Por Pamela Aguirre Leonetti
We were at the 15th edition of Art Basel Miami, the art week that has already become an icon of the American city and a landmark of contemporary art, to show you the best of this event that is a must-see of all those who love art.
The inauguration of Faena Forum, an architectural complex designed by Rem Koolhaas, Shohei Shigematsu and Jason Long and thought as the cultural heart of Faena District, the new urban center of seven blocks of Miami, opened the great week of art. The show was impressive and opened with an interdisciplinary work of choreographer Pam Tanowitz, a huge mural by Argentine artist Graciela Hasper. Besides, on another day, the opening was honored with presence of Madonna who organized a benefit auction.
And that was only the beginning. The agenda continued with exhibitions of artworks in all its forms: paintings, sculptures and installations; and from more than 4000 artists all over the world exposed in 270 galleries and on public areas, such as the artworks placed in Collins Park: “Miami Mountain”, by Ugo Rondinone, and “Arrow Sculpture”, by Tony Tasset; and the fairs “Untitled” and “Pinta”, located on the beaches.
The mirror labyrinth that the Argentine Julio Le Parc placed at Pérez Art Museum was, undoubtedly, one of the greatest things of the week, which also left everybody speechless with Yayoi Kusama installations, a huge blue diamond by Jeff Koons, and a room full of mattresses by Marta Minujín.
But apart from that, Art Basel was the perfect excuse for the merger of fashion and art. Louis Vuitton and Dior were also at the center of the event and were as important as Koons or Katz.
Dior brought together artists such as Chris Martin, Daniel Gordon, Ian Davenport and Jason Martin so that they could reinterpret the classic Lady Dior bag; whereas Louis Vuitton presented a collection of “nomadic objects”, furniture and accessories created with the collaboration of renowned artists such as Tokujin Yoshioka, who designed a stool inspired by the typical quadrille of the haute couture house.
It was a celebration of art and creation in which there was also room for music and good gastronomy: a perfect prelude to feel what the first edition of Art Basel in Buenos Aires –which will take place next year- is going to be like.
Enjoy it!