The Magic of Art Experiences
There is no way to demystify the art fair experience. You just have to go and see for yourself what the hype and mystery are about. It took me years to get up the courage to attend one of the major art fairs, so now that I’m two down (and many to go!), let me walk you through the labyrinth of arts and culture that presents itself as “Art Basel.”
My first experience with Art Basel was in Paris, where I was living for a time. I was exploring modern art more fully and had the opportunity to attend this legendary art fair, Paris+. Suffice it to say I was overwhelmed- but also overjoyed, inspired, and rewarded. It was enough to drive me towards the next Art Basel experience with glee.
The Enormity of Miami
We were in Florida in December and were able to change our plans to make it to Art Basel Miami Beach. Attending the single show for one day was a huge mistake. We needed much more time.
Miami bursts with art shows and cultural events during Art Week (which is really about a month long). There are multitudes of galleries, pop-ups, temporary gallery spaces, prefabricated buildings, tents, art events, lectures, walks, guided tours, and more. One could do a year’s worth of artistic events in that week.
I bought tickets online and downloaded the barcode to my phone. It took us an hour to get from downtown Miami to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Traffic was maddening. Ubers crowded the streets- ours among them. At our allotted time, we saw groups gathered outside the event standing around to be seen. In Paris, people dress in style, but in Miami, style isn’t style until you’re seen and seen again.
The Reality of a Conference Center
Security briskly rifled through my handbag (roughly zipping it up before bunching it and handing it back to me) and we were finally set free in the main hall.
First things- I know to grab a show map from an “Ask Me!” attendant and collect the magazines offered in the bins at the door. This gives me both direction and grounding. It’s something to do with my hands and a way to refocus when I get overwhelmed by the environment.
Curators are professional attention focusers. That means you’re always met with a (usually large and striking) painting immediately upon entry. It sets the tone and starts the conversation. The first booth at my entry door was Helly Nahmad Gallery, Booth D4. And hanging on the outside: a Richard Prince High Times painting. It was childlike, colorful, and welcoming. “This is a place of interesting people. Come play with us” it beckoned. Of course I like small details and wild colors. Intricate paintings hold my attention. This one would do.
Hitting the Booths, Aisle After Aisle
I intentionally walked without direction. I wanted to just dive into the pool and splash around. This being my second Art Basel fair, I was braver and more curious. I took more photos. I asked more questions. I didn’t worry about seeing every booth or searching out any particular gallery. I just let it come.
While I appreciate sculpture and textiles, I swoon over paintings. I love to see brushstrokes on canvas. I can almost imagine the artist creating the work and it helps me emotionally connect to the piece. At Art Basel Miami Beach there were plenty of emotions to be had.
The entire center was awash in high vibrant color. Works actually included elements of neon and sheen and sparkle. It was pure South Beach.
Getting Down to Business
But business is the name of the game. Art was being sold and reviewed and evaluated. We watched some transactions take place and discussed a Hockney canvas at length despite the gallerist’s knowledge that we weren’t there with a $2.5M check.
When it was time for a break, we sat in a central plaza and had coffee and cookies. There were great food options, though long lines, in the health-conscious city. A few small areas in central locations were set up for rest breaks and smoothies, chatting areas and salads.
Overall I’m getting into the vibe of the art fair. It’s like a business conference with color or a meeting offsite in Las Vegas. Outsiders are welcomed in to fill the role of audience and appreciator, but the insiders are doing meet-and-greets and talking strategy, numbers, positioning. Deals are made in back rooms (or before the venue ever opens to the public) and clients and caretakers mingle quietly in the midst of hip hop music and flashbulbs. This is not a quiet place to reflect on art, as museums and galleries are. This is a fair with prancing horses. There are no novice artists here.
A Few of My Favorites
France-Lise McGurn, Leftover yoga energy, 2023
Titus Kaphar, Black Jesus (Jesus Noir), 2020-2023
Bernard Boutet De Monvel, Tennis Allegory, 1930
Ja’Tovia Gary, Daddy, Maybe, 2022
Hilary Pecis, Blue Porch, 2023
Jordan Casteel, Chimé (Eternal Lamp of Dharma), 2023