Art Basil 2011
This December had the pleasure of attending Art Basil Miami. Art Basil (pronounced Bah sel) is like a sugar high for culturites, artists, collectors and designers alike. Deemed the second biggest Art Fair in the world (next to Art Basil Switzerland) it takes place every December in Miami Beach, Florida. Basil features more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Showcasing works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries it’s next to impossible to see everything in just the short half week it invades the city. While most of the work is displayed in the Miami Convention Center, there are outdoor displays, public & private galleries, private homes, offices, and hotels everywhere displaying art. The entire city is one big inspiration after another. After quickly realizing I was never going to be able to see it all I had to devise a plan of attack. The convention center, albeit filled with incredible works of art was however just that, a convention center. We decided to focus on the private galleries, outdoor displays and the Wynwood Design District. The Wynwood area was definitely my favourite. The streets are filled with graffiti and local artists who open up their work shops and galleries to the public. Unfortunately with my champagne taste and beer budget I didn’t manage to bring any art home, perhaps next year.
With my girlfriend and fellow designer pal Laura Hay in front The Wynood Kitchen.