Art aficionados from around the world are flocking to Art Basel this week in Miami Beach(Dec. 4-7), where modern and contemporary art will be celebrated in some of the most eccentric ways that will raise eyebrows, challenge onlookers to think outside of the box and expand their artistic, cultural and societal canvas.

Considered the "Vanguard of Visual Arts," Art Basel Miami Beach presents artwork that includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, films and the like from across the globe. Over 250 of the world's leading galleries participate in Art Basel Miami Beach, which draws over 70,000 visitors each year.

"Since it was founded twelve years ago, the Miami Beach show has ranked as the most important art fair in the Americas, with an ever-increasing number of collectors and professionals from across the global art world attending," said Marc Spiegler, director of Art Basel.

In addition to Miami Beach, Art Basel also takes place in "one of Europe's most alluring cities," Basel (which is uniquely situated between Switzerland, France and Germany), as well as in Hong Kong.  

What can art lovers, A-list celebrities, socialites and art collectors expect this year from this crème de la crème of art shows?

This year, Art Basel Miami Beach attendees can check out Stevie Nicks' retro selfies from the '70s and '80s and unique artwork by Yoko Ono, Pussy Riot and Mexican artist Pedro Reyes, as well as eccentric artists Millie Brown, who's known for her vomit art, Natalie White, who's known for her topless art, and Sophia Wallace of the CLITERACY project (as a part of the 2014 Celebration of Women in Art). Artist Theo Jansen, creator and engineer of the dynamic, wind-assisted wooden structures that walk on the beach, will also share some insight. There will also be special performances by Miley Cyrus and Solange.

Why did Art Basel choose Miami over New York or Los Angeles?

Art Basel reportedly wanted to gain an American base and at the same time have access to the Latin American market -- and if you have been to Miami, you understand why the diverse, art deco-celebrated city was chosen among others.

Art Basel Miami Beach not only enhances the city's already impressive art deco district, but it also strengthens the cultural and creative connection between North America and Latin America.

Here are the above-mentioned highlights of Art Base Miami Beach:

Stevie Nicks' Retro Selfies

Before there was Instagram, Stevie Nicks, the legendary lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, was way ahead of the curve. She took selfies or cool, retro self-portraits in some pretty groovy duds. Selfie queen Kim Kardashian could have learned a thing or two from Nicks!

"Angel of our dreams Stevie Nicks will grace the aptly named Dream South Beach with her bewitching self-portrait collection taken between l975 and 1987," The Huffington Post points out. (Exhibition runs from Thursday, Dec. 4, until Friday, Dec. 5, Dream South Beach, 1111 Collins Ave.)

Miley Cyrus to Perform at Art Basel Opening Night Party

Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, American art dealer and curator Jeffrey Deitch and V Magazine will host an Art Basel opening night party where the ever-evolving Miley Cyrus will perform. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 p.m. to midnight at the Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue.)

Solange Curates SELECT Fair

Solange (also known as Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles) will curate a series of nightly performances, one featuring herself, for the SELECT Fair. Many artists from her label, Saint Heron, are rumored, but fans will have to stay tuned for more details. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, until Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. SELECT Fair 7200 Collins Ave.)

Mexican Artist Pedro Reyes' "Sanatorium"

Mexican artist Pedro Reyes' "Sanatorium" is "a performative project that mixes art and psychology. The installation takes the form of a transient clinic, in which receptionists and 'therapists' trained by the artist, help visitors with their individual needs," according to Art Basel Miami Beach. (Opens Wednesday, Dec. 3. Miami's Institute of Contemporary Art, 4040 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami.)

MoMA PS1's "Zero Tolerance: Miami"

"Zero Tolerance: Miami," curated by Klaus Biesenbach and Margaret Aldredge, features "an array of international artists whose works reflect the relationship between freedom and control, namely in relation to political dissidence, urban redevelopment, social policy and gay rights." Artists include Doug Aitken, Joseph Beuys, Yoko Ono and Pussy Riot. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, until Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. YoungArts Gallery on the 1st and 2nd floors.)

2014 Celebration of Women in Art

The 2014 Celebration of Women in Art will include medley of "dance, cuisine, fashion, circus, theater and nightlife in an immersive, lady-centric experience," and will feature Millie Brown, known for her vomit art, Natalie White, known for her topless art and Sophia Wallace of the CLITERACY project. The event will benefit Brooklyn Museum's Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art and School of Doodle. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 p.m. Paramount Hotel.)

Theo Jansen's Whimsical Wooden Structures

Theo Jansen, the artist/creator/engineer of the colossal, wind-assisted wooden structures that walk on the beach also known as a kinetic "Strandbeest," will discuss his work with Lena Herzog and Trevor Smith. (Friday, Dec. 5, 3-4 p.m. Miami Convention Center, Hall C auditorium, entrance through Lobby C, 1901 Convention Center Dr.)

Last year, the art deco aficionados celebrated the opening of The Pérez Art Museum Miami, which coincided with the annual Art Basel Miami Beach fair, as well as a new addition, the Brazil ArtFair -- "the first of its kind," which featured Brazilian contemporary art and design.

"Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel has been a driving force in supporting the role that galleries play in the nurturing of artists, and the development and promotion of visual arts," according to Art Basel organizers.

"In addition to showing exciting works by world-renowned artists, Art Basel is always innovating, thus expanding its platform for new artists who represent the vanguard of the visual arts. Its worldwide reputation -- earned over the last 40 years -- for showing work of the highest merit, and attracting the world's leading gallerists and collectors, has made Art Basel the place where the art world meets."

Interested in attending Art Basel Miami Beach? Check out a video to see what you should expect.