During the first week of December, the city of Miami attracted over 75,000 visitors all with one mission in mind: To soak up the multifaceted cultural offeringssurrounding the beloved annual affair known as Art Basel.
The international art fair, which also hosts renditions in Hong Kong and Switzerland, has grown exponentially since its inception in 1970. It since has expanded to be more than a premier global platform for galleries across the world to showcase the work of its represented artists, offering parallel programming produced in collaboration with each host city and their local communities. As such, there is no shortage of things to do and sights to soak in during the multi-day festivities. This year was no exception, further proving that with so much to offer, there really is no wrong or right way to experience the once-a-year jubilee.
To continue its outpouring of support for artist communities across mediums, REVOLT TV pulled out all the stops for its involvement this year. The multimedia company played host to a live performance by none other than Teyana Taylor, who performed staples from her celebrated catalog, while renowned visuals artists Blue The Great and LaVan Wright painted live. The accumulation of music, art and culture that REVOLT curated for this year's event beautifully encompasses exactly what the spirit of the vibrant weekend is all about: Showcasing the importance of amplifying the stories, perspectives, and work of some of today's most impactful creatives.
During this year's REVOLT House Art Basel, attendees danced to the diverse sounds of DJ Osh Kosh and enjoyed the Simple Mobile lounge with a digital graffiti wall and charging stations. The feel-good energy carried throughout the weekend, pouring into the colorful streets of the Wynwood art district and the star-studded parties scattered throughout Miami Beach. REVOLT House included a performance by Trina, as well.
Throughout the long weekend; celebrities such as Cardi B, G-Eazy, Travis Scott, Kanye West, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bono, Paris Hilton, Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Jeezy, Ace Hood, Alicia Keys, Tessa Thompson, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Pharrell, Lenny Kravitz and more made their presences happily known, either by performing in collaboration with various brand activations or hitting the streets of Wynwood.
Another staple of the weekend has grown out of the strategic partnership with Swizz Beatz's No Commission, calling on the Grammy award-winning producer to continue curating a top-tier art exhibition during which participating artists receive 100% of the proceeds their sales garner.
"You have artists that are in museums, you have artists that are on their way out, you have artists that are in the finest galleries, you have artists that are in no galleries, all hanging on the same wall. So, it's not like this is the fine art section, this is the street art section," Swizz Beatz shared with REVOLT TV, speaking candidly about executing his vision for the No Commission showcase. "No, this is the art section. Period. That's how my show's ran. I just think it's a breath of fresh air."
During this year's No Commission festivities; Meek Mill, A$AP Ferg, Fat Joe, Mannie Fresh and Swizz Beatz, himself, each took to the stage; embodying the event's bottom line that people should always do what they love and "do what moves them." Additionally, throughout the two-day event, thirty artists showcased their work in a photography-themed exhibition titled "Take the Shot," while attendees were treated to the opportunity to paint their own art pieces on the spot.
Another cornerstone of the spirited art-themed weekend is the Miami Beach edition of SCOPE, an extraordinary contemporary art fair comprised of artists and galleries from 25 countries and 60 cities. The art fair, which sets the precedent high for collectors and exhibitors alike, leads the charge for the emerging contemporary art market. This further proves that Miami Art Basel is at the core pushing culture forward.
From exemplary visual art shows to top-tier music performances, Art Basel Miami has rightfully earned its reputation as an ultimate destination for purveyors of culture, offering something for everyone and inspiring generations of creatives to come.