Armory Week Alert: José Parlá

26 February 2011
by Art Rubynstein

Artists usually mean business when they plan big openings during the Armory Week, and José Parlá is certainly not hesitating. The Miami native is planning is first big solo opening in New York next week called “Walls, Diaries & Paintings,” being unveiled on March 3rd at Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery. The ambitious 15 painting show explores the artist’s reflection diverse travels to places like Tokyo, Havana, and Istanbul. All works also highlight Parlá’s signature mediums like elaborate collages, daring calligraphy, and dramatic paint compositions.

Convention Wisdom!

02 December 2010
by Art Rubynstein

If there’s one word that could perfectly capture yesterday’s VIP preview, optimism would be a good one. Collectors were more eager than usual, gallery owners seemed more relaxed, and the art seemed to be opulent in terms of its fearless gold and scarlet motifs. Perhaps White Cube’s gilded Hirst revealed everything you need to know about the current economy: make it gold and make it bold. Equally as impressive as Hirst was a tremendous silver Anish Kapoor eye candy at Barbara Gladstone. As you enjoy our photo highlights, here are some other highlights to keep in mind.

Most devoted bride buyer: Naomi Campbell who made it to Basel for the second straight year…and just mere days before her Egyptian wedding

Most devoted designer buyer: Calvin Klein, who never fails to skip all the action in Miami. Marc Jacobs was in Paris but still got all the best stuff sent to him live via a trusted source.

Least wall text: Gagosian of course. But who needs it with all that Koons?

Best artist cameo: Aaron Young who checked out his work at Resh and three other spaces

Most devoted seller: Tony Shafrazi, who sold, sold, and sold for hours and refused to sit down. “But now my feet hurt,” he told us at 6 PM.

Best jock cameos: Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez who took a baton from John McEnroe who hit Basel last year. The Yankee especially spend at least three hours hunting for latest and greatest for his W South Beach residence with the help of his manager, Guy Oseary.

Most elaborate booth: Lehmann Maupin’s intergalactic universe

Most elaborate booth (runner up): Galerie Gmurzynska and their Zaha Hadid designed space

Your Comprehensive Art Basel Miami 2009 A-Z Memory Box!

13 December 2009
by Art Rubynstein

It took us a whole week to process four fairs, fifty-six events, and hundreds of faces we’ve encountered in Miami during this year’s Basel. Here’s your complete A-Z guide to places, works, and names you should keep in mind until the next craze fest kicks in.

Altmejd, David. The Canadian (!) delivered and we all wanted to keep staring at that strange Glasswalker mutant.  Well done, Andrea Rosen.

Ben & Jerry’s. Yes, the ice-cream maker finally joined the performance art derby by having thousands of people peacefully dancing on the beach to a John Lennon number curated by Natalie Kovac. Cherry Garcia lovers were rewarded for their efforts with sweets.

Chow, Eva and Michael. Most diners went into for lobster with ginger and left with a pocketful of business cards. Deals were made, every big name artist paid a visit to a brand new eatery, and Larry hosted his own big dinner on Mr. Chow premises.

Deitch, Jeffrey. Sure, we enjoyed the booth (Shepard Fairey and Miranda July were very strong) but it seemed like everyone had an even better time at Jeffrey’s Santigold concert at The Raleigh. Could the music promoter be his next big job title?

Efron, Zac. Yes, the High School Musical icon made it to Basel thanks to Richard Phillips’ Five Most Wanted Men series. It was sold almost immediately.

Fernández, Teresita. One of Maupin’s brightest stars and a Miami native had a strong week: cocktail party in Setai in her honor, strong reviews, and good Chelsea show momentum.

Geers, Kendell. That “F&%!” disco ball was pretty cool to look at.

Hirst, Damien. You might have heard of this fella.

Irwin, Robert. Two strong works (at Pace and White Cube). At 81, he can still knock it out of the park.

Your Ultimate Art Basel 2009 Top Event List!

01 December 2009
by Art Rubynstein

The entire art world, their loved ones, and the their pets will officially be on site on Collins Avenue tomorrow and the caravan of events and champagne toasts will begin. What’s worth your time? Here’ our top ten Basel events.

1) WHAT/WHEN: Aby Rosen, Tico Mugrabi, and Peter Brant dinner at Solea (Dec. 3)
WHY: Aby hasn’t shown off his W and Hirsts to his friends just yet. It’s a hot crowd, hotter Spanish dinner, and most worthy after-party of Basel hosted by curator best friends Vito Schnabel, Alex Dellal, and Stavros Niarchos. It will be a long night!

2) WHAT/WHEN: Larry Gagosian dinner at Mr. Chow (Dec. 2)
WHY: Do you even have to ask? Eva and Michael have booked this date with Larry months ago and he won’t disappoint. All media is kept off limits and no expense is being spared.

3) WHAT/WHEN: Jefferson Hack and Sir Norman Rosenthal bash at the Delano (Dec. 2)
WHY: The Brit will be joined by Aaron Young, Christian Louboutin, Ryan McGinley, and Mirabelle Marden. It’s worth your time!

4) WHAT/WHEN: Moncler dinner by Remo Ruffini in honor of Pharrell Williams (Dec. 4)
WHY: Miami resident Pharell is eager to raise his art cred and we’re happily obliging.

5) WHAT/WHEN: Victor & Rolf Party at The Webster (Dec. 4)
WHY: These Dutch dudes always got deserved respect from the art crowd and their Spring 2010 collection was eye-popping.

6) WHAT/WHEN: Whitney Museum Cocktail Party (Dec. 3)
WHY: Didn’t attend a Whitney Art Party? This is your chance to catch up with the friendly faces like Ryan McGinness and Lisa Anastos.

7) WHAT/WHEN: Francois Nars cocktail party for 15th Anniversary 15X15 project at the Standard (Dec. 2)
WHY: Naomi Campbell is coming and that should be good enough of a reason. Bonus points for Lorenzo Martone, who’s organizing.

8) WHAT/WHEN: Pucci Dinner at the Webster (Dec. 3)
WHY: Company’s creative director is hot and so are his leggy, socialite fans. The likes of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld already booked their seats.

9) WHAT/WHEN: STAGES event with Lance Armstrong and Nike at O.H.W.O.W (Dec. 3)
WHY: Their event in New York was a smash and Mr. Tour de France is back in Miami to showcase works of Tom Sachs, Erik Parker, and Richard Prince for charity.

10) WHAT/WHEN: SNOB Magazine Bash at Shore Club (Dec. 5)
WHY: The Russians know how to put up an event especially when the most exclusive magazine in the former USSR is involved.