Art Box
When we actually decided to take this crazy journey (in the middle of a night on January 11) one thing was clear: we wanted to end our adventures in London. It’s obviously a crucial year for British art, with Damien unsurprisingly leading the elite, royal dog pack on this side of the pond. It also felt right to end the trip in London, because that’s where most of the spots were born.
We weren’t planning to be in at our final destination so soon originally. We wanted to check in the hotel, possibly see National Portrait Gallery, and then hit the remaining Gagosians on Saturday morning. But thanks to unrelenting supporter text messages and more than few e-mails (and a very helpful attendant Sebastian at EuroStar upgrade desk in Paris) we boarded an early train to St. Pancras. Two hours earlier than expected.
When we arrived to the Madison Avenue Gagosian fort at 6 PM on Thursday night, a group of randomly, determined shoppers ran into the wonderful temporary shop and started scooping up merchandise as if it was Black Friday at Best Buy. In the group of five girls, one screamed out “The race it ON!” while breathlessly holding on to six spot t-shirts. Ok, it’s ON!
We stamped our card in three galleries on Thursday night and noticed few great things in the process. Here are our first stamp hometown memories:
Yes, Damien Hirst made a super surprise cameo on 21st where we discussed our itinerary with him. The funniest moment however, came when two top buyers asked him to pose for a picture in front of their favorite piece. A clueless guard immediately tried to interject, standing up to the gallery’s policy. “It’s ok, he’s good. Trust me.” smiled a Gagosian worker.
As of 7:40 PM, 304 brave souls registered for the challenge. But how many will endure?
Us with Guido Callarelli and Richard Phillips (Photo - Andrew Toth / PatrickMcMullan.com)
Richard Phillips and Josephine Meckseper came along to view the show on 24th street. Our buddy Richard was scouting the space as much as he was admiring the spots. He has a huge show coming up in the very same gallery this fall, though working without 160 assistants; he’ll focus on nothing but canvases for the next half a year. And we can’t wait to see them.
George Condo and Benjamin Provo
George Condo also made a cameo on 24th Street. So did Fab 5 Freddy. Yes, really!
At Madison it wasn’t so much about the opening craziness. It was about Russian speaking, Vertu holding art dealers who woke up half of billionaire Moscow and shopped while we all hunted for tees and $1 pins. It is a business after all.
Dear Readers,
The Art Ruby is taking on the “Thirst for Hirst” mission otherwise known as the Spot Challenge.
Just to backtrack: (in case you were on the Uranus!) a little known British fella named Damien Hirst is currently showing his spot paintings at all eleven Gagosian locations worldwide. Our task will be to travel to all 11 galleries, 7 different nations, and 3 continents to get the splendid 11 stamps on our registration cards. This journey will encompass 30, 000 something miles, immeasurable amount of jet leg, and tons of fun pit stops and cameos along the way.
Why are we taking this trip? Because we love Amazing Race. And Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And oh yeah, Mr. Hirst is one of the most significant artists of our (or any) generation. But most importantly, we’d love to share our crazy journey with you. Follow us here. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Tumblr. We’ll be updating you from airport lounges everywhere!
It also helps Mr. Hirst blessed us on the start line. And he arrived to New York with an extra large can of Red Bull. We’ll see you in London at the finish line, Damien!
Very Best!
Valentine Uhovski
Art Ruby Editor
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
Aaron Young (16)
Alex Rodriguez (1)
Anish Kapoor (28)
Art Basel Miami (52)
Art Fair (66)
Barbara Gladstone (13)
Gagosian (75)
Gagosian Gallery (31)
Galerie Gmurzynska (1)
John McEnroe (2)
Lance Armstrong (5)
Lehmann Maupin (34)
Miami (30)
Tony Shafrazi (6)
W South Beach (8)
White Cube (23)
Zaha Hadid (17)
