New York art galleries will be doing their best to showcase their brilliant artists, collections of art and visions for the future at the 11th edition of Art Basel Miami.
Here is the first instalment of our succinct rundown on some of the establishments to check out during the expo. Jot them down in your little black notebook and join the conversation.
Andre Rosen Gallery – Booth M10
The gallery came into being in January 1990, launching with a brilliant exhibition of the work of the visual artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres. It was a brilliant choice, setting a standard that has dictated the way the institution has delivered shows ever since.
It was “conceptually rigorous” and “unafraid of actually being beautiful”. As far as mission statements go, this is certainly distinct and commendable.
Artists on show include: David Altmejd; Felix Gonzalez-Torres; Elliott Hundley; Josiah McElheny; Josephine Meckseper; Matthew Ritchie; Wolfgang Tillmans; Ryan Trecartin; and Andrea Zittel.
Carolina Nitsch – Booth A11
Hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, Carolina Nitsch, which specialises in drawings, is currently closed until it finishes rebuilding the gallery. Its presence at Art Basel Miami is thus an important one, providing interested parties with a great opportunity to see what they’re all about.
Artists on show include: Ai Weiwei; Richard Artschwager; Tauba Auerbach; Louise Bourgeois; Spencer Finch; Nan Goldin; Carsten Höller; Jenny Holzer; Donald Judd; Martin Kippenberger; Méret Oppenheim; Ranjani Shettar and Thomas Schütte.
CRG Gallery – Booth B26
Another art institution founded in 1990 – what is it about that date? – CRG Gallery has gone on to cement itself as one of the most interesting spaces for showcasing works of art by emerging and established artists.
They like to keep things global, representing artists from all over the world, including the US, South America, Europe, Middle East and China.
Artists on show include: Tonico Lemos Auad; Steven Bindernagel; Alexandre da Cunha;  Tomory Dodge; Pia Fries; Ori Gersht; Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige; Lyle Ashton Harris; Jumana Manna and Brian Tolle.
David Zwirner – Hall B, Booth K18
David Zwirner is a contemporary art gallery that has been “home to innovative, singular and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres” since it opened its doors in 1993.
It is known for delivering shows on the latest works of art and practices – minimalism and video work – as well as detailed, historically researched exhibitions.
Artists on show include: Francis Alÿs; Dan Flavin; Donald Judd; John McCracken; Fred Sandback; Michaël Borremans; Chris Ofili; Neo Rauch; Lisa Yuskavage; Luc Tuymans; Marcel Dzama; Al Taylor; Thomas Ruff; and James Welling.
Edwynn Houk Gallery – Booth D05
Originally based in Chicago – it opened there in 1980 – the Edwynn Houk Gallery relocated to New York in 1991, where it soon made a noise. It has gone on to present major shows of masters like Man Ray, Robert Frank and Walker Evans.
Interestingly, it has been active in promoting the work of photographers, the likes of which have included Sally Mann, Lynn Davis and Lalla Essayadi.
Artists and photographers on show include: Diane Arbus; Ilse Bing; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Manuel Álvarez Bravo; Harry Callahan; Elliott Erwitt; Robert Frank; Lee Friedlander; André Kertész; Annie Leibovitz; Sally Mann; László Moholy-Nagy / Vik Muniz; Man Ray; and Alfred Steiglitz.
Galerie Lelong – Booth G01
Galerie Lelong works on an international basis, and has, since 1985, collaborated with various museums around the world in organising commissions and creating exhibitions.
It has been especially active in working with public institutions from Latin America and delivering “cross-generational representation and support of women artists”.
Artists on show include: Lygia Clark; Petah Coyne; Angelo Filomeno; Günther Forg; Alfredo Jaar; Jannis Kounellis; Lin Tianmiao; Cildo Meireles; Ana Mendieta; Hélio Oiticica; Emilio Perez; Jaume Plensa; Kate Shepherd; Sean Scully and Kiki Smith.
Greenberg Van Doren Gallery – Booth H04
A relative newcomer to the art scene – it was established in 1999 – the Greenberg Van Doren Gallery is a respected specialist in post-war and contemporary artists, thanks, in part, to its well-informed director Dorsey Waxter.
It delivers exhibitions in all areas, past and present, and across a wide range of mediums, making it a very malleable space for art.
Artists on show include Anthony Caro; Alan Shields; Dorothea Rockburne; David Smith; Ed Ruscha; James Brooks; John Chamberlain; Jean Dubuffet; Joan Mitchell; John McLaughlin; Milton Avery; Mark Tobey; Richard Diebenkorn and Sam Francis.
Art Basel Miami runs from December 6th until December 9th 2012.
Cadogan Tate, a leader in fine art shipping and storage, will be available for consultation during Art Basel Week.