By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat
Art Basel, the Mecca for art collectors and enthusiasts will take over Miami from December 6 through 9, 2012. In its 11th season, the most prestigious art show in the Americas will feature more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, among the most respected in the world that will showcase works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art and musical experiences. Art Basel will provide a vital platform for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-caliber artworks. In addition to the actual show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, art museums throughout South Florida, satellite art fairs, and events for and by curators provide the perfect forum for encountering and experiencing art and design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel – and the requisite parties keep the locals and the visitors in an art-induced state of bliss. Without a doubt, sunny Miami is the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world. Below, we have highlighted just a few of the major events that are scheduled this year, and are sure to make Art Basel 2012 the best to date. Be sure to visit Passport Miami for the latest updates.
MAM Ball
For almost 30 years, the Miami Art Museum Ball has long been one of the most anticipated events of Miami’s social calendar and has become the pinnacle event during Art Basel Miami Beach/Miami Art Week, when the international art world’s attention is focused on Miami. It is attended by the swankiest international and local figures in the art world, civic and business leaders, and philanthropists.
The 2012 MAM Ball will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Miami Art Museum in Miami-Dade Cultural Center. This year’s theme, If These Walls Could Talk commemorates the Museum’s epic 29 year history. And don’t miss “Crash the Ball,” when the MAM Contemporaries take over the event for the after party, with unexpected DJ sets (last year’s dynamic duo DJ were Andrew Andrew), fabulous nibbles and even flip flops ensuring your dancing feet carry on until morning. The Miami Art Museum is located at: 101 West Flagler Street. This year’s Ball will be held in the gallery, and will commemorate the museum’s 29 years at Cultural Center Plaza in anticipation of next year’s move to Museum Park. Crash the Ball, the energetic MAM Ball after party, will take place on the plaza.
Prior to the Ball, MAM will host its annual Party on the Plaza celebrating the opening of New Work Miami 2013. Party on the Plaza is our signature Art Basel Miami Beach week event, attended by more than 1,000 Basel, Design Miami, and Art Miami VIPs, MAM’s upper-level members, and invited guests. For more information, visit: http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/MAM_Ball.asp. Miami Art Museum General Information, Phone: 305.375.3000, Fax: 305.375.1725.
Andy Warhol at FENDI Casa Luxury Living
On Thursday, December 6, 2012 FENDI Casa Luxury Living will unveil its iconic Andy Warhol exhibit that will debut at the 11th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach on Thursday, December 6th at the FENDI Casa Luxury Living Showroom. The exhibit, a collaboration with Adamar Fine Arts Gallery, will showcase a handful of Andy Warhol’s greatest masterpieces, curated to depict the diverse and fascinating notable women throughout history and mythology. On display will be many of Warhol’s most recognized pieces including Ingrid Bergman with Hat, Karen Kain, Jane Fonda, Marilyn, Jackie I and Blackglamma (Judy Garland), along with two of his most notable works Venus and Annunciation. Together along with Elle Décor, FENDI Casa Luxury Living and Adamar Fine Arts Gallery will embody the essence of contemporary art and design, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for all in attendance. Additionally, Mr. Alberto Vignatelli, Present of FENDI Casa will be present for this exclusive event. Luxury Living Interiors will also be presenting the newest collections by FENDI Casa along with its debut kitchen collection, Ambiente Cucina. These pieces were made from carefully selected fabrics and materials, joined together to offer the best in terms of elegance and refinement. Linens, precious porcelains of fine bone China and radiant glassware are just a few amongst the many items that will be available that evening. FENDI Casa Luxury Living Showroom is located at 90 NE 39Street.
Ornare Home
Brazil based, ORNARE Home, hosts the sixth annual Tastemakers Showcase on Monday, December 3, marking the unofficial marquee kick-off for Miami Art Week, featuring the top handpicked talent in the design and architecture spheres. Undoubtedly one of the most recognized Brazilian companies in Miami, Ornare plays an active role in South Florida’s “Brazilian boom.” Roughly 800 international architects, designers and artists are expected to attend the outdoor celebration that honors the art of architecture and interior design. Images of the “Tastemakers” will be projected on larger-than-life sized screens for hundreds of guests to see as at this celebration of the best in the world of design. Ornare Home is located at 4040 NE 2nd Ave. For more information and to RSVP, contact: events@ornareusa.com.
Design Miami
Design Miami/, the global forum for design will take place alongside Art Basel once again. Each year, the fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, USA each December and Basel, Switzerland each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design. For more information, visit www.designmiami.com and www.designmiamilog.com
SCOPE Miami
Ten of the nation’s top emerging contemporary artists are headed to SCOPE Miami during Art Basel Dec. 4 – 9, to showcase their work in a group show after being chosen as winners in a nationwide series of competitive gallery showcases. Red Bull Curates: Canvas Cooler Project paired emerging artists in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York with local venue owners to create custom and functional pieces of art which are now on permanent display in some of the hottest bars, lounges and restaurants in each city. Artists were handpicked and given a one-day challenge to transform a blank canvas-wrapped Red Bull cooler into an inspired work of art. The show is located at 110 N.E. 36 Street at Midtown Boulevard. RSVP through www.redbullusa.com/curates. The show will be open from December 4 – 8 from 11 am – 7 pm and 11 am – 6 pm on December 9.
Politics, Peace and Passion
Long-Sharp Gallery presents Politics, Peace and Passion at SCOPE Art Show from December 4 – 9 in one of the fair’s largest tents to date in Midtown Miami. Offering a window into the values that drive some of the world’s most iconic artists, Long-Sharp Gallery uses the great names of fine art, such as Robert Indiana, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, to introduce a dialogue about perspectives, personalities and loves. All points towards the present moment, where artists today also find a unique voice in their work including Banksy, David Datuna, Gino Miles and Constance Edwards Scopelitis. For more information please visit www.longsharpgallery.com. The gallery is located at 110 NE 36th Street at Midtown Blvd., Midtown Miami. Visit www.longsharpgallery.com or www.scope-art.com for more information.
RANEYTOWN – Primary Projects Gallery
Primary Projects presents RANEYTOWN, a solo exhibition by Rebeca Raney at the gallery (4141 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 104). A transformative and joyful show, RANEYTOWN recreates a world depicted in more than 250 ink and gouache drawings, with works featuring playful imagery of hybrid animals, flora and fantastical people. In a special collaboration with Madewell, Raney’s imagery will also debut in a limited edition fashion line at Primary Projects. The exhibit runs from December 6, 2012 – January 26, 2013, hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.primaryprojectspace.com and www.rebecaraney.com.
UNTITLED. Art Fair
From December 5-9, Miami Beach’s newest, most forward-thinking and curated art fair UNTITLED. makes its debut this year as the world’s first art fair on the beach. Appointing internationally renowned, Cuban-born and Miami-raised Omar Lopez-Chahoud as curator, UNTITLED. ensures a focus on quality and simplicity with a well edited fair featuring approximately 50 international galleries. Collaborating with the Bass Museum of Art, the exhibition will host the museum’s fundraising gala held on Monday December 3 in conjunction with UNTITLED.’s Vernissage. The show is located on12 Street and Ocean Drive, on the actual beach.
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Events
Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation will once again be on full display at this year’s Art Basel Miami with the annual Eat My Art Brunch at the Mondrian South Beach and the third annual nationwide Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale Party on Friday December 7, with artist submissions on view at SCOPE Art Show and the Rush Arts Galleries Artwork Showcase at Fountain Art Fair in the Wynwood Arts District (2505 N. Miami Avenue) from December 6-9, highlighting limited edition portfolio prints and photographs created in conjunction with Artspace, by artists: Wangechi Mutu, Sanford Biggers, Barron Claiborne to name a few.
For More Information visit: Rushphilanthropic.org, Sapphireartisanseries.com or
Artspace.com/partners/rush_philanthropic_arts_foundation.
Christie’s Exhibition
Christie’s third annual exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach, Highlights from the Art of the Surreal Evening Sale, will be hosted by the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. The showcase will feature a selection of extraordinary works by major artists such as René Magritte and Paul Delvaux, to be offered at auction at Christie’s London in February of 2013. The exhibit will be on display from December 5- 7 from 10 am to 5 pm at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami (345 Avenue of the Americas).
The James Royal Palm Hotel
The James Royal Palm presents renew lounge, to serve as the ultimate Miami Art Week midday getaway, with privileged access for its “Cultural Collection” partners, Miami Art Week VIPs and influencers. Hosted at the hotel’s Renew, the Spa’s outdoor, fourth-floor terrace with ocean views, the lounge not only provides an escape from the frenzy of activity surrounding Art Basel, but also offers a menu of complimentary amenities to relax and recharge. Enjoy daily offerings including hand massages for the mobile-device addicted, champagne, specialty cocktails, java and bites from the hotel’s signature restaurant, Florida Cookery, and unique access to Miami native and celebrity nutritionist, Oz Garcia. Recharge stations for mobile phones and laptops along with WiFi will also be available for those who need to squeeze in a few more emails, file sharing, blogging and more between shows and events. The renew lounge at The James Royal Palm will be every art VIPs home away from home to relax, recharge, and connect with other art shakers over a well-deserved cocktail and oceanfront breeze. The lounge is accessible by invitation only. VIP requests can be made to thejamesroyalpalm@zm-pr.com.
Havaianas Hosts Luna Park
Havaianas, the world’s most stylish
and original flip flop, is teaming up with Art Basel to host a series of soccer
games…that will be played on the moon. Designed by the French art duo Kolkoz,
the beach will be transformed to replicate the lunar landing site of Apollo 11.
Over three days, four teams consisting of artists, collectors, curators, art
critics, and gallerists will compete with each other on the sandy art
installation to raise awareness for pollution and erosion of the beaches. Every
guest will receive a pair of the “Traditional” Havaianas flip-flops and the art
world’s chicest “soccer players” will be wearing branded uniforms.
Location: Miami Collins Park between 21st and 22nd Street on the
beach (In front of the Bass Museum between the W Hotel and the Setaï)
Open to Public Viewings: December 6 to 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Cafeina and Art Basel 2012
Cafeina, the chic lounge, art gallery and outdoor garden
nestled in the Wynwood Art District, is proud to announce its lineup for Art
Basel Miami Beach 2012, featuring its signature blend of art and
nightlife including international art exhibitions, the official after party for
NYC-based Fountain Art Fair, works by Miguel Paredes, and a
roster of burgeoning DJs from around the world.
From Thursday, December 6 through
Sunday, December 9, Cafeina’s Wynwood Exhibition Center gallery will
house the “The Extraordinary Five,” an international group show
featuring mixed media curated by artist Alejandro Mendoza, including
works by Tania Marmolejo, cover artist for MIAMI Magazine’s
December 2012 issue; Carlos Caballer; Alejandro Mendoza; Angel
Ricardo Rios and Aida Tejada. The exhibition will portray artists
breaking free from traditional aesthetic signature and cultural molds to
showcase the individual’s conceptual works. “The show presents five
artists who have developed a plastic expression without allusion to ethnicity,
a conventional visual language of discourse in Latin American art. It has
semiotic approach, within an international framework, in which the importance
lies not in who we are or where we come from, but in what is proposed
aesthetically within the context of Contemporary Art” said Mendoza. For
more information visit www.cafeinamiami.com.
