Gypset Art ~ Art Basel Miami Beach

I was all set to head to Italy this week to work on some things I have in progress for Gypsetgirl; but honestly, since my car accident there in May I’ve been feeling a bit gun shy to return on my own. So this past weekend when I received an invitation to attend Art Basel Miami Beach, I felt as if the universe was telling me to wait just a little longer to return to the country I have grown to love so dearly (do not fret Italia il mio amore, I will be back. Mi manchi! :)).

I’ve always loved contemporary art and enjoy browsing the galleries on my journeys around the world, and have always wanted to learn more, to really appreciate the unique and sometimes controversial works by these abstract expressionists. So when this opportunity arose, I knew I had to change my ticket and head south to sun-soaked Miami Beach.

Art Basel is a fabulous, contemporary art show held yearly in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. This avant-garde show was founded in the 1970s by gallerists Trudi Bruckner, Balz Hilt and Ernst Beyeler, and it showcases world-renowned and emerging artists. The show established itself in Miami Beach in 2002 and later in Hong Kong in 2013.

Source: Flickr – Zeug

Source: See Ming-Lee (Flickr)

This year’s show in Miami will be held from December 5-8. It is considered the “it” winter show for international art collectors and other members of the modern and contemporary art community. Some of the area’s most prestigious art collections are made available to Art Basel Miami Beach attendees. These collections include the Rubell Family Collection, the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, the De la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space, World Class Boxing, the Margulies Collection and the Dacra Collection.

Source: Jeremiah Garcia (Flickr)

Source: Jeremiah Garcia (Flickr)

The show is hugely popular, with over 250 galleries represented and approximately 50,000 visitors. Among the exhibits you will find photographs, installations, sculptures, paintings, films and much more. Art Basel differs from other art shows in that it focuses on the role that galleries play in the development of the artistic community. The show has many different sectors (seven) of galleries to adequately represent all of the unique art that composes Art Basel.

Source: C-Monster (Flickr)

Source: fresh888 (Flickr)

Miami Beach is a fitting location for the U.S. location of Art Basel, in that its architecture and culture are reflective of the modern and contemporary art exhibited in the show. It is also a symbolic meeting of North American and South/Central American culture, both of which are represented in its art.

Source: Flickr – See-Ming Lee

This year will bring some amazing exhibits including a neon exhibit by British artist Tracey Emin entitled “Angel Without You.” This will be the first-ever exhibit (and her first solo U.S. exhibit) to focus specifically on her neon art. Another highlight will be the opening of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (formerly the Miami Art Museum). This $131 million endeavor features a building designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron (whose other works include the Tate Modern museum and the de Young museum in San Francisco.

Source: See Ming-Lee (Flickr)

In addition to the art, there will be the usually accompanying hot bed of exclusive parties and fashion/magazine receptions. If you’re looking for a quick primer of these events, check out the Miami Herald’s blog: Scene in the Tropics, as well as the informative and inspiring art and lifestyle blog Out There by Maria Gabriela Brito.

Source: Thiago Zeug (Flickr)

If you are an avid fan of modern and contemporary art (and the parties that go with them!), and want to explore more of the gypset lifestyle, don’t miss Art Basel Miami Beach. There is an abundance of information on their website regarding tickets, show schedules, and FAQs.