How to Organize last week’s two days of intense art viewing that were punctuated with, well, more art viewing. Here’s an attempt.

The works Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB) are arranged in several ways. The Meridians sector is what pulls me in immediately. Next, as I meander the aisles, I seek out the Kabinets, a number of curated installations within the some of the booths that range from thematic group exhibitions to art-historical showcases to solo presentations. A world of art history is found scattered in other booths. They speak to us who are starved from seeing classics. Running into the work of artists with whom I’m familiar is always a treat. And then there are artists who are new to me, whose works open my eyes to new visual vistas. Don’t forget the fun, while you in the serious business of art viewing.

Meridians sector

Stephanie Syjuco, Neutral Collaboration Studies 2016 artist from the Phillipines, known for her research based projects that bring together photography, sculpture and installation.

Syrian artist, Kevork Murad, Memory Gates, 2021, is filled with metaphors of memories, migration and cultural continuity.

Anne Samat, The Unbreakable Love … Family Portrait, 2025, uses traditional Malaysian weaving techniques and incorporates mass produced materials. Is it craft, sculpture or a ritual piece?

Kabinets

Bettye Saar‘s site-specific installation, Seeking the Promise, 2025, was shown in honor of Saar’s upcoming centennial in 2026,

And the older piece, journey to Zimbabwe, 1974, was also in the Kabinet.

Lonnie Holley, Willard Watson, Purvis Young were presented as three self-taught, Southern vernacular American artists in a Kabinet. I have a perpetual conversation about labeling artists such as these who have no or limited training. In this case, I wonder about the term “Southern” vernacular. Are there northern, northwest, Midwest, etc. vernaculars?

It’s always a delight to see the works of the late Miami artist, Purvis Young. It makes me wonder how many of them are out there.

Here, I was introduced to the work of Willard Watson, a.k.a.the Texas Kid. This suite of works tells the story of his life.

Artists with whom I’m familiar

With this new piece, Yinka Shonibare moves away from the interpretation and use of fabrics to bronze. I can see the movement inherent in textiles captured in the undulating metal. Constant Companion did not see it, though.

I was introduced to the world of Palestinean embroideries during my first trip to Europe when I was in college. Everytime I see a piece, I fall in love again. That’s the same with Jordan Nassar‘s use of the intricate cross-stitch to create images of a homeland.

Artists new to me

My life-long romance with textiles always draws me to textile arts in the art fairs. Claudia Alarcón is an Indigenous textile artist from the La Puntana community of Wichí people of northern Salta, Argentina. Alongside her individual practice, she leads the Silät collective, an organization of one hundred women weavers of different generations from Wichí communities in the Alto la Sierra and La Puntana region. Their traditional weavings filled with geometric motifs of the women of this group capture the tales that hold their knowledge

Nike Davies-Okundaye is an internationally known batik and Adire textile artist. She is a central figure in the revival of traditional Nigerian arts with a career that has spanned more than five decades. Her works re-imagine traditional Yoruba art and spirituality through a modernist lens.

This piece used beads to create the images. 

There are always a number of works of hard that tickle your fancy, that give you pause, that make you laugh, even if just to yourself.

The second visit to ABMA, after passing the usual Nick Cave Soundsuit, there were these Keith Haring‘s Dancing Men from 1983.

Keith Haring Untitled (Dancing Man), 1983

At least two cats were prowling the booths. Perhaps there were more. These brought a smile to my face …

Here’s the other cat, Still Life with Persian Cat, by Iranian artist Hadi Falapishi

And finally, I always feel a sense of accomplishment to have seen the works of artists represented at Art Basel Miami Beach in museums. While in Finland last month, my friend took me to Amos Rex in Helsinki. The entire space was devoted to the work of Leandro Erlich. I felt like I was back there when I saw his work in one of the galleries here.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2025 through my eyes might not be exactly what you might have expected. What I’ve posted today does not represent all of what I took in; my “art history lesson” selections have not been included. All-in-all, I enjoyed my meanderings this year. Constant Companion and I now have a list of the remainders still in place for a few more weeks as well as exhibits mounted by the local museums to attract the attention of the out-of-town fair goers.