Friday, November 26, 2010

Miami News You Can Use for BaselMania

BaselMania by the Bay and Beyond in 2010

It's easy to feel bewitched, bothered, and bewildered by BaselMania. That's when Art Basel Miami Beach and many more art fairs and events (even exciting art auctions!) come to Miami Beach and across the bay to downtown Miami and the city's famed art neighborhoods of Wynwood and the Design District.

So much art, so many art fairs, so little time to see it all. What's a curious, engaged collector to do?

First of all, face the music. You can't do it all. Don't even try. One year a savvy collector admitted to me that it wasn't possible to see everything. As BaselMania grows, collectors learn to customize their experience, choosing art fairs and art events right for them.

Start with this simple strategy. Be true to your budget and your passion for art. Decide what you can afford that has lasting value to you. Only you know if the art that you want to live with is painting, drawing, photography, video, sculpture--or even objects of design, now that art and design may often merge for talented artists and museum curators.

Make a list of artists interesting to you or use my list and other Artcentric blog posts and columns as a reference. That's the evergreen beauty of the Art Circuits guide, in print and online so you can always find it.

In my former life as a newspaper art critic, I hated having to write top ten lists. Now I don't have to be limited by a silly numbers game. So here is a list of artists to look for during these days of BaselMania.

Renowned Artists

Allora & Calzadilla, Carlos Betancourt, Hernan Bas, Jose Bedia, Carol Brown, Maria Brito, Charles Burchfield, Tania Bruguera, Enrique Martinez Celaya, Robert Chambers, Lygia Clark, William N. Copley, Marlene Dumas, Michele Oka Doner, Teresita Fernandez, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Gunther Gerszo, Mary Heilman, John Henry, Robert Huff, Isaac Julien, Dorothea Lange, Ruben Torres Llorca, Louise Nevelson, Julie Mehretu, Jorge Pardo, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Jesus Raphael Soto, Miralda, Giorgio Morandi, Barbara Neijna, Glexis Novoa, Karen Rifas, Susan Rothenberg, Betye Saar, Fred Tomaselli, Robert Thiele, Joaquin Torres-Garcia

Rising Stars

Kevin Arrow, Luisa Basnuevo, Loriel Beltran, Christopher Carter, Elizabeth Cerejido, Susan Lee Chun, Paul Clemence, Tony Chirinos, William Cordova, George Sanchez Calderon, Jim Drain, Christy Gast, Julie Davidow, Ivan Toth Depena, Lalla Essaydi, Naomi Fisher, Fernanda Fragateiro, Carlos Garaicoa, Jaime Gili, Erman Gonzalez, Florencio Gelabert, Jiae Hwang, Geddes Levenson, Hung Liu, Wangechi Mutu, Beatriz Milhazes, Ernesto Oroza, Tatiana Parcero, Guerra de la Paz, Gavin Perry, Ralph Provisero, Lilly Reich, Robin Rhode, Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova, Tal Rickards, Asser Saint-Val, Samantha Salzinger, Andrea Sampaolo, Gabriel Sierra, Raqib Shaw, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Mette Tommerup, Frances Trombly, Bruce Weber, Wendy Wischer

Most of these artists you can find through Miami galleries, museums, institutions, or art fairs listed in the Art Circuits guide. That artwork by so many of these artists is connected to the Miami area is a clear sign of the increasing sophistication and international diversity of the artists congregating here. With so many art fairs converging on Miami, you're likely to find works by these artists in galleries at the fairs, perhaps leading you to other memorable artists you'd like to collect.

In this unsettling financial time, it can be especially critial to do much looking before buying. Develop a relationship with a reputable dealer you like and trust. You should feel comfortable talking with this dealer about the artist's career and museums that exhibit and collect the artwork. Ask if the artist has created any public art.

If you're curious about an artist's materials, ask. You should rarely feel pressured to buy something on the spot, especially when money is tight. You may find something to buy from this dealer after the fair ends. Finding the art you want to live with for a long time is almost like choosing a mate for life. If you wouldn't get married on the spot, why collect art that way?

If an artist's work is sold, ask if something else you can afford is available. Be open to work by another artist the dealer shows you. If you fall in love with art over your budget, consider negotiating payments in installments.

Remember that BaselMania isn't just about looking to buy. It offers art lovers the pure pleasure of looking. Pace yourself.

Exhibits at Bass Museum of Art, Bakehouse Art Complex, de la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space, The Freedom Tower, Frost Art Museum, Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, Miami Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Rubell Family Collection, and World Class Boxing aren't to be missed by out-of-town art lovers. Be sure to find time to see artworks at the Sagamore Hotel on South Beach.

Miami residents can take a breather and see these outstanding private collections and museums--inspirations to curious collectors--after the fairs depart.

There's so much to do and see, that I know I haven't listed everything! I invite readers of this blog to post comments about special artists and events they want other readers to be sure not to miss. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Then, of course, there's the mega fair that started all the mania: Art Basel Miami Beach. Whether or not you buy at Basel, SEE THIS FAIR. It provides a unique snapshot of that mighty colossus called the art world.

16 comments:

  1. It's exciting to be a Rising Star! To see my art (Geddes Levenson) there is an exhibition at Pyramid Studios north of The Falls, open all month. (call for appointment: 786-348-4566) I am doing an Art Marathon/Conversation, Saturday, November 27 with fellow artist Annie Blazejack to raise money for clinics in Mali. (artforMHOP.blogspot.com) Finally I have a website Geddeslevenson.com and a blog officiallyanartist.blogspot.com. Thanks for looking! Geddes Levenson

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  2. Hey Elisa, here are two group shows I'm going to be a part of during Basel Week. I guess I'm not one of your Rising Stars this year, but I'll just take that means that my star has already risen in your eyes.
    -Josh

    Good & Plenty
    ArtCenter/ South Florida
    800 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
    Opening Reception: Wednesday, December 1 @ 7-10pm

    Rock and a Soft Place
    The Yard@CasaLin
    55 NW 30th Street, Wynwood
    Opening Reception: Thursday, December 2 @ 10am-12noon

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  3. Correction for an appointment with pyramid galleries call 786 348 3566, sorry!

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  4. Hi Elisa. Great post!

    I am participating in WET, a group exhibition at CANDO Arts Co-op. The opening reception is December 1, 7-11 PM.

    309 23rd St.
    Miami Beach, FL 33139

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  5. Thanks, Elisa, for mentioning the Bakehouse Art Complex! We have a great Art Basel lineup this year, with our opening reception of SIN on Monday night! Hope to see you and the girls there!
    Happy Basel-ing
    Lauren

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  6. Eduardo del Valle and Mirta GomezNovember 27, 2010 at 10:18 AM

    Hello Elisa,
    Thank you for asking. Our NYC gallery, JIM KEMPNER FINE ART will be participating in INK at The Dorchester Hotel, 1850 Collins Avenue during Art Basel. They will be showing selections from our work that were included in the MoMA Inaugural Exhibition in 2004, as well as, Sections of Time from the MoMA Landscape Exhibition in 2006.
    Best,
    Eduardo del Valle and Mirta Gomez

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  7. Redeem your validation at the Kissing Booth Show at Swampspace Gallery

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  8. Elisa,
    It's an honor to be among your rising star artist list. Art Basel seems more exciting this year. It seems as if something much more special is going to happen in Miami. I just remember many empty stores are sharing their empty stores with artists to exhibit art doing art basel this year. Christopher Miro has open the first gallery on 71 east flagler street. That's something to look into. I will be exhibiting in one of those store spaces located at 260 east flagler street among a few other local artist. the opening is tuesday, Nov. 30th. @ 6Pm

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  9. IKF’s Wonderfund™ Art Auction returns with more than 130 works from Latin America’s leading contemporary artists. The celebrated art auction, now in its fifth year, is expected to attract more than 400 art enthusiasts and collectors from across the globe. The event is scheduled for December 8 at Villa 221, 221 North East 17th Street, Miami from 7 – 10 p.m. All proceeds will benefit IKF’s Wonderfund™, a program of Jackson Memorial Hospital Foundation, whose mission is to provide lifesaving or life-changing medical care to children in need throughout the world. For a complete index of the featured artists, please visit www.wonderfund.org.

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  10. Hello Elisa and art lovers!

    I recommend that you all come see this huge group exhibition in the Grove. From three inch portraits to 2 ton metal sculptures, you can see a wide variety of emerging and established artists from around the country.

    NWSA alumni and participants of Young Blood exhibitions will present work in "Natural Selection"

    "Natural Selection" is a must-see event at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (CGAF) during Art Basel week in Miami! It is a showcase of extraordinary and visionary work by young emerging and established artists working and living around the world. Featuring work by New World School of the Arts (NWSA) high school and college alumni, we are proud to say that a great number of artists who have exhibited in previous Young Blood exhibitions are taking part in “Natural Selection”. The exhibit is curated by artist and former New World School of the Arts teacher Jim Hunter and assistant Nick Varsalona (NWSA 04'). Lilia Garcia, the chairperson of the CGAF gallery and member of the Board of Directors for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, also took part in co-curating this large group exhibition. Come and enjoy this wonderful Art Basel Grand Opening Event!

    Kick-Off Reception: Monday, November 29th, 2010 7pm to 9pm. After Party on the Atrium 9pm to 11pm

    Coconut Grove Art Walk Opening: Saturday, December 4th, 2010 7pm to 9pm

    Exhibition on view from Monday, November 29th through Friday, January 7th, 2010.

    CGAF Gallery
    3390 Mary Street, Suite 128 (Entrance on Grand Ave.)
    Coconut Grove, Florida

    Visit www.youngbloodnwsa.wordpress.com for more information about the annual Young Blood: NWSA Alumni exhibitions.

    Thank you,
    Michelle Gomez

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  11. NWSA alumni and participants of past Young Blood exhibitions will present work in "Natural Selection"

    "Natural Selection" is a must-see event at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (CGAF) during Art Basel week in Miami! It is a showcase of extraordinary and visionary work by young emerging and established artists working and living around the world. Featuring work by New World School of the Arts (NWSA) high school and college alumni, we are proud to say that a great number of artists who have exhibited in previous Young Blood exhibitions are taking part in “Natural Selection”. The exhibit is curated by artist and former New World School of the Arts teacher Jim Hunter and assistant Nick Varsalona (NWSA 04'). Lilia Garcia, the chairperson of the CGAF gallery and member of the Board of Directors for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, also took part in co-curating this large group exhibition. Come and enjoy this wonderful Art Basel Grand Opening Event!

    Kick-Off Reception: Monday, November 29th, 2010 7pm to 9pm. After Party on the Atrium 9pm to 11pm

    Coconut Grove Art Walk Opening: Saturday, December 4th, 2010 7pm to 9pm

    Exhibition on view from Monday, November 29th through Friday, January 7th, 2010.

    CGAF Gallery
    3390 Mary Street, Suite 128 (Entrance on Grand Ave.)
    Coconut Grove, Florida

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  12. Elisa,
    Your decision to include Andrea Sampaolo at www.info@andreasampaolo in your rising star list means much to me. I am his representative in Miami, our goal is to expose his paintings to Miami Art lovers and artists.
    He was born in Rome and has looked at the USA art narrative from a distance, always feeling the tug and inspiration from the artists here in the USA. Hence this body of work is called "American". He is included with a great group of artists all selected with your artcentric eyes. How lucky are we to have you in Miami, Elisa.
    Thanks,
    Rosie Gordon- Wallace
    Art Consultant

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  13. ART+LIGHT. DEC. 4, 8-11p. A Chanukah Exhibit at Maor Gallery

    Now through December 3 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) come see "Light in Motion" by Daniel Azoulay. And do not miss the Maor Gallery's special event - an opening reception with the artist Saturday, December 4, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. To celebrate the unique photography of Daniel Azoulay and Chanukah, the Maor Gallery will have music, an open bar and an ice menorah carving (8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and lighting (9 p.m.). The Maor Gallery is located at 3030 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami (entrance on the north side of the building). For more information visit the web site at www.MaorMiami.org or contact shmuel@maormiami.org

    Maor is a dynamic place of gathering, a vibrant center for Jewish spiritual growth and discovery. Be a part of poignant and contemporary programs that combine spirituality and art within the urban social milieu.

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  14. BASEL continues in WYNWOOD on Saturday.

    Dina Mitrani Gallery
    will be open from 10am to 10pm
    showing 12 international contemporary photographers.

    thanks elisa!
    xo
    dina

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  15. Francie Bishop Good
    with gallery artists........
    showing at David Castillo Gallery!
    xofran

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  16. great post about Michael Rush....... i wish him the best of luck! We miss him down here...
    keep up the good work....

    ReplyDelete