create powerful and visually striking pieces. Each component of the sculptures tells a story showcasing the artistic vision and creativity of Morris.

Pedro Figari's Insightful Artworks at Galeria Sur

The Galeria Sur booth introduces visitors to the incredible art of Pedro Figari one of Uruguay's most important modern artists. Figari came to painting later in life following successful careers as a lawyer and a senator. His works from the early 1930s are a glimpse into the interior lives of Uruguay's Black communities capturing their joy and celebrations.

Figari's paintings shine a light on aspects of Uruguayan culture that were often overlooked at the time reflecting his commitment to portraying a more inclusive narrative. His work has gained international recognition and is poised to receive even greater exposure beyond his home country.

David Almeida and Fran Chang's Striking Paintings at Millan

Millan a gallery based in São Paulo has a keen eye for emerging talent and their booth at Art Basel Miami Beach showcases the exceptional work of artists David Almeida and Fran Chang. Almeida's wood panel paintings feature expressive landscapes while Chang creates precise scenes of the beach on silk.



The contrast between Almeida's bold and textured style and Chang's delicate and meticulous approach creates a captivating visual experience for visitors. These artists represent the diverse and talented voices emerging from Brazil's vibrant art scene.

Caroline Coon's Bold Feminist Art at Stephen Friedman Gallery

London-based artist Caroline Coon has been making feminist-minded paintings for many years and her work continues to resonate with audiences. In contrast to some of her contemporaries Coon applies the female gaze to the male body celebrating male beauty in a bold and empowering way.

One standout piece in her Kabinett presentation is "Adonis Beach" created in 1999. This painting depicts five naked men with surfboards surrounded by a group of others also in the nude catching waves and fully embracing their bodies. Coon's unique perspective challenges traditional notions of beauty and empowers viewers to celebrate the male form.

Art Basel Miami Beach is a vibrant and diverse event that showcases extraordinary artistic talent from around the world. From Shizu Saldamando's captivating portraits to David Almeida and Fran Chang's striking paintings there's something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. So dive into this world of art and let your imagination soar!