Art Basel Miami- Day 1 (Friday)

This was my first time seeing the craziness that is known as Art Basel, and also my first time in the state of Florida. I had a late flight getting into Miami the night before, and I guess I was still (and would remain) on California time. Scion flew me out along with a bunch of other artists for their big group show. They put us up in the Shelbourne hotel right on the beach. Woke up to this out my window:


Then 30 minutes later it was pouring. Such is Miami.

The first stop was an interview by Evan Cerasoli for the Scion project. When I was getting there Mike Giant was just finishing up and Blek le Rat was up next. Blek had an interesting story and they got an excellent interview from him. I don’t think mine was nearly as good, I'm still a little uncomfortable in front of the camera but I'm working on it.



Then off into the rain and humidity to see Mark Murphy’s booth at the Art Now fair.

Some work by Matt Haber.

Rob Bellm’s piece.

My favorite from Mark’s booth, A.J. Fosik’s piece.

An Esther Pearl Watson piece Jennifer and I bought.

Also at Art Now- Grant Barnhart at Limited Addiction’s booth. Never heard of this artist but like the work.

Ran into painter Oliver Vernon and artist/new dad Mars-1.

The staff at White Walls SF’s booth.

Before the Scion show I went out to the beach to check it out and take a breather from the noise and crowds. I was feeling a little over stimulated from seeing so much art. I think I had as much fun walking in the sand as walking around the art fairs.



The Scion show at the Ralegh penthouse....

Ron English Scion ride...

Blek Le Rat balloon

Debra Anderson and Ron English

My balloon swaying in the wind...

Some of the art in the show....

Kofie

London Police

James Jean


Blek le Rat

Freddi C. and Evan Cerasoli


Then off for some authentic Cuban food with James Jean and Mark Murphy. I think after not eating all day, we all ordered too much food. Good but filling.



Then there was a party curated by Francesco LoCastro, called Vanguard.



Another dope A.J. Fosik.


An older Barry McGee piece (I wonder if he was okay with them showing this??)

Alex Gross

Sas Christian


Grant Barnhart again.

Kirsten Anderson and Mark Murphy.

Colin Christian sculpture.

Then I went to the hotel exhausted. Had a nice intro to Miami...
Day 2 coming soon...