Art Basel Miami is a tradition for UM students since its inception in 2002. For all those foreign to this tradition, here is the low down: Art Basel is a massive art exhibition that takes place in Miami every December. This year its Dec. 3 to 6.

Art Basel first started in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland, and has spread to two additional locations, Miami and Hong Kong. The mission behind the fair is to connect and bring together some of the world’s finest artists with their patrons and each other.

We as the city of Miami are lucky to be one of the three cities in the whole world that gets a chance to be part of the fair. This year 26 international artists will transform Collins Park into a moving and transforming exhibition. The theme behind Art Basel Miami this year is metaforms.

This theme will show the constant changes that art undergoes as artists rethink and reimagine ways to tell a story and reveal unexpected truths. Some of the exhibits will be interactive where patrons will be able to participate with the art and interact with the exhibits.

Some of these participatory works include work by Jacob Kassay, an american painter from New York now based in Los Angeles, whose work “Untitled” will be a pavilion type sculpture that will bring people together and encourage conversation. “Healing pavilion” by Sam Falls, a Swiss artist, will incorporate a gem encrusted seating area where patrons can experience the metaphysical properties of gems like amethyst and rose quartz.

Other pieces encompass themes like identity, oppression, subjectivity, and manipulation. Some pieces like Yan Xing will be performed by dancers who will interact with patrons and express different emotions in clothing and makeup designed by the artist rather than being a traditional painting or sculpture.

Art Basel is more than just a typical art gallery. It brings art to life and you, as a patron, are given the opportunity to interact with art by some of the top artists on the planet. Its a chance to experience art in a new way and explore thought provoking topics like you never have before.  

Kamila Knaudt is a sophomore from California studying journalism with a minor in modern languages. If she is not watching Criminal Minds you can find her outside doing something adventurous. Kami’s dream is to one day eat her way around the globe.

words_ kamila knaudt.