PINTA: A SUCCESS STORY IN LATIN AMERICAN ART

The Beginnings of Pinta

In its inaugural edition, Pinta amazed the art market with sales of more than 300 works, totaling nearly $8.5 million, thanks to the participation of 34 galleries from Latin America. This initial success paved the way for the fair, which expanded to 54 galleries in its second edition in 2008, solidifying itself as a selective, high-quality event.

Until 2014, Pinta took place in New York every November, strategically coinciding with Sotheby’s and Christie’s Latin American art auctions. Parallelly, between 2010 and 2014, editions were held in London, attracting galleries from Europe, North and South America, and garnering interest from European museums such as the Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou.

The Move to Miami and Its Consolidation

In 2014, Pinta moved its main venue to Miami, leveraging the vibrant Art Week led by Art Basel Miami Beach. Since then, annual editions in December have made it one of the key platforms for Latin American art in the United States.

Pinta has not only boosted emerging artists but also facilitated the inclusion of prominent works into the collections of prestigious museums such as MoMA, Museo del Barrio, and MALBA.

Artists Discovered at Pinta Who are now recognized and respected

Pinta has played a crucial role in discovering and elevating artists who are now celebrated in the international art market. A prime example is Carmen Herrera, whose work was discovered by Lisson Gallery at a Pinta edition in London. At the time, Lisson acquired four works by Herrera for approximately $40,000 each and later became the sole representative of her estate. With Lisson’s backing, Herrera’s works entered the permanent collections of renowned institutions such as the MET, MoMA, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington. This trajectory culminated in a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in 2017, and in 2019, her piece "Blanco y Verde" fetched $2.9 million at Sotheby’s, setting a record for the artist.

Another noteworthy example is Peruvian artist Jorge Eduardo Eielson, whose work, priced under $10,000 at Pinta in 2014, now commands $100,000.  

More recently, Uruguayan artist Guillermo García Cruz has followed a similar path to success. In 2018, Pinta Miami featured a solo booth of 40 of his works in the "Platforms Curated Sections," curated by Roc Laseca. Now, García Cruz is solidifying his presence with a sculpture in the prestigious Meridians section at Art Basel Miami Beach, emerging as one of the most promising contemporary Latin American talents. These examples highlight Pinta’s fundamental role in artist discovery and promotion and its ability to connect creators with institutions, galleries, and collectors who propel their careers to global recognition.

Innovation in Times of Crisis

The 2020 pandemic posed a significant challenge for art fairs, but Pinta responded creatively. It launched a virtual marathon edition in Peru, featuring weekly talks and digital access to works. While this initiative did not yield immediate economic benefits, it kept the brand relevant and expanded its international reach.

During this period, the concept of Pinta Art emerged—a strategic unification of all its fairs under a single brand. Since 2021, events like Pinta Miami, Pinta PArC (which will be renamed Pinta Lima in 2025), Pinta Basel, and Pinta South America have operated as part of a global ecosystem, competing with major fairs like Art Basel and Frieze.

Pinta Miami 2024: A Global Fair with an Ibero-American Focus

From December 5 to 8, 2024, Pinta Miami will open its doors at The Hangar, Coconut Grove, solidifying itself as a leading platform for Latin American and Iberian art. This year, the fair will feature over 45 international galleries from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, and other regions in Europe and Latin America, reaffirming its global reach.

Highlighted Sectors and Innovation at Pinta Miami 2024

Pinta Miami 2024 is organized into three key sectors, each notable for its diversity and curatorial approach:

Main Section: Features international galleries with a focus on Ibero-American culture, showcasing current trends and relevant contemporary art dialogues.

RADAR: Curated by Angélica Arbelaez, this section emphasizes selected artists’ work, offering a more intimate look at their creative processes.

NEXT: this segment, curated by Giuliana Vidarte, includes South American galleries exploring artistic experimentation, fostering cultural dialogue.

In addition, in their website the Open Files initiative presents micro-videos where artists share insights into their work, enabling visitors and collectors to forge closer connections with the creators. This innovative section underscores Pinta’s commitment to discovering and promoting new talent.

With its diverse offerings, Pinta Miami 2024 not only aims to showcase the best in contemporary Ibero-American art but also to solidify itself as a key platform for cultural and professional exchange, connecting galleries, collectors, and curators from around the world.

The Future of Pinta

Looking ahead to 2025, Pinta is set to strengthen its presence with three scheduled fairs under its renewed identity, aligning events with the name of the host city: Pinta Lima (April 24–27), Pinta BAphoto (Buenos Aires, October), and Pinta Miami (December). In addition, Pinta will expand its influence by hosting two Art Weeks, one in Asunción (Paraguay) and another in Panama, further solidifying its regional and international reach.

This strategy aims to broaden Pinta’s global scope by providing greater visibility to Latin American artists and galleries while attracting new audiences and tapping into international markets. With thoughtfully curated sectors, an extensive VIP program, and a robust digital platform, Pinta remains a launchpad for emerging artists and a unique space to discover high-quality works at accessible prices. In the competitive world of contemporary art, Pinta not only sustains its relevance but leads with innovation and vision, seamlessly blending its boutique identity with a global presence.