The first Art Basel show was held in Basel, Switzerland in 1970, conceived by its founders Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner and Balz Hilt, to bring together gallerists, collectors and art professionals to see the finest 20th century art from around the world. Since that time, Art Basel has also been staged in Hong Kong and Miami Beach. Art Basel, however, is not known for showcasing artists or art from the African Diaspora. That has changed in recent years through the efforts of several individuals and organizations including Multitudes Contemporary Art Gallery owner and curator Babacar Mbow who are committed to bringing forth some of that change in Miami. 

This year’s exhibition at Multitudes will focus on Haiti, the country that represented African freedom and independence in the Western Hemisphere and hence a source of great inspiration for artists. The change towards greater diversity will go into high gear with the exhibition titled “Caribbean Fantastic” that runs from December 3, 2013 through January 2, 2014 at the Multitudes Contemporary Art Gallery, 5570 Northeast Fourth Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137. Caribbean Fantastic features critically acclaimed artist Jean Claude Legagneur whose works have been showcased in the United States and internationally.