Page 124 - OVATION Magazine (Issue 1)

THE INSIDER’S ART BASEL
the first time art basel came to miami,
the whole affair was, by today’s standards at least, pretty tame.The year was 2002, and the Art Basel name had already been well-established among serious collectors and staunch gallerists—but it was a bit lacking in sex appeal. Much like its prede- cessor—which takes place every June in Basel, Switzerland—there was art for the buying, Champagne for the sipping, and plenty of buttoned-up Swiss reserve to go around. But leave it to the Magic City to turn an uptight scene into an A-list affair.
Within a handful of years,Art Basel Miami Beach (artbasel.com) had become a red-carpet-worthy event: Beyoncé
and Jay-Z casually showed up to browse the goods; Pamela Anderson gallivanted around in salmon-colored stilettos (and little more) while carrying an Andy Warhol–inspired clutch; and Paris and Nicky Hilton struck poses for the few paparazzi who had caught on that ABMB was becoming the next big thing.
Today, the fair is only one part of what has become Miami Art Week, which every December transforms the city for a long weekend of parties, performances, galas, and VIP events. Hundreds of thousands show up to see it unfold from Surf City to South Beach and over to downtown.This year,Art Basel will once again be the an- chor that holds it all together, showcasing more than 200 of the world’s leading in- ternational modern and contemporary art galleries and works by upward of 4,000 artists. Partners like Ruinart, La Prairie, and Audemars Piguet will ensure plen-
ty of distractions, as well. (Last year, the watchmaker popped up with a spectacular
collectors’ lounge displaying its time- pieces, and the Champagne house always makes sure the bubbles are flowing.)
The Miami Beach Convention Center won’t open its doors for Art Basel until December 4, so details on the 18th annual event remain scant. But if last year was
any indication, it will be another one for the books. At 2018’s Art Week, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez shopped for new acquisitions (the couple is combining their individually impressive collections at the moment); Serena Williams launched a pop-up shop to show off her new fashion line, Serena; Bono, Naomi Campbell, and Christian Louboutin teamed up for a charity event that raised $5.5 million for the U2 frontman’s foundation, (Red); and Brooke Shields curated a group show of artworks from New York Academy of Art alumni along with painter David Kratz. Oh, and more than $2.5 billion of art was reportedly sold at Art Basel alone.
As is customary, this year’s Art Basel
is aiming to outdo its predecessor, with more artists and galleries and an ambitious new sector called Meridians, which will showcase large-scale sculptures and paint- ings, installations, and live performances. In addition to the show that started it all, there will be more than 20 “satellite fairs,” including Design Miami (an interior de- sign fair where Virgil Abloh has exhibited) and the Faena Festival at Faena Hotel Miami Beach, as well as countless parties and events.
A pro tip:You can’t do it all, but you can do it right by knowing the top players and places to be throughout the four-day affair.This guide will get you there.
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