Design Miami/ 2018 one month away...

In exactly one month, I will be at 2018 Miami Beach edition of Art Basel, and I am starting my journey at Design Miami/, located right outside the newly remodeled Miami Beach Convention Center.   This year, Design Miami/ is honoring Pedro Reyes and Carla Fernández with the 2018 Visionary Award.  Both designers will host a collaborative exhibit inside the Design Miami/ tent and create the graphic identity for the show, and they will also design the installation at the entrance of the tent, which is sure to be stunning.

Pedro Reyes and Carla Fernández by Ana Hop from a detailed FvF article on the duo

Last year, Design Miami/ captivated viewers and provided a safe refuge from the chaos of the construction around the Convention Center.  In reviewing what I wrote about last year and the photos I took, I thought it would be best to highlight some of the great design the 2017 edition featured.

My favorite booth was Gallery All  by the owners Xiao Lu and Yu Wang - which surprised me given the focus on highly reflective metal furniture.  To be honest, the first thing that comes to mind is the lobby at Trump Tower NYC.  But designers Hongjie Yang, Zhipeng Tan and Ma Yansong just blew everyone away with their ability to fuse warm fluid organic form with cold polished metal, removing all the garish 1980's aspects of shiny brass.

2017 Gallery All photographed by Artsy (details of all items included)

I love the white metal screen that is barely visible in the picture of the Gallery All booth - here is a detail of the undulating piece, full of sensuous curves fused with hard edges.  The perforations would create varied illuminated patterns in all directions, utilizing light from alternative sources.

2017 Nolan

Another standout was the Moderne Gallery exhibit, featuring Michael Gruber Designs as well as this stunning David Ebner walnut cabinet from 1981.  The other contents of the booth were captured very well by a photographer at MGD.

2017 Nolan

Moderne Gallery booth by Michael Gruber Designs

Normally I don't pay much attention to decorative glass work at design shows but Barbara Nanning's deceptively named Monochrome bowls just stunned me at Pierre Marie Giraud's booth, which was outfitted with beautifully simple shelves.  I read that Barbara Nanning will be back again this year, and I look forward to see what she has wrought.

2017 Nolan

2017 Design Miami /

One last image I have to share, but with hesitation as I do not know the artist who created it, or the gallery that featured it.  Unfortunately I was caught up in the moment and did not take careful notes!   This picture does not do the sculpture justice, as the choice of material so closely resembled moss that I thought it might have been a cultivated variety I had not known.  The just shy of chartreuse color produced an odd optic effect, almost straining the eyes to observe, no doubt enhanced by the intense overhead lighting but also something more was in play.  Perhaps the texture of the material worked with the color to diffuse the light slightly, creating a visible aura around the piece that my camera could not capture.   If anyone would like to enlighten me as to the creator and the gallery, please leave your thoughts in the comments.

2017 Nolan

An "in camera" tour of the grounds and sculptures at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Although I grew up in Michigan, I did not get a chance to visit the Cranbrook Academy of Art located in Bloomfield Hills, north of Detroit.  My family was not particularly interested in places like Cranbrook, which seemed elitist, pretentious, and very very urban.  I am grateful for the appreciation of natural beauty that my parents instilled in me, but glad of the self-taught love of art and design would come later.  I feel like the same dual appreciation of nature and man was central to the aesthetic of the renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and the deep-pocketed founder of Cranbrook newspaper mogul George Gough Booth in creating the Academy. 

I was finally able to visit Cranbrook this summer, and put together a little "in camera" tour of the grounds and sculptures around the Museum and the Library.  I say "in camera" because I am going to present them in the order that I shot them, with minimal cropping and no filters or alterations.  I have to admit that I cherry picked the best shots though so this is not a real in camera edit by any means.  That kind of stressful application of forethought would have ruined the first experience but, in looking over the photos I did take, I might want to revisit the Academy and take a real in camera attempt.

As you approach the main staircase to the Museum and Library of the Cranbrook Academy of Art, 

you are greeted by two imposing black stone lions.

who guard the figures suspended above the Orpheus Fountain by Carl Milles

But there is another much older stone lion, which protects the west stairwell.

Turning back to the monolithic facade of Art Museum and Library by Elial Saarinen,

You walk into a courtyard with sparse seating and interesting details,

including this sculpture of St. Paul by Carl Milles, by the library entrance.

Looking out from the rear of the courtyard, you get a broad view of the Triton Pond by Carl Milles,

Whose largest statue is Europa and the Bull, at the head of the pond.

 
More sculptures await as you walk around the Triton Pond,

and the path back has its own beauty, if you pay attention.

Upon returning, you are once again confronted with architectural genius,

before entering the Museum.

UNCONTAINABLE | Urban Art from Vandalism to Movement

Although I could not make opening night, I am secretly glad.  I don't usually write about local art happenings, but this event is unusual in Gainesville Florida.  Since the expansive exhibit is an extension of the 352walls/Gainesville Urban Art Initiative project which has enlightened two dozen walls and surfaces throughout downtown Gainesville to include murals by world-class street artists, it is not wholly unexpected.

The City of Gainesville Thomas Center Galleries is hosting the free exhibit, in partnership with the National Institute of Urban Art, continues through September 9 in both the first-floor Main Gallery and the Mezzanine Gallery of the Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave.  Don't let the lack of entry fees and VIP lists fool you - this is an unbelievable collection of street art.  UNCONTAINABLE contains the New Establishment of Urban Art: Logan Hicks, Shepard Fairey, Axel Void, Ahol Sniffs Glue, Doze Green, Faile, Mars-1, REVOK, Os Gemeos, Retna, Elbow Toe, Invader, Risk, and Swoon.  The primary poster art is by and up-and-comer Michael Reeder titled The Bold Marauder.  I had to swipe a photo of the original from the web as none of mine worked with their lighting.

The Bold Marauder, by Michael Reeder, uncredited photo from National Institute of Urban Art.

A great interview with the co-curators Craig O'Neil and Anne Gilroy written by the stellar Noel Leroux is up at Downtown Gainesville.  Please check out the entire article and highlights are included below.  Some excellent photos of the art are here.

UNCONTAINABLE co-curator Craig M. O’Neil, founder of the National Institute of Urban Art, said that visitors to the Thomas Center Galleries can expect a provocative exhibit.
“It’s art, it’s raw and it’s real,” he said. “It’s the first post-internet art movement that’s global. There’s never been an art movement like that in history.”

Anne E. Gilroy, curator of the Thomas Center Galleries and co-curator of UNCONTAINABLE, said the exhibit is the first of its kind in North Central Florida. “The concept to do UNCONTAINABLE came out of conversations about the 352walls,” Gilroy said. “Craig became aware when Gainesville’s walls project burst upon the scene. The urban art community is keenly aware of what is going on with walls projects with their colleagues around the world at any time. Craig actually wrote to us with a critique — and that led to conversations, then collaboration.”

I was particularly interested in the Logan Hicks print, as he is my personal favorite and I did not have the opportunity to see the Bowery Wall after Hicks had his way with it.  Craig, one of the co-curators is actually featured in the wall, "The Story of My Life".  He is the guy in the black shirt, center at the bottom.

Another favorite of mine was A Sort of Homecoming, by Elbow Toe.  I took so many detail shots but I am not going to bore you with my OCD examination of his textures and colors.

Great work Craig and Anne - hope to see more collaborations between you to bring street art to this sleepy town.  UPDATE with one last thing, National Institute of Urban Art will be at Scope this year with a few pieces from their collection...how long before they have a booth at Art Basel Miami Beach?

Strandbeest Southbeach

One of the most anticipated events I have heard about happening during the first week of December in Miami is the appearance of Theo Jensen's STRANDBEESTS.  Positioned on the beach close the Miami Beach Convention Center, six of the wind-powered kinetic sculptures will be on display, and twice a day on December 3-7, there will be daily performances of the Strandbeests at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM on the beach between 21st and 22nd Streets!

Organized by a partnership between The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) of Salem, Massachusetts and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet, this preliminary exhibition is a prelude to a national tour beginning in 2015, and will also featured are photographs of the Strandbeests by Lena Herzog, to honor her new book, STRANDBEEST: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen.  The PEM is preparing to launch the full US tour of the Strandbeests, which will include anticipated stops in  Chicago, San Francisco and New York City.

After 25 years of experimentation on the Dutch coast, Theo Jensen has directed the evolution of his artificial life forms from simple rudimentary sculptures to complex kinetic dynamos capable of not just graceful movement across the sand, but possessing power storing innovations as well as environmental sensing to increase their lifespan on the coast.  Most fascinating to me is the strict use of PVC tubing in the construction of the frames of the Beests - it is a lifeless inert material only someone as exceptionally creative as  Theo Jensen could give life, motion and meaning to. 

Jensen's online shop also features 3D printed moveable models of the Strandbeests so you can invite one into your home!

Daily Performances of the Strandbeests: 3 - 7 December 2014, 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM
Audemars Piguet's Strandbeest exhibition, Oceanfront between 21st & 22nd streets

Talk - Theo Jansen and Michael Friedman, Audemars Piguet Historian, in Discussion 
Date: Thursday, 4 December at 2pm.
Location: Audemars Piguet's Strandbeest exhibition, Oceanfront between 21st & 22nd streets. Prior Accreditation is essential for access into the event
Please RSVP to: emma@suttonpr.com

Art Basel Salon: Theo Jansen, Lena Herzog, and Peabody Essex Museum Curator Trevor Smith in Discussion, Introduced by András Szántó 
Date: Friday, 5 December at 3pm.Location: Art Basel in Miami Beach, Auditorium, Hall C, Miami Beach Convention Center
Please RSVP to: emma@suttonpr.com
 
Media Briefing: 3 December 2014, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Audemars Piguet's Lounge in the Collectors' Lounge of Art Basel in Miami Beach Prior accreditation is essential for access to the event
Please RSVP to: emma@suttonpr.com

Media Reception to view the Strandbeests on the beach: 4 December 2014, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Audemars Piguet's Strandbeest exhibition, Oceanfront between 21st & 22nd streets
Please RSVP to: emma@suttonpr.com


Please click on link to view an exclusive clip of Theo Jansen's work provided by Audemars Piguet http://youtu.be/4RzXrmX8JWk 

Tim Burton's new movie Big Eyes at the Colony Theater Friday Dec 5th

Tim Burton has a new movie coming out, although quite different from what I think of as "traditional" Tim Burton movies if there is such a thing.  Big Eyes is based on a true story of American artist Margaret Keane, whose work during the 1950s and 1960s was believed to have been done by her then-husband, Walter Keane, because her husband took credit for her work during early shows.  They both kept up the ruse, and made a fortune, until their divorce.  I guess I should say "spoiler alert" but does that apply to a true story that was published in the news and is revealed in the trailer?  Kinda like Titanic, you should already know how this story ends.

To catch the movie before it's official release, travel to the Colony Theater at 1040 Lincoln Road on South Beach Friday December 5th at 8:30PM for a free showing.  Entry is free but seating is limited.  General release in the US is Christmas Day, which makes total sense since this is obviously a holiday movie right?  I wish they would have saved it for Valentine's Day instead.

The complete list of films and events came out in a press release by Art Basel Miami Beach yesterday and can  be found at the ABMB website. I am glad to hear they are putting in a proper viewing space for film inside the Convention Center!  

Back to Burton, I had the opportunity to see one of his early shorts this year.  Vincent from 1982 is a story about a man obsessed by horror and Vincent Price, and the film is narrated by Vincent Price himself.  I guess Vincent was done with his voice over work for Michael Jackson's Thriller, and found time for working on a short with a basically unknown Tim Burton.  This short is a gem.

In and Out of Untitled

Damn I hope this tent entrance looks this good when Untitled's temporary tent is finished.  I normally hate fuschia.  Maybe the vaginal reference was intentional or not, but it is undeniable. Today must be opposite day or something because I can't wait to get into Untitled.

link to full size

Information from the website about the structure: "Situated directly on the beach with natural light and ocean views, UNTITLED. is working with internationally recognized architecture firm K/R, under the direction of John Keenen, to reconstruct the design of its temporary pavilion in order to integrate international galleries and not-for-profit spaces, and a designated space for the fair’s programming."

Library Street Collective from Detroit at Art Basel Miami Beach 2014!

Wow I can't wait to see what the Library Street Collective has in store for its pop-up space in Wynwood.  The list of artists that participate in the Collective is impressive, full of bigger names and lesser knowns of the street art community.  As a fellow Michigander, I am beyond thrilled to see another group interested in revitalizing and rebuilding Detroit, but their efforts would impress anyone, even those not from Upper or Lower Peninsula.

From the LSC website - "Library Street Collective specializes in cutting edge modern and contemporary fine art with a primary focus on artists who have developed their skills and visual art in public spaces. Our mission is to share what we believe to be some of the most important and inspiring art and artists today. Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Library Street Collective continues to cultivate a culture of exploration and art appreciation.  Library Street Collective | 1260 Library Street, Detroit, MI 48226 | (313) 600-7443 | info@LSCgallery.com | Thursday - Saturday : 11AM - 3PM

Back home, the Library Street Collective is also helping the young people of Detroit, as well as the artists and collectors.

This month in the first of a series of shows entitled Public Matter in Detroit's newly redeveloped "Belt", LSC teamed up with POSE and Bedrock to have named Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences, a Detroit-based charter school that views artistic development as central to the education of today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders, as its community partner in this endeavor. One of the large-scale paintings will be donated to the school at the conclusion of POSE’s exhibition in Public Matter. The artwork will be displayed in the school’s common areas for the students to interact with on a daily basis.

This is what POSE had to say about his first Public Matter show:

“Exhibiting at Public Matter represents things coming full circle in the best possible way for me as an artist. Putting work on the street is a way for people to view it in the most honest way. There are no barriers to entry or prerequisites to viewing. It’s just there. Everyone owns it and can have their own dialogue with it. It’s completely accessible and democratic— An open forum. This is the world I come from, and how I came to being as an artist.”

The Public Matter grand opening coincides with POSE’s exhibit LEMONADE, which opens at Library Street Collective the same night.

I would be selfish not to mention this REVOK limited edition print that LSC and the artist are putting together in honor of the Miami Wynwood popup space, but I am putting it at the bottom because I really want one of those prints and I am not helping my chances by mentioning this!  If you are interested in ordering, visit LSC's online store. 

 REVOK
12-color Hand Pulled Screen Print on Coventry Rag Archival Paper
36" x 36"
Edition of 50 (4 color ways)