Art Basel has always been a strong date on my calendar. I have seen it go from 1 main show with a few satellite shows, to a full blown: shut down the street, no hotels available, commercial spectacle. The overall tone still does excite me of the possibilities of the art world and my own art projects specifically. Although I am still on high alert and little concerned of masses watering down this festival.
*slowly looks over to Frank Sheeran*
*long winks*
I know it’s silly but take the “Comedian” for an example. It was a thought provoking conversation starter that people flocked to. The gallery booth kept the piece available for people to still walk up, take photos and inspect the piece. The following day, the hype was so strong that stanchions were put up so that the chaos would be orderly and people could form a straight line to view the piece/take photos. Saturday evening, the news hit that some asshole ATE the banana. Which later was described, or as I read, as an “art performance”. On the final day of the show, Perrotin gallery posted a notice that they would be “following recommendations”, and be taking down Maurizio Cattelan’s piece titled “Comedian”. The chaos was putting pieces in their gallery, as well as those in the surround galleries, in danger from the commotion created by such a piece.
Perrotin Gallery Instagram post statement about the removal of the “Comedian”
Potentially, Art Basel might be turning into just that. A place where very few came to mix & mingle with artists to solidify their purchases. Commercial masses/public then come to south beach to populate their Instagram with moments that are never truly appreciated. (you should have seen the Wynwood Levi activation, they spent some dollars on that denim display) Then galleries start changing their tactics, by exclusive buy-in tours, members only club exhibitions, furthering the divide between the aspired and the acquired.
These are just my quick thoughts, don’t even read into it. I do know however I will continue to keep going… to private dinners, private tours, while keeping my ear to the street. For my clients’ interest & mine.
Putting the team together for ABMB 2020. Reach out if you are interested in linking up. Below was our schedule this year.
Also another big tip of the cap to Khalid aka Disposable Like My Cameras. @DisposableLMC I see you workin…
THURSDAY
Dinner at Juvia with Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Cocktails at Chotto Matte
Friday
Juztapoz Black and White exhibition
Booze brunch at Nautlius cabaña
Hotel had the first NBA exhibit titled “Momentum” with AMP
Back by the pool was a great installation by Hermanas Miranda
Main Art Basel Convention Center
Snack at Morenos Cuba
Walked quickly through Ink Miami
This was particularly cool because this fair rented out the first floor of a hotel and all the rooms were the different gallery representation
Karma Note - Ying: On the way home I found a pair of sunglasses in the cab. I did not notify or return them to driver.
Dinner at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar
Walked over to the Cake Factory Miami for the Soulection party, did not go in.
Stayed at the outdoor HIVE installation.
SATURDAY
Morning beach time
Lunch at Le Chick Miami
server was very helpful and she made their sangria which was also very good.
Unknwn store visit. Newyorksunshine team did great work with this build out, not sure if they did the whole concept or just the outside but…. *tips cap*
Pop-up pop up store visit
Strolled Graffiti alley. shop to note: GAG Threads
Miami Cake Factory gallery visit
really enjoyed the large chain balloons, shoe display and vibe that group had going. Noted
Rubell Museum visit. Real interesting work in this one...
Dinner at Amara restaurant.
Karma Note - Yang: I left my Polaroid camera in the ride to the restaurant. We were swiftly dropped off due to tempers of passengers in the car.
Late night drinks at the Anderson
Sunday
This show is more of an approachable show due to the contemporary pieces that are common in galleries today.
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