Miami Comes Alive With Art Basel 2016
By Hope Wilkos
MIAMI BEACH, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Atmosphere at The Daily Front Row and Faena Art Celebrate the Launch of The Daily’s Miami Edition, Featuring Act One at The Faena Art Dome on November 29, 2016 in Miami Beach, FL. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Miami has been bustling (even more than usual) as Art Basel Miami 2016 made its return to the artistically entertaining city of cool and cultural diversity. For the time frame of December 1 through December 4, 2016, a huge crowd was captivated by amazing artwork displayed in so many different mediums. Eagerly, 267 of the top art galleries, from as far away as Africa and Asia, presented masterpieces of work by the most talented professionals in the art industry. All parts of the city gave a very warm welcome to Art Basel 2016, from Downtown Miami and Little Haiti to the chic South Beach area and Wynwood Art & Design District.
Since tastes are so varied these days, the event’s exhibitions are divided into sectors. It begins with the Public Sector which is open to the public to take a look and see what strikes their fancy. The Nova Sector features strong juxtapositions and new and fresh pieces never seen before. The Positions Sector brings emerging artists that once in a lifetime opportunity to present one of their major projects for all to admire and to entertain the curiosity. The Edition Sector is the result of leading publishers of edition works, prints and multiples, collaborating with renowned artists so that the guests can enjoy these rare publications. The Kabinett Sector presents a curated exhibition by an artist of choice. The Survey Sector presents precise art historical projects. The Film Sector presents a dynamic program of films that are able to be watched outdoors in the park, in the Miami Beach Convention Center and/or at the historic Colony Theatre on Miami Beach. The Magazine Sector presents art publications from all parts of the globe. Over 3000 pieces of artwork was on display and over 1295 artists participated. By visiting the Art Basel website, there is a listing of all artists in alphabetical order.
Besides the alluring artwork, guests were invited to partake in films and performances which were taking place at Collins Park and Soundscape Park in the heart of Miami Beach. One of the most talked about films of Art Basel 2016 was the film, ‘Maurizio Cattelan: Be Right Back’ which examined the life of the gifted Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan who was successful in mocking the artistic establishment. If you are interested in art, but, certainly not a full-fledged connoisseur, opting for the guided tour which combines a mixture of everything, is the best way to enjoy the event. Also part of the weekend were talks similar to the format that takes place at numerous film festivals.
Fashion and art pair together well and Art Basel 2016 exemplified that concept. The Sagamore Hotel on Collins Avenue featured the ‘Lingerie Francaise Exhibition’, exploring the evolution of women’s intimates from the 1880’s to present day. In the Miami Design District, the prestigious Dior Store released a limited-edition collection of its legendary “Lady Bag” for sale. The label commissioned seven artists—Ian Davenport, Mat Collishaw, Jason Martin, Marc Quinn, Daniel Gordon, Chris Martin, and Matthew Porter—to create their own versions of the bag. Coach, Lanvin and other fashion brands were featured at a display at The Webster (a mutli-brand boutique), where artist Enoc Perez was tapped to create one-of-a-kind pieces like a Rolex selling for upwards of $17,600. The Frost Art Museum, located in Miami, presented “Narciso Rodriguez: An Exercise in Minimalism”, celebrating the Cuban-American designer’s illustrious collection filled with ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. LOEWE in the Miami Design District installed permanent works by artist William McKeown and potter John Ward for the purpose of housing the label’s high-end handbags.
Now who doesn’t appreciate a party? In anticipation of Art Basel 2016, the festivities kicked off the night before Day One, on November 30, 2016. An Opening Night Party was held in Collins Park from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There were plenty of intriguing guests celebrating this annual event of art and beauty.
MIAMI BEACH, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Hayden Panettiere attends The Daily Front Row and Faena Art Celebrate the Launch of The Daily’s Miami Edition, Featuring Act One at The Faena Art Dome on November 29, 2016 in Miami Beach, FL. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The stylishly chic Daily Front Row also held an Art Basel 2016 Kickoff Celebration at the Faena Art Dome. This was ‘THE PARTY’ to attend. The guest list was lined with celebrities, artists, designers and socialites of the Miami culture scene. Spotting socializing were Hayden Panettiere, Jeremy Scott, Hopper Penn (Sean Penn’s son) and many more. With a circus theme, it was a theatrical masterpiece of what was still to come.
Over the course of four days, there were new gallery openings in and around Miami, exhibitions and artwork never before seen, emerging artists stepping into the limelight and so much more excitement. It doesn’t get any finer. Once Art Basel 2016 leaves South Florida, the annual event prepares itself for 2017 with first stop in Hong Kong at the end of March and then on to Basel in Europe in June of 2017.
