2021 offers an exceptional plethora of artworks in Miami. Here are just a few of our favourites
2021 has broken some new ground with the latest Art Basel exhibition. Perhaps because of this rough year and the fact that last year was practically nonexistent, it has come back in full force and in full expression. So many artists needing to express so many thoughts and emotions! Watch out world and check it: Art Basel makes its come back! Let us discuss the details and what really is worth a good mention.
We loved art Basel’s « OVR: Portals » curated by Larry- Mensah. Pieces with an important message addressing the civil rights in the USA to indigenous struggles in Guam. Co-curated by Magalí Arriola and Christina Li, all of the pieces chosen saturated with ethnic soul, while breathing contemporary breathe have that visual appeal alongside a necessary message.
We absolutely loved David Shrigley’s cartoonish sense of humour, an artist that does not take himself seriously in the most liberating sense of ways. Part of Maison Ruinart in Reims, a champagne production company where the artist travelled in 2020 and produced on topic works in various mediums such as ceramics and neons. There is a fun and playful aspect to the work. Fresh fantastic all around! Just like a glass of champagne and in the quote from the movie « The Philadelphia Story »: « Champagne is like a mist before the eyes » just as this work was before all visitors.
Last but not least, and amongst a million worth a mention, artist Helen Evans Ramsaran with her guttural and precision-oriented wall hanging sculptures felt soulful and full of complex messages to take in. Exhibited at the Welancora Gallery space, where the passersby stopped without exception, these pieces held an ancient African stylistic esthetic but reached a global audience through their simplicity.
With Design Miami and Art Basel located at either edge of one street, a street full of life, fashion, style, creativity, meetings and connection, this year in Miami, brought about exactly the kind of energy the world needs in this moment in time. Art is not dead, nor will it ever be once one gets to witness such a creative manifestation. Here is to the future and to the present with respectful acknowledgment of past achievements.
A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN PRINT IN SELECTIONS #57