Trying to host a top-tier art fair when Basel’s in town is what it must feel like at a Premiership team lunch while the England squad’s away in Qatar. A few missing superstars, but still so much depth and talent that it’s practically embarrassing. Welcome to Art Miami.

160 international galleries presenting an exemplary range of modern and contemporary art for almost every level of collector. I found myself contemplating low four-figure works, then tried to negotiate a 95% discount on a £1.3M Wifredo Lam. The gallery for the latter knew I was well out of my league — because I told them repeatedly! — but still spent a generous amount of time with me discussing the work. They even sent me some fantastic info afterwards. That kind of personal touch, just two people talking about their love of an artwork when a sale is clearly off the table, is one of the things that adds to my appreciation for art and the industry. It’s definitely something that sets apart the good galleries from the great.

La Jumeaux II, 1963-69

Oil on burlap, 113 x 82 cm

Wifredo Lam (1902-1982)

Courtesy Latin Art Core Contemporary (@lac.contemporary)

With galleries from all over the world, this is a show that has everything from Marc Chagall to macarons. The international flavours were so varied that the only discernible theme I could find was quality. “Investment quality”, to quote the official site. You won’t find any argument from me, even though when I buy it’s from the heart.

And at this fair, my heart felt full as I spotted quite a few artists that I already own, and even more that I had previously profiled in London Roundups and reviews. Yet there was so much to see that I still managed to leave with a dozen new crushes. Some of them from the sister fair next door, and I challenge you to spot which ones are which.

Context is an entirely separate tent, conveniently connected via the cafe, with an additional 75 galleries spotlighting emerging and mid-career artists. The quality, depth, and diversity was just as impressive as the main tent, where I suspect many of the Context artists will eventually be displayed.

With a combined 235 booths, Art Miami + Context was the biggest fair I’d ever attended. It would have been exhausting were it not for the excellence across the board that kept me eagerly anticipating the next exciting discoveries up, down and around the aisles.

Here’s the rest of the works that caught my eye: