Miami Art Basel: Waves of Art and Artists

BY HEATHER HART & ISABELLA PEZZULO

On the edges of the east coast beach, numerous artists were putting the finishing touches on their gallery spaces just as the swarms of attendees started to flow into Miami South Beach. From December 5 - 8, Miami will be hosting their annual Art Basel art fair.

Art Basel isn't a giant gallery or a museum. The main fair is held at the convention center where it seems that there are miles and miles of art, but it doesn't stop there. In the surrounding hotels different fairs are hung in rented out hotel rooms by all different types of galleries.

Visit Ink at the Suites of Dorchester and you'll experience rooms filled with art on paper in all types of styles, techniques and time periods. The use of the space is very unique, you walk into a suite and you realize you're in the bedroom as well as a gallery. The way the show was organized gave the viewer a cozy feeling, as if you were walking into the artist's private studio.

Photographed by: Maxwell Zengage

Walk just a few blocks and you'll arrive at the Catalina Hotel which is hosting the Select art fair. The first thing you notice is the giant installation that is coming down from the second story, over the balcony, and into the bar. The atmosphere is chaotic, it's quirky, and it's alluring. Wandering through the hotel you'll see art varying from bloody weapons on the wall, video art playing behind the bar, solo artists, galleries, and rooms overflowing with installations. While the hallways give off an ominous feeling, once you enter the rooms your eyes will light up at the sight of the work decorating the walls.

Photographed by: Maxwell Zengage

Eight hours and you still won't see everything. The convention center could easily take up your entire day. There's some talk about a breathing room?! There was a large cart where an artist was selling suns. We managed to find a jungle environment made out of animal skins, false and living plants, and medical walkers; and in the center there were vegan salads and a bar.

To really get into the minds of some of the artists, Artist Talks are free to attend at the Salon. Listen to interviews with artists such as Tracey Emin, Olafur Eliasson, Naomi Fisher, and Allyson Vieira. Strolling through the seemingly never ending aisles of art your head will spin trying to absorb it all. After each section it helps to take a breath and spend a moment digesting it all.

Photographed by: Heather Hart

To take a breather, one can always head to one of the various cafés or restaurants (vegetarian is available) within the convention center or of course head out to the ample amount of restaurants lining the streets. The beach is just a few minutes away if you want a relaxing break in the wonderful weather.

Aside from the art, the attendees are a sight to see. Numerous celebrities have attended/are expected to attend. Leonardo DiCaprio, Eva Longoria, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, John Green, Cindy Crawford, Lindsay Lohan, and Tommy Hilfiger are among those who have been spotted mingling with artists and attending parties. Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Lady Gaga, and many more are expected to attend.

Miami Art Basel is unlike anything you've ever experienced. You'll be overwhelmed, you'll ogle at the art, the artists will astound you, and at the end of the day you'll close your eyes and realize what you just experienced was priceless.