The galleries were outstanding at this year’s 2024 Miami Art Week. As always, there’s a bit of friendly competition to see which art shows will rise to the top as the favorites. But, I have to admit, this year the top two were SCOPE and Context Art Miami. Each event brought its own unique energy, offering a stunning array of new works and masterful curation that left a lasting impression.
SCOPE was an absolute must-see and a must-return throughout the weekend. Each visit revealed something fresh for the eye to feast on. Among all the shows, SCOPE stood out for its interactive and engaging experience. Brand activations and pop-up experiences added an extra layer of entertainment that beautifully complemented the art. Highlights included the Sharpie truck, the PickleRoll pickleball court featuring muralist Alex Alpert, the AloYoga Wellness Experience, and the Chase Sapphire Lounge, to name just a few. But, the true showstopper was Lua Brice’s Folding Light installation. This immersive piece enveloped viewers in vibrations and frequencies rarely experienced by the body or ear, while light waves constantly shifted in color before the eye. It was an installation that somehow engaged all five senses, leaving me with a surprising sense of calm and contemplation—perfect for soaking in the rest of the art around the show.
Context Art Miami was the second standout gallery, known for its impressive collection of artists and thoughtful curation. One of the highlights was the Jaguar Exuberance experience, which introduced the new pink Jaguar model in an unexpected and striking way. The rest of the show was filled with a diverse array of visiting artists and captivating works, including pieces from Plaza Galleries, based in Whistler, British Columbia. At their booth, I found the 2Wild collection by siblings Barak and Miri Rozenvain, which immediately captured my attention. This stunning collection used contemporary mediums such as acrylic resin, glass, and layers of plexiglass to depict wintry ski scenes and wildlife. Some works were even crafted on plexiglass shaped like skis, snowboards, and surfboards. As a snowboarder myself, I was especially drawn to this collection. The Rozenvains captured the essence and feel of skiing on a powder day in the mountains, something I never imagined could be conveyed through art so effectively.
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The Art Beyond the Galleries at Art Miami and Art Basel
Art Basel is a well-known, influential sprawling art show and fair showcasing contemporary artwork by over 285 galleries from 38 countries. The Miami Beach Art Show has drawn in a crowd of over 80,000 people annually, including celebrities and art collectors. Art Basel is a for-profit, international art show and event staged yearly in Basel (Switzerland), Miami Beach (US), Hong Kong and Paris. Art Basel started in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland. Art Basel Miami Beach was first introduced in 2002. Art Basel and Art Miami offer a fabulous opportunity for galleries to connect with art buyers and sell artwork to international art collectors and buyers from around the world. According to Forbes.com, Art Miami 2024 brought over $547 million dollars of economic prosperity to Miami, Florida.
As the Miami Art Week continued, it became clear that the city of Miami itself had transformed into a living, breathing canvas. Beyond the major art galleries and shows, the entire city of Miami felt like one expansive art installation—public art spaces, street murals, and unexpected installations popped up in every corner of Wynwood, downtown Miami, hotels, and beyond. The art wasn’t confined to just walls or pedestals; it was everywhere, in the streets, on rooftops, and even in the air. One of the highlights was the massive interactive street murals in Wynwood that invited visitors to become part of the artwork. With famous, worldwide artists like Shepard Fairey and RETNA contributing, it was impossible not to be immersed in the creative energy that Miami exuded during the week at Art Miami and Art Basel.
The Art Basel experience, as always, was a pivotal part of the week. While I personally enjoyed the alternative vibes at SCOPE and Context, Art Basel maintained its position as the anchor of Miami Art Week, showcasing the most established names and galleries from across the globe. What stood out this year was the increased emphasis on the intersection of technology and art. Digital and NFT art was pervasive, blending physical and digital realities in ways that sparked conversation and exploration. I found myself drawn to the artworks that challenged traditional definitions of art, with VR installations and AI-generated pieces that raised questions about the role of technology in the future of creative expression.
The Food and Fashion Side of Miami Art Week
Aside from the visual stimulation, Miami Art Week also offered a plethora of culinary and fashion experiences, blending these two worlds with art in ways that were equally as compelling. The pop-up restaurants, designer showcases, and specialty cocktail bars offered moments of indulgence that felt just as curated as the art exhibits. The new wave of art-driven fashion was especially noticeable, with many brands incorporating bold, conceptual designs into their clothing and accessories. It was a perfect example of how Miami Art Week has evolved into a full-sensory celebration of culture, encompassing everything from taste and smell to touch and sight.
Final Thoughts
Miami Art Week 2024 delivered yet again, proving that art is not just about looking at something beautiful; it’s about engaging, questioning, and feeling. From the innovative, sensory-driven installations at SCOPE to the delicate, layered beauty of the Rozenvain collection at Context Art Miami, this year was a perfect reminder of why Miami is one of the world’s leading art destinations. The city’s palpable energy, its diversity of creators, and its dedication to pushing boundaries were all on full display—making it clear that Miami Art Week isn’t just an event, but it is a total experience.
As I look back on the entirety of Art Week, I leave with a sense of inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the power of art and how it challenges perceptions, helps connect people, and transforms environments. If you didn’t make it this year, don’t worry. Miami Art Week 2025 is already calling you, and it’s sure to be just as, if not more, captivating.
Until next time—keep creating, keep experiencing, and always let art lead the way.