IMMERSING YOURSELF IN THE CULTURE OF ART BASEL MIAMI

Art Basel is perhaps the world’s largest gathering of artists, art collectors and an active introduction to pieces that are in fact changing the visual landscape of the world. This December’s Art Basel Miami is perhaps one of the more poignant as contemporary and modern art feasts itself on the open-ended spectrum of possibility through sculpture gardens, unusual popup events, architectural spaces lending themselves solely to the creation of art, and of course the welcoming arms of the city itself. 

Art Basel is an exhibition of prestige, thoughtfulness, boundary pushing, social freedom, abandon and immersive intellect. There are few that attend that do not leave impacted by the magic that exists in the work presented. With every one of your senses heightened through audio, visual and tactile experiences, this year has exceptional events and offerings we felt were ones you shouldn’t dare miss.

Introducing our guide to this year’s events …

While there are countless moments and gatherings you should certainly seek out, a few are so interesting and unique we encourage you to explore*.

For the seasoned art savant, POSITIONS is where to go to discover new and emerging talent. The exhibition provides a space for new talent to be seen and whether it is a single piece or a small collection, it allots artists the opportunity to utilize their creative voice in a much larger surrounding.

For purveyors, NOVA is a rather prestigious exhibition where galleries choose an artist to showcase. Often times, the artist’s work will have been produced within the last three years and has not yet been seen by the public.

For the avid avant-garde film lover, FILM is an outdoor screening that takes place in SoundScape Park where works are shown on a 7,000 square-foot projection wall of the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and inside the Miami Beach Convention Center.

So there you have it. While you ignite the emotional artist within or come upon a piece of art that stuns you, Art Basel Miami is the place to kick off winter. Find your passion, feed your soul and awaken what has laid dormant.

 

MUST VISIT GALLERIES

Silvia Cintra + Box

Mother’s Tankstation Limited

Take Ninagawa

Galeria Marilia Razuk

Two Palms

Galerie 1900-2000

Kurimanzutto

Labor

The Box

 

MUST EAT CUISINE

We know that art inspires ALL of your senses so we wanted to give you a list of places to go dine and drink while at Art Basel. Some are new and some are staples but either way, support their efforts whilst feeding your need for sustenance.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar | American + Latin American Cuisine | (305) 722-8959 | $$ Located in the Arts District, Wynwood is making a name for itself with thoughtful cuisine and a devotion to the art of food.

Phuc Yea | Viet-Cajun Cuisine (+Late Night Happy Hour) | (305) 602-3710 | $$ One of the most sought after popups beginning in 2011, this is now a Brick n Mmortar in high demand!

PB Station | New American Cuisine | (305) 420-2200 | $$

American cuisine with international influence, this is food that appeals to the savvy and the adventurous.

Kimodo | Southest Asian, Izakaya Japanese Inspired | (305) 534-2211 | $$$ This three-story eatery elevates your dining experience with beautiful dishes and contemporary interior design.

Fooq’s | Upscale Comfort Food | (786) 536-2749 | $$

Global travel inspired, this truly beautiful space serving cuisine that will visually take your breath away and sway any discerning palate.

15th & Vine | Swanky Cocktails | (305) 503-4400 | $$

Indoor bar or rooftop terrace, this W Hotel bar is well worth a look at their mixology program.

St. Regis Bal Harbour | Dessert worthy of Art | (305) 993-3300 | $$$ Go see famed Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour to get your sweet fix on. His desserts are nothing short of art themselves and delicate care is given to every single creation he offers.

MUST VISIT OFF-SITE EXHIBITIONS

Pérez Art Museum Miami has been showcasing an impressive line-up of exhibits since its inauguration. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami in residency at the Moore Building in the Design District will no doubt be doing something unforgettable during Art Basel with a provocative exhibition by artist Thomas Bayrle.

Additionally, Wolfsonian FIU, The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU, Bass Museum of Art, Lowe Art Museum, MDC Museum of Art + Design, Jewish Museum of Florida and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will all host special events and exhibitions during the month of December.

Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

Narciso Rodriguez

An Exercise in Minimalism | On Exhibition until January 8th 

One of the foremost American designers during the last two decades, Narciso Rodriguez plays a singular role in global fashion. A Cuban-American, his work received international acclaim when he designed the bias-cut wedding dress that Carolyn Bessette wore when she married John F. Kennedy, Jr. Since then, he has cemented a place for his designs and undeniable sense of emotional connection to everything he does, everywhere in the world from runways to private collections. His sense of simplicity contrasted with edgy artistic expression marries beautifully from his ready-to-wear collections to his purposeful garments made for clients like Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker and Claire Danes.

Rodriguez’s exhibition will be displayed until January 8th showcaing a range of creations, designs, sketches, and personal photographs of him in his studio. This is an intimate look at a life of a designer with a repeated tone of refined minimalism.

View Narciso’s work: www.narcisorodriguez.com 

 

The 13th Annual Art Basel Breakfast in the Park

Sculptor Judy Pfaff 

December 4 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Judy Pfaff is a female sculptor born in London in 1946, whose creations lend themselves to cityscapes around the world. This year, however, she will be hosting an outdoor breakfast happening at the Florida International University’s Sculpture Park as well as walking guests through the exhibition museum on site. Her recent exhibition, The Grasshopper is something to behold. Fragments of mixed mediums join together in suspension to evoke a profound sense of introspection while inviting you to explore a rather adventurous sense of liberation. View Judy’s work: www.judypfaffstudio.com 

*Please note that some events occur on site, some throughout the city as well as some happening once the show concludes.