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Art
Basel to attract thousands of artists to South Beach
By Ginelle G. Torres
Miami Bureau
Posted December 1 2004
Amidst the
oil-slicked, sun-kissed muscular bodies on trendy South Beach,
connoisseurs of modern art might seem out of place. But when
the world's most fashionable art exposition invades the beach,
intellectuals become the fabulous crowd.
For the third year, Art Basel will lure thousands of talented
artists to Miami Beach for an eye-catching extravaganza that
runs from today through Sunday.The
event showcases virtually every mode of visual art: paintings,
drawings, sculptures, photographs, performances and video art.
Artwork from established artists and vibrant newcomers is on
display in the Miami Beach Convention Center where art lovers
can admire the unique creations, just steps away from the
Beach's posh hotels.
"It's a wonderful cultural event in South Florida," said Nat
Chediak, a Grammy-winning producer and Miami native.
Art Basel visitors can stop by booths for 190 galleries from
the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia and
Africa that have brought extraordinary pieces for the public
to see -- and buy. Prices for the artwork range from a couple
hundred dollars into the millions.
The show is an offshoot of Art Basel Switzerland, a
34-year-old institution which in 2002 expanded to South
Florida so its beautiful people could gawk at beautiful art.
"Some of the people that are involved with Basel visited Miami
Beach and it occurred to them that it would be great to have
the baby sister here," said Bob Goodman, the Florida
representative of Art Basel.
But the Beach show is no baby. Almost 60 percent of the
galleries that participate in Switzerland are also making an
appearance at this show -- each with its own twist.
"We don't want the same show here; Miami is more cutting-edge
and contemporary," said Peter Vetsch, communications manager
for Basel.
The Swiss show encompasses classic modern art, while the local
show exhibits the city's chic and eclectic roots.
Renowned Cuban-American painter Xavier Cortada of Miami, who
created the Nike mural at the Shops of Sunset Place, is
unveiling his latest work, Miami Mangrove Forest, to coincide
with the fair. The mural beneath the I-395 underpass at
Biscayne Boulevard to Northeast Second Avenue will debut at 9
p.m. Friday.
"The community isn't singular and interdependent so I called
it a forest, floating on water with mangrove seedlings because
Miami is a very young city," Cortada said.
Both fairs have successfully elevated the Latin American and
U.S. presence.
"It's a win-win situation; best work and best collectors and
galleries can sell a lot of the pieces," Vetsch said.
Along with the pricey art are five glorious nights of swanky
parties for the scene-makers perfectly in tune with the vibe.
The Delano and Shore Club Hotel will host events to entertain
the art-lounging crowd.
There is one-of-a-kind interaction between artists and the
public with Art Basel Conversations, where collectors, museum
directors and curators give an insider's look at art. Also
part of the Swiss show is Art Statements, a launching pad for
young artists that has successfully kick-started many careers
over the years.
A new addition to the art-packed program is Art Sound Lounge,
audio pieces by musicians and interviews with artists,
curators and collectors from all over the globe that will flow
live from the cabanas at the Delano every day.
With all the events filling up the days and nights on the
beach, businesses are expected to cash in.
David Kelsey, president of the South Beach Hotel and
Restaurant Association said upscale locales particularly
should benefit.
"People can only look at so much art and we have a variety of
shops for them to visit," he said.
About 30,000 people, including many from Palm Beach and
Broward counties, will visit the fair. Kelsey said business
will likely trickle into other areas such as Bal Harbour,
Aventura and Coral Gables.
Goodman said the fair has been successful because the
galleries want to come back again.
"They sold a lot of art and made it a permanent and popular
event," he said.
Ginelle G. Torres can be reached at ggtorres@sun-sentinel.com
or 305-810-5001.
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Copyright © 2004,
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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Xavier Cortada of Miami, who created the Nike mural at
the Shops of Sunset Place, is unveiling his latest work, Miami Mangrove
Forest, during the Art Basel fair.
