Image via Complex Original
intro
From December 1-4, the 10th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach will consume the Sunshine State’s hippest city. The most prestigious contemporary art show in the Americas, and an obligatory stop for any serious art player (and aspiring scenester), more than 260 leading galleries from across the globe will be showcasing works by over 2,000 20th and 21st-century artists.
For help navigating the non-stop activity, check out our list of 10 must-see Art Basel events.
kick off
Co11ective Kick Off Party
With bicultural art and installations from 11 renowned visual artists and music by stellar DJs, The Co11ective Kick Off will be kickass. Featuring everything from street art to photography, you’ll find special exhibits by Infamous Magazine, LA’s HVW8, Carlos “Mare139″ Rodriguez and Red Bull featuring the work of BMX street rider Edwin De La Rosa. If you can’t make the kick-off, visit Tues.-Sun. from 3 pm to 2 am to check out their nightly happenings.
The Co11ective
Kohn Compound, Wynwood Art District
215 NW 24th St
Thurs., Dec 1 at 6 p.m.
break
The Breaking and Entering Live Installation
itted to “breaking and entering” the mainstream, artists Michael Baca, aka “2ESAE,” and Fernando Romero, aka “SKI,” transform the negative perception of street graffiti into positive urban-industrial art. Combining mediums like photography, silk-screen, graffiti and graphic design, each vibrant piece tells a personal, but relatable, story. While open daily during Art Basel, see the artists in action on Saturday, when the duo will be creating a live work of art.
POP International Galleries
2412 North Miami Ave, Wynwood Art District
Sat., Dec. 3 from 12 pm to 10 pm
cave
Nick Cave’s Soundsuits Tribute
Vibrant, quirky and in some cases, other-wordly, the most iconic of Nick Cave’s wearable sculptures will be featured at Art Basel. Made from woven hair, found objects, fabrics, ceramics, metal and beads, the Soundsuits are named for the noises they make while worn. If you can score an invite, check out Fendi Casa Luxury Living Showroom on Dec. 2 from 8 to 11 p.m. for an awesome audio/visual installation where music and performance make the suits come to life.
Fendi Casa Luxury Living Showroom
90 NE 39th St, Miami Design District
Fri., Dec. 2 from 8-11 pm
whino
Reception for The Takeover by Art Whino
Graffiti and skate culture collide with underground art from over 20 artists in one awesome outdoor space. Large-scale building murals, installations and smaller works can be viewed during the day all weekend, but we recommend heading over Sat. night for a reception featuring live paintings, graffiti portraits by Vicki DaSilva and music from DJ Adrian Loving. Admission is free but you must RSVP to ArtBasel2011@artwhino.com.
Charcoal Studios Outdoor Space
425 NW 26th St., Wynwood Arts District
Sat., Dec 3 from 8 pm-12 am
night
Art of the Night and Poolside Performance
Commissioned to shoot celebrity parties, galas, fashion shows and festivals, nightlife photographer Seth Browarnik’s subjects include Jay Z, Yoko Ono, Michael Jackson and Dennis Hopper. Displayed at The Shelborne South Beach Resort, his work offers a glimpse of unseen celebrity life. After checking out Browarnik’s work, hit up a poolside performance on Fri. by groundbreaking hip hop artist Theophilus London, who’s opening up for the night’s main event, Young the Giant. RSVP is mandatory at artofnight@meninhotels.com.
1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Art of the Night Wed.-Sun., Nov. 30 - Dec 4
Poolside Performance Fri., Dec 2 from 8-11 pm
global
Graffiti Gone Global
Three acclaimed urban artists, Marc Fornes, Volkan Alkanoglu and Billi Kid, headline a crew of prominent graffitists, architects and designers who will transform Midtown’s glass Rotunda space into a contemporary art venue. From an installation made of more than 12,000 unique parts to modern furniture to pieces of the NBA All Star Game basketball court re-imagined, this year’s show continues to challenge the status quo.
3252 NE 1st Ave, Suite 101, Miami Design District
Fri., Dec 2; Sat., Dec 3 from 11 am – 8 pm
Sun., Dec 4 from 11 am – 4 pm
film
The New World Center Film Screenings
Over three nights, a total of six art films selected by David Gyrne, director of London’s Artprojx, will be projected onto a 7,000 foot wall of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Building. As much about the spectacle as the films (all from prominent international artists), grab a spot in Soundscape Park for a front-row view. Free, short and outside—definitely hit this spot before going out for the night.
500 17th Street, Miami Beach
Wed., Nov. 30; Fri., Dec. 2; Sat., Dec. 3 at 8 and 9 pm
dfa
DFA Records Art Basel Bash
To celebrate their 10-year anniversary DFA will be hosting a hot-ticket party with DJ sets by Nancy Whang and Juan Maclean. “Secret” live performances won’t be announced until the last minute, but may include DFA artists already in town like Hot Chip, Holy Ghost! and The Rapture. With several former members of LCD Soundsystem also at Art Basel, rumors are flying about a reunion act.
Bardot Miami
3456 North Miami Avenue, Miami Design District
Sat., Dec 3 at 12 pm
castle
Basel Castle at The Overthrow
One of the best parties at Art Basel 2010 returns for another off-the-hook night of sweet tunes and tight art at Overthrow Castle. In addition to work by street artist Ron English, poster pro Tara McPherson, comic book artist Mike Bode and more, there will be live performances from Yelawolf, Penguin Prison and Bastard Lovechild of Rock n' Roll (AKA Blorr). DJ sets will include Rapture, Tamara Sky, Heroes x Villains, Damaged Goods and Troy Kurtz. Visit baselcastle.theoverthrow.com to score free tickets.
41 NW 20th St., Miami Beach
Sat., Dec. 3, Doors open at 5 pm
mobyMoby Live Acoustic Show
Moby Live Acoustic Show
While also spinning at The Mansion during Art Basel, Moby’s Fri. night show is his must-see performance. The electronic pioneer will provide a rare glimpse into his normally unaffected creations by stepping out from behind the DJ booth to perform acoustic interpretations of his music. Moby’s emotive baritone and guitar picking skills provide an impressive contrast to the music that made him famous and prove his versatility as an artist. While early bird tickets have sold out and demand has driven up the price, this show is well worth the $48 to get in.
Bardot Miami
3456 North Miami Avenue, Miami Design District
Fri., Dec 2 at 9 pm