Back On The Scene

A round 250 international galleries are expected at this year’s five-day Art Basel Miami Beach, with two days at the start for VIP collectors and curators to enjoy a quieter environment. More than half of the galleries hail from the Americas, including newcomers from New York, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Toronto and Miami. The Meridian section caters for both traditional large-scale pieces and experimental installations and is again curated by Museo Tamayo director Magalí Arriola. Among 19 emerging talents making their debut in the Positions section are Tanzanian artist Sungi Mlengeya, whose paintings examine the lives of four Black women from East Africa and their views on womanhood, and the Mexican artist Claudia Peña Salinas, whose project continues her research into Aztec mythology. Design-led visions for a more equitable future take centre stage at Design Miami (1–5 December). Incoming curatorial director Wava Carpenter says it will be an opportune moment “to reflect on some of the social and environmental issues highlighted over the past two years, such as the lack of diversity in design”.

Alex Israel x Snapchat, 29 November 2021–1 May 2022

The Los Angeles-based artist Alex Israel has teamed up with Snapchat to create five AR experiences, each linked to one of his Self-Portrait paintings. Download the app to enjoy a psychedelic joyride through downtown LA or behold a dancing avocado.

Betye Saar: Serious Moonlight, 28 October 2021–17 April 2022

Born in LA in 1926, Betye Saar was a pioneer of readymade art on the West Coast, as well Black feminist art in the US, and this show brings together several radical installations only recently discovered.

You Might Believe You’re There, 8 October 2021–26 March 2022

Feelings of anxiety, confusion and loss born out of the pandemic are channelled in this group show of works drawn from the collection of Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz. Tracey Baran, Raymond Meeks, Azikiwe Mohammed and Kristen Thiele are among the artists featured.

Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, 20 October 2021–30 April 2022

All of the greats from the early 20th century Arte Povera movement make an appearance in this show of new and old acquisitions, including Alighiero Boetti, Jannis Kounellis, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Mario Merz.

Art Basel Miami Beach, 30 November–4 December