ART BASEL: This Was the Year to Go, Vol.1

[caption id="attachment_58692" align="alignnone" width="337"] Art Basel Street Sign, Photo by CouchSessionsArt[/caption]

Honestly, I have nothing to compare it to. It was my first year. I'm sure plenty of people will say that this was the year it jumped the shark. But don't we want this to be a thing that grows and evolves? Don't we want it's effects to send ripples through the Miami Design district that bring lots more business to this area, and on a permanent basis? And more selfishly, for the millionth time in history, prove that the arts communities are foundations for the development of great districts, such as New York City's Soho, Tribeca, and Chelsea neighborhoods, and in this case Miami's Wynwood district. Aside from any grand implications, major festivals such as Art Basel bring us fresh vision, innovation, new sounds, and dope parties. Celebrities, tastemakers, food, drinks, music, and of course art. Basel hit all of our senses. We attended some of these events and here are some recaps and highlights...

 

[caption id="attachment_58691" align="alignnone" width="449"] 8&9Clothing, Freehand Profit, universemiami.com, at Hennessy VS x 8&9 Clothing party[/caption]

Freehand profit was at the 8&9 pop-up shop to sign copies of his book. His gas masks made of sneaker carcasses are very impressive and well crafted. For the baller/graf artist. Complimentary drinks by Hennessy VS.

[caption id="attachment_58693" align="alignnone" width="252"] 8&9 Clothing Pop-Up Shop[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_58694" align="alignnone" width="252"] Patch Whisky's cans[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_58695" align="alignnone" width="252"] Patch Whisky and his crew working the late shift[/caption]

The boys in Patch Whisky's crew were spotted working late. I contributed to the execution of this mural by providing a much needed lighter during the wrap up.

[caption id="attachment_58696" align="alignnone" width="337"] UR New York at 212 Gallery[/caption]

212 Gallery had a great array of artists including UR New York, Surface Merchants, Krave and fairly new comer Maxim Wakultschik. A pretty girl with a ukelele gave a great performance as well.

[caption id="attachment_58697" align="alignnone" width="337"] Live Painting by Jay Shogo at 212 Gallery[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_58698" align="alignnone" width="337"] Painting by Maxim Wakultschik, 212 Gallery[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_58831" align="alignnone" width="252"] Shepard Fairey at Wynwood Walls[/caption]

Wynwood Walls hosted a giant dining table with Shepard Fairey as the guest of honor. If there was any other GOH, they would've been hard to to spot since all cameras and gazes went in his direction, with his mural as the backdrop. There was great new art at the walls as well including pieces by Vhils, B. and others.

[caption id="attachment_58832" align="alignnone" width="449"] Sea Of Objects, B.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_58842" align="alignnone" width="450"] Interesni Kazki[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_58699" align="alignnone" width="252"] Wood Tavern 12-7-12[/caption]

This was the spot to catch a brew and/or a shot of Jamie after taking a walk through the galleries. While many of the galleries offered food and free booze, the latter had higher levels of potency when exchanged for cash. The crowd was chill and listed to a mix of hip hop, electronica, classic rock and alternative.

[caption id="attachment_58830" align="alignnone" width="336"] Terry Richardson, Terrywood Party, photo by NefariousGirl.com[/caption]

Socialites, scenesters, and celebrities were spotted at this snazzy signing at the Standard Hotel  including, Pharrell & Demi Moore. We missed the live performance by Azealia Banks.

Be sure to catch our other volumes on this Art Basel Series. What were some of your favorite parties and exhibitions?