Art Meets Aviation: Lufthansa and Stefan Marx Team Up for Art Basel in Miami
The German carrier inked a three-year partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Every December, Miami transforms into a global epicenter for contemporary art, as Art Basel Miami Beach draws tens of thousands of artists, collectors, curators, and cultural aficionados to its sunny shores. This year, the stakes are higher, and the journey is even more luxurious as Lufthansa announces a bold, three-year collaboration with Art Basel.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
At the heart of this partnership lies a unique convergence of world-class aviation and cutting-edge art, with German artist Stefan Marx lending his distinctive flair to elevate the experience.
Collab Details
Lufthansa is setting a new standard for the intersection of art and aviation. On December 6, the airline will inaugurate its collaboration with Art Basel by flying guests from Munich to Miami in its new Allegris seating concept.
Photo: Allegris Business Class. Courtesy of Lufthansa
The Allegris product, announced in March 2023, launched this year on flights to Vancouver, providing customers booked in business class an all-new cabin concept. For the Art Basel collab, the airline will be flying an Allegris-equipped aircraft to Miami with art experts and influencers, ensuring the flight becomes an extension of the Art Basel experience.
Guests can expect curated moments of inspiration, both in the air and on the ground, as they immerse themselves in a partnership that Lufthansa Vice President of Customer Experience Design Mauricio Parise describes as “an infusion of utility and beauty to create an elevated travel atmosphere.”
Who’s Stefan Marx?
Central to this partnership is German artist Stefan Marx, whose distinctive, minimalist creations are deeply rooted in his lifelong fascination with flying and his observant take on modern life.
Born in Schwalmstadt in 1979, Marx is more than just an artist—he’s also a skateboarder, cultural philosopher, and chronicler of everyday moments.
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Marx has gained international recognition for his diverse work, which spans drawing, graphic design, and text-based art. He publishes artist books through his own publishing company, designs record covers for various labels, and regularly exhibits at art book fairs and galleries worldwide. His art has also reached broader audiences through his daily drawing column in The New York Times in August 2019.
Marx’s work is characterized by his unique handwriting, which he applies across mediums such as paper, canvas, porcelain, and textiles. His drawings, often comic and good-humored, document everyday life with a personal and direct touch.
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Notably, this is not the first time Marx has collaborated on aviation-themed projects. In 2024, he created a 5BORO NYC Cargo Plane Series, depicting three freighter aircraft with his signature handwriting art.
Whether monochromatic or incorporating bold colors, his creations reflect the zeitgeist of modern society and resonate with emotional and visual depth.
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
For this year’s Art Basel, Marx has exclusively designed the Lufthansa Lounge in Miami Beach, transforming it into a playful yet sophisticated space where aviation and artistry converge.
Additionally, Marx has crafted a limited-edition collection of travel items for Lufthansa, featuring motifs of airplanes and airports that capture his long-standing love of flying.
Art Basel Miami Beach
For over two decades, Art Basel Miami Beach has stood as the crown jewel of North America’s art scene. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the fair showcases works from 285 galleries representing 38 countries and draws more than 80,000 visitors annually.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel. Public Interactions, Thaddaeus Ropac, PR, MC
This year, attendees can explore curated sectors such as:
- Galleries: The central hub for works from established international artists.
- Meridians: Featuring large-scale, ambitious pieces curated by Yasmil Raymond.
- Nova: Dedicated to works created within the last three years.
- Positions: Spotlighting emerging artists through solo exhibitions.
- Survey and Kabinett: Highlighting historic and thematic artistic practicess
Beyond the main exhibition, the energy of Art Basel extends across Miami during Miami Art Week, with more than 20 satellite fairs, pop-ups, and exclusive events.
Lufthansa’s Artsy Move
By aligning itself with Art Basel, Lufthansa is curating an experience that blends premium travel with the cultural zeitgeist. “This collaboration is about more than just getting people from Munich to Miami,” says Lufthansa’s team. “It’s about crafting a journey that inspires, elevates, and connects through the universal language of art.”
Photo: Lufthansa, First Airbus A350 with Allegris cabin. Courtesy of Lufthansa
The airline’s choice to incorporate Marx’s vision underscores its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. Yet, in a world where partnerships with cultural institutions are becoming increasingly common, Lufthansa faces the challenge of ensuring this collaboration resonates as authentic rather than opportunistic.
For attendees of Art Basel, Lufthansa’s partnership offers a seamless blend of luxury and culture. From the refined comforts of Allegris to the artistic atmosphere of the lounge, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence in both air travel and the arts.
