Farewell to Art Basel and All (until next year)

The work of artist Cyrille Andre at Art Miami.

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 I had several wonder-filled days when the international influx of artists, gallerists, collectors, enthusiasts and major design voices converged on Miami and Miami Beach under the tutelage of Art Basel, aka, Miami Art Week.  In addition to every kind of art (and medium) imaginable — from classic Andy Warhol to profound graffiti-strewn walls — there’s a pulse and vibe that runs from Wynwood to Miami Beach that’s impossible to ignore. At Design Miami I saw ingenious use of materials with Tom Price’s Meltdown chair and covet-worthy furnishings from Modernity out of Stockholm.

I lost track of time while consumed by Art Miami. I happened upon a collector being congratulated following a significant purchase; later, I admired the romantic work of Mary A. Waters (Three Women Facing Left) as well as the perspectives of artists Molly Hatch (Mon Plaisir) and the large-scale sculptures of Cyrille Andre (shown here). But it was Todd DiCiurcio’s Guided by Voices (metallic enamel, black lacquer and diamond dust on linen) that really kept a hold on me. The artist is a master at creating his art with one continuous line (during live musical performances).

There was so much to see at Aqua 11 at the two-tiered Aqua Hotel on Collins Avenue, where more than 40 hotel rooms were perfectly curated.  I had plenty of faves within, including the Froelick Gallery’s Alfred Harris paintings on paper and panel (in particular, Languedazure) and the poetic black and white works of James O’Donnell.

It was close to midnight on Friday evening and a steady stream of people continued to float in and out of the touchstone installation known as the Wynwood Walls. From my vantage point, an outdoor table at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, I contentedly took it all in.

Tags: Aqua 11 | Art Basel | Design Miami | Miami Beach | Wynwood Walls