By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Art Basel, the “catnip” for those obsessed with art and the social scene has arrived bringing with it the stress and exhaustion resulting from the attempt to cram hundreds of events into one’s social calendar in a seven day period. And while the actual showcase technically runs from December 1-4 (what we like to call the “100 hour day”) the requisite art celebrations and inebriation have been going strong FOR DAYS- think of this as “the column that almost wasn’t.” Much to my delight and dismay, the fabulous fun is just getting started. And because this week marks the three year anniversary of my taking over the 411 column, I’ve compiled a very short list of some of my most memorable Basel moments. Enjoy!
2010
For two years in a row (including 2011), London’s White Cube party has taken over the Soho Beach House’s pool area and Tiki bar on the Tuesday night of Basel Week- banishing even its top-tier members to the eighth floor and restaurant. The party, comprised mostly of jet-set billionaire art collectors and their offspring and pretty people, has proven to be a gluttonous Bacchanal with free flowing champagne and liquor, extensive raw bar and a grill on at the Tiki Bar featuring limitless grilled meats and seafood.
Jeffrey Deitch, director of LA’s MOCA hosted one of the biggest musical events during Basel week last year- a concert by LCD Soundsystem in keeping with a tradition he formed at Deitch Projects. The Grey Goose sponsored concert on the sand at the Raleigh drew the one of largest crowds of the week- a mob scene with throngs of VIPs (or those who perceive themselves as such) clamoring to get past security. Artist/collector Johnny Pigozzi was reportedly seen trying to scale the back fence to gain access but was turned away. Read the rest of this entry »