To be in Miami the first week of December is to be in the center of the artistic universe — well, plus some rabble rousers and general party lovers. Art Basel, which had its Vernissage last night and opened to the public today, is the star of this weeks cultural events. Since its beginning eight years ago Basel has brought along with it a slew of events and other art fairs to Miami. Here’s a brief lowdown of the artful scene.

Art Basel itself is a dizzying labyrinth of photos, paintings, sculpture, video, and installation inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. Over 250 galleries from all over the world take part in the fair and showcase the world’s most impressive contemporary art, attracting collectors and art stars from all around the world. Although the show is for art of both the 20th and 21st century, the majority of it is cutting edge and sometimes remarkably so. Works often involve experimenting with new media and span several mediums (even horse shit!).

Many highlight trends in minimalism and the growing popularity of the grotesque and absurd in the arts. The galleries also represent a wide range, the most established and well known galleries have booths here, but there is also a special section for new galleries and their projects.

The original show is aptly from Basel, Switzerland, and Art Basel Miami may be its less serious sister, but does have the cache of having a global base that is expanding. Joost Bosland, a representative of Michael Stevenson gallery from Cape Town, explained that they are the second African gallery to take ever part in Art Basel and are showing for the first time. The show itself even has an trans-continental touch: its structure is shipped from Switzerland to Miami each year.

Jeanne Silverthorne

Kara Walker

Meschac Gaba

Mircea Cantor, horse shit

Shadow Chairs