by Onajídé Shabaka - 18 Dec., 2007

  Miami Contemporary Artists from the Jump

    by Onajídé Shabaka

This year, like others before it at Art Basel Miami Beach, found many of us in a frenzy in preparations, productions, and visitations. That I spent time with people from out of town meant that I spent less time browsing fair venues but, meeting new people and reacquainting old friends is what it's all about. So, as you read this, know that the events of Art Basel Miami Beach were very much enjoyable and, much too short.

However, seeing so much art is like sitting at a dinner table and eating non-stop for 24 hours. You know what's going to happen in that case. You're going to be at the hospital getting your stomach pumped!

One thing I have to refuse and, that is to say whether this or that fair is better than last year. I could not begin to make such an analysis after the fact. Honestly, I wasn't looking at that much art. I was, as previously stated, more interested in meeting people and, trying to create opportunities for artists, and art lovers, to happen in 2008.

I did, however, allow myself to check out any and all work that caught my eye during the fairs. It would have been criminal to attend any of the events and not look at art. I'll try to go through some of the images I have of pieces that I liked and note something about the pieces as to why I liked them. Of course, there will be disagreement but, you can offer differing opinions if you like. I'll post them too unless otherwise noted.

All the events started with the Miami Contemporary Artists book launch. Of course, I'm speaking of the world of Miami Art Exchange. A large number of artists were in attendance and, a number of collectors and arts professionals, at the Sagamore Hotel on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. The Sagamore has a fantastic art presence with works of photography and video, and new acquisition of the, Helicopter, by Robert Chambers.

There were two venues exhibiting the work of artists featured in the book and, a few that were not in the book. A number of artists expressed confusion as to why that was the case. Those two venues were: Freedom Tower is a place that many have not seen on the inside. Actually, the first time I saw the Freedom Tower was 1975 when I came here on a vacation. Downtown was very different than it is now. Very. Also at the Freedom Tower is part of the exhibition, The Killing Machine and Other Stories, an exhibition featuring Janet Cardiff and George Miller.

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