Art Basel has so much else going on these days, the word ‘art’ feels a bit of a misnomer. Nevertheless, there are two damn good fairs (NADA and Art Basel itself), a tonne of events, some good local collections and, fingers crossed, the sun is shining. If you aren’t going, just sit back and click on to the Dream Art Fair which launches online concurrently with the festival. Or head to the hashtags.
JOSÉ PARLÁ
Parla came to Miami from Cuba as a child and his show, Roots, at the Jewel Box exhibition space is a homecoming for a local hero. The venue is a former rum-empire headquarters and is filled with stained glass, so it’s not your average space. The show should be a colourful and reflective chance for the artist to look at his past and present.
The Assimilation of Radicle Roots in Survival ModeCourtesy of Parla Studios
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Part of the joy of Miami is its sheer, over-the-top fantasy-ness. Parisian art and interior-design maestro Laurence Dreyfus is bringing his hybrid take on art Chambres à Part to the States, inspired by 80s TV show Miami Vice (classy). Nonetheless, there are some great artists in emerging locals like Jillian Mayer to big names like Ugo Rondinone, Olafur Eliasson and Hernan Bas.
Fuck art, let’s dance. The EDITION hotel’s club Basement has a suitably bass-heavy DJ line-up during the week. Classic electro artist Theo Parrish, on November 30, has got to be a highlight (though DJ Harvey on December 3 is a close second). Keep an eye open for light artist neon installations in an ice-skating rink-cum-bowling alley...
Art Basel itself is taking over Collins Park for a public exhibition inspired by the idea of ‘ground control’ (a nod to Bowie). The free outdoor sculpture show of 20 artists’ work includes some great names such as Claudia Comte, Erwin Wurm, David Adamo, Rob Pruitt, Lady Bunny et al, and will be launching it with a party open to all on the 30th.
Launches November 30 at 8pm. Runs until December 4 (artbasel.com)
ALEXIS GIDEON AND HUFFER COLLECTIVE
Locust Projects is an incredible local project space that has been championing the artists of Florida’s capital for a year. This year they’re showcasing a wild duet of rap-spoken word “video operas” by Alexis Gideon and the impossible-to-pigeonhole madness of art group Huffer Collective. Expect a good, noisy opening.
Press view November 29, 7-10pm. Runs until January 21, 2017
Alexis Gideon self portrait, still from “The Comet”Courtesy of Alexis Gideon
RESIDENT ADVISOR
This is RA’s first Art Basel party and they’re not doing badly with Floating Points, The Black Madonna and, most excitingly, Dâm-Funk, whose dirty bassline growl feels like an ideal homage to the heritage of Miami booty bass. Dancing and rum is part of the whole point of coming to Basel, and this is a good place to start.
November 30, The Factory, Magic City Studios, 6301 NE 4 Ave, Miami, 10pm–5am
The Black MadonnaPhotography Aldo Paredes
RASHAAD NEWSOME
Rashaad Newsome, who has become the vogue queen of the art world, is debuting his latest video “Shade Screen Tests”, on black womanhood at the satellite fair Pulse. His women, cis and trans, should be fierce and fascinating. (This is just the start for the artists who is heading with entourage to the Virgin Islands post-Basel for a four-day performance fest TAKE FIVE.)
2 December, 2-5pm, PULSE Miami Beach, Indian Beach Park, 4601 Collins Ave pulse-art.com
Rashaad Newsome Shade Screen TestsCourtesy of Rashaad Newsome
COLLECTION BRUNCH
Who doesn't like a free lunch? Or in Basel’s case a free brunch? Three of the best local collections are opening their doors with coffee and bits over the Basel weekend. The Margulies Collection Breakfast kicks off on Nov 30 at 9am, while the de la Cruz Collection opens Nov 29 at 9am. The Rubell Collection was the originator of the Basel brunch idea and open on Dec 1 between 9am and noon with new acquisitions by artists like Katja Novitskova, Magali Reus and Andrea Ursuta.
PAMM aka the Pérez Art Museum Miami has a show devoted to kinetic artist Julie Le Parc open for fair goers. Entitled Form into Action, the work is colourful, decorative and simply beautiful in a spectacular simple sculpture way. There are over 100 works here, lots of light installations by the Argentine from his op art days to today.
“Continuel Lumière Cylindre”Courtesy of Fitz & Co
RYAN MCGINNESS 50 PARTIES
The Standard is hands down the nicest hotel in the entire city – and has a restaurant on the water that is a draw throughout the week. One of their fair highlights is the launch of 50 Parties, a book documenting parties thrown by the NYC based artist. Fans can buy it in the hotel shop (though the 51st party will be held during the weekend)
