Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 (ABMB) saw Hauser & Wirth’s USD 4.75 million sale of a David Hammons piece lead a week of strong sales, including Yayoi Kusama’s painting for USD 3.5 million at David Zwirner, a Georg Baselitz bronze for EUR 2.5 million at Thaddaeus Ropac, and a Sam Gilliam painting for USD 1 million at Pace.
Georg Baselitz’s Breast in the Corner sold for $1.9 million, Lisa Yuskavage’s Elena Naked on a Blue-Green Ground (2023) sold for $2 million, and Ed Clark’s artwork sold for $1.8 million.
Emerging artists also made an impression; two of them, Christine Ay Tjoe and María Berrío, sold well; the latter’s piece brought $400,000.
The event extended its focus beyond celebrated names, spotlighting emerging and underrepresented artists. Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s All My Lovers & All My Leaving (2023) sold for $175,000, while Argentine artists Chiachio & Giannone garnered attention for their textile works.
The mid-range price category (between $10,000 and $25,000) featured a healthy mix of well-known artists and emerging talents. Susan Chen, Jimena Croceri, and Kris Knight were among those whose works attracted collectors in this range.
In the $6,000 to $10,000 range, artists like Spencer Finch, Rachel Youn, Christine Safa, and Elena Alonso presented works that resonated with a wide audience. The demand for pieces from Julieta Tarraubella and Jimena Croceri at this price level demonstrated a strong appetite for conceptual works that address themes of nature, identity, and personal experiences.
Art Basel Miami Beach also showcased a significant number of works priced below $6,000, making it an attractive market for newer buyers or those looking to add affordable pieces to their collections. One key trend that emerged from the fair was the popularity of series and multiple editions. Artists like Julieta Tarraubella, whose works in the Secret Life of Flowers series sold across various price points, showed that collectors are keen on owning unique yet accessible pieces.
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 emphasized a generational shift, with a rise in young and first-time collectors, offering both iconic and accessible works to cater to diverse audiences. Despite concerns about attendance and market saturation, its strong sales and vibrant atmosphere reaffirmed its significance in the art market.
