Last weekend I attended the opening night festivities at Art Basel Miami Beach. In honor of 9/11, thousands attended a memorial ceremony to remember those who perished and all those who lost loved ones. The city center was filled with art, beauty, design, architecture, and music. The opening night events at Art Basel Miami Beach tend to be much more calm than in past years. The 2:30 a.m. red carpet arrivals to the Opening Night Gala were so packed I couldn’t get past the metal detectors at the entrance. This year’s event was organized by Urban Maya, who co-curated With or Without You: Art of Color – A Contemporary Showcase at MOMA.
I was very impressed by Carolyne Roehm’s innovative design which entered the Urban Maya Art to Museum. Unlike her pleating-based designs from the 80’s and 90’s, Roehm’s knitted line, fur and wool fabric creations are right for today’s market.
Bumble and Bumble Bumble and Bumble, Miami Beach’s only female-owned fashion magazine saw a need in the marketplace so they did what many designers do for opportunity. This year they launched their clothing line, Bumble and Bumble, Miami Beach’s only female-owned fashion magazine saw a need in the marketplace so they did what many designers do for opportunity. This year they launched their clothing line, Bumble and Bumble, Miami Beach.
Unique and contemporary designs were displayed alongside global art and emerging brands for the Opening Night Gala. My favorite pieces were Laure Bourget’s gorgeous evening gowns and Adelina Boccia’s sandie dresses created from a mix of neoprene, polyester, and leather. Held at the Wynwood Walls, the Opening Night Gala included 250 artists who presented work for sale and thousands of guests who attended art events over the next few days. Many curated events held at Miami Art Week.
The invitation to the Contemporary Art Fair was tucked away in the MOMA Museum gift shop. Instantly forgotten, you couldn’t help but wander through these inviting alcoves and rooms filled with art. Imagine a single room with different art work and artist’s comments in it? I became engrossed in all the specific knowledge the renowned artists could add about the ideas and visions they’ve created. Artists and art enthusiasts alike referred to Miami as the “storied city” because of its history of world-renowned art museums, design museums, galleries, and boutique hotels.
Adelina Boccia Adelina Boccia was the first rising star of Miami Art Week. Adelina Boccia was the first rising star of Miami Art Week.
“What I really enjoy is the energy on the ground – Miami’s big boy culture goes from the Biennale and Art Basel and Art Dom to local art events like ArtGalvin. It’s very much about the culture of Miami and the community; it’s about the art scene. It’s not just about one moment.”
Can anyone believe that in just over a year I’ve been tapped to curate the two most prestigious art shows on the planet, for both institutions, and now its Miami Art Week? Don’t worry, I got my mother to pray for me and bring happiness to my company…I’m doing just fine.