Design in all its forms is coming to Miami early next month for Miami Art Week. From legendary Art Basel Miami Beach’s programs, parties and releases to innovative up-and-comers, the city will be packed with celebrations and tributes to art and design. A number of fairs and initiatives are helping turn the city into a destination for designers, curators, critics, collectors and art aficionados.
More than 250 top galleries from around the globe are coming to Art Basel, which returns to Miami Beach December 3 to 6, exhibiting modern and contemporary art, as well as work from emerging artists hailing from galleries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The fair boasts a lineup of shows, discussions, gallery openings, films and prime shopping opportunities. Highlights include 27 site-specific installations and live performances, among them: “Healing Pavilion,” a gemstone-encrusted sculpture from Sam Falls and a gigantic deer lawn ornament by Tony Tasset.
Design Miami/ (December 2 to 6), adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center and a quick walk from Art Basel, will host designers, design enthusiasts and manufacturers. Two must-sees: The Future Perfect’s launch of Fragments, and newly commissioned work from Calico Wallpaper. Fragments, which features new furniture pieces as well as a host of small accessories, will be exhibited against handmade wallcovering that attendees can view being hand-applied at the fair. “It is an honor to unveil this project as a Design Curio at Design Miami/,” said David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect. “At The Future Perfect, we have long been dedicated to commissioning new work from emerging designers, and we are proud to continue that mission with Lex Pott and Calico Wallpaper, two rising stars on the global design scene.”
The Museum of Modern Art Design Store is hosting its first-ever installation and pop-up shop, The Skateroom (November 30 to December 6), located at the Delano South Beach. Up for sale are limited-edition skate decks adorned with the art of Andy Warhol.
Now in its fourth year, the international art fair Untitled (December 2 to 6) is launching Untitled Radio with Wynwood Radio, a partnership with the Miami-based online station that will be broadcast live from the fair. Exhibitors will contribute to the radio program, including curator Charlotte Cotton, with the discussion of how photography is magic; recordings from Ivan Navarro’s label; and selected tracks from Ben Marcus, a Chicago-based artist. The station will also broadcast discussions with contemporary art experts and figures, as well as music and sound-related artwork, such as a live reading of César Aira’s short story “Picasso” and recordings of Harry Bertoia’s sonambient sculptures. Find it here.
Pulse Miami Beach (December 1 to 5) is spotlighting work of 200-plus artists delivered by a group of 80 international exhibitors. The season marks Pulse’s 11th year in Miami, where it will occupy Indian Beach Park, an oceanfront home. This year’s fair will now include two pavilions, which will play host to exhibitors, interactive performances, programming and projects.
