Mixed reviews have always followed Basel Miami, it’s what makes Art fun and interesting.
Mixed reviews have always followed Basel Miami, it’s what makes Art fun and interesting.
Laura Varner is a native to Miami and also a published illustrator. We interviewed her about the show last week;
As a native Miamian and one who has seen the transformation of my fair city, I must say this has really become about everything but art. Corporations and logos define what much of this week is about. To get at some meaty art one must travel out of the safe environs of the art fairs. Serious, well executed art is happening in Miami all year long and during “art” week, but it is not happening where the Bentleys are lined up for valet and it ain’t happening anywhere near anything Marina Abramovic might be selling with her trade in stock. The main fair goers could have caught a glimpse of it had they stuck around until Sunday and witnessed the performance artist Kalan Sherrard whip out a prosthetic pleasure tool when the police tried to arrest him for being dressed too “artsy” inside the main fair or if they’d travelled a few miles north to the Little Haiti area and caught the show titled LuxuryFace at the sarcastically named Guccivuitton gallery. But why? There is so much free swag and glimpses of celebrity awaiting the sweat masses on South Beach. I mean if I can catch a selfie with Miley Cyrus why would a question a system that assures me all is well?”
Art embodies the history and culture of its time. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote poetically:
“Rhodora! If the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then Beauty is its own excuse for being:”
In 2014 Celebrity is its own excuse for being. Art Basel exists for the glorification of celebrity. Celebrity for celebrities’ sake. Publicity bought by celebrity to create more publicity for celebrities. Art Basel glorifies itself and it glorifies celebrity. Artists create their patrons’ fantasies of the sublime; namely, themselves. Celebrities are enchanted with celebrity. Celebrity has replaced pietas, Mona Lisa and Guernica. We live in a world where Madonna has replaced The Madonna and Child.
Because events are a microcosm of the fantasies of their guests there are other parties you might attend. If you are not among the milieu that Basel represents I suggest you find another party. Find a party that exalts your values where you can contribute; then, invite others who are like minded. The media probably won’t attend, but then again, you won’t mind because that is not what it is about.
You just might enjoy the art.
Actually, money and celebrity is what art is all about. Always has been.
What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear them
