After the resounding success of Art Basel in Switzerland, this summer, the engines of the art world are charged and ready to take off in preparation for the 2014 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach. The world’s most relevant art fair has been able to survive recessions in Europe and the US, political and economic turmoil in South America, and currency devaluations in Asia because in times of crises, art could be a very valuable investment, and why deny it, humans cannot live without the sense of beauty and satisfaction that only art can regale us.
Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.
If you already made plans to attend the fair, www.azureazure.com is your most comprehensive guide to all the art, culture, events, installations, conversations and leisure at your disposal. The entire city comes abuzz with gallery openings, official events, private tours, performances and parties in a frenzy of visual stimulation, and you will need an expert to help you maneuver this fascinating maze that is Art Basel Week. But if you have not made the decision, our in-depth coverage will be an invitation to make travel plans to come to Miami between December 4th and 7th. Not to be ignored, the weather during those days is absolutely glorious, the light is clear and crisp, and the city’s own collection of galleries and museums, restaurants, hotels and amenities make Miami Beach the favorite winter meeting destination for the international art world elite.
Nova. Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.
Fair organizers have not yet disclosed the names of the galleries and artists that will fill the halls of the Miami Beach Convention Center and other sites associated with the fair, like Collins Park, SoundScape Park and the nearby beaches. But Art Basel is not a glorified bazaar. Instead, it is a celebration of art and culture, like no other, that extends beyond the shores of Miami Beach. In the past few years, the Wynwood art district and the Miami Design district have become the heart of Art Basel Week, hosting gallery openings and prestigious, cutting-edge satellite fairs that complement the offers of the Art Basel original program. This intense and dynamic cultural extravaganza will bring a very active calendar of art-related events, special exhibits, receptions, symposiums, book presentations, street performances and concerts. What seems like a marathon will be a walk in the park if you follow our lead. We’ll take you by the hand, and you will be able to visit your favorite venues with ease, while taking some time off to unwind in the most luxurious manner and discover Miami’s hidden secrets; something quite difficult to achieve during Art Basel Week, but not impossible.
Pace Prints Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.
Nine sectors comprise the official activities of Art Basel Miami Beach. Galleries, for example, brings dealers from the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America with work ranging from emerging artists to museum quality pieces. Nova, one of the most popular sectors, is an attractive opportunity for galleries to present work produced within the last three years by one, two or three artists, while Positions is a platform for curators to explore the work of a single artist. On the other hand, Kabinett presents curated exhibitions extracted from the Galleries sector, including thematic displays or solo projects by emerging artists.
Miami Beach’s Collins Park comes alive as the venue for the Public sector. Produced in collaboration with the Bass Museum of Art, visitors will find a menagerie of outdoor sculpture—from whimsical to disturbing—interventions and performances. Another sector, Survey features solo presentations by individual artists representing various cultures, generations and artistic approaches.
Mickalene Thomas. Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman. Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.
The Film sector is ideal to stop and enjoy screenings by and about artists on the magnificent grounds of the Frank Gehry–designed SoundScape Park. In association with David Gryn, Director of Artprojx, and film expert This Brunner, the movies are also shown at the Convention Center and the Colony Theater, in Miami Beach. The Editions part of the show features limited edition works and prints from renowned artists. And the final sector, Magazines, will bring international art publications and their publishers and editors who contribute to one of the most illuminating platforms of Art Basel, the much-anticipated Salon Series, where serious art collectors and professionals engage in presentations, lectures and discussions.
Exhausted? Although it is almost impossible to see it all, if you follow our special coverage, which will be regularly updated, you will be able to pick and choose among the most exclusive events and guided tours of praiseworthy exhibitions, plus up to date information about Art Basel Miami Beach 2014, which is expected to surpass the 75,000 attendance record from the previous year. Art Basel Miami Beach 2013.
Stay tuned for our recommendations and picks of the best restaurants, hotels, activities, individual projects and up-to-date insider’s information. ■
