Series: Matthew Waldman | Vol. 17: Matthew's Report on "Art Basel Miami 2010"

Vol. 17 Matthew Waldman's Report: Art Basel Miami 2010

Having participated in a show through a collaboration with Gibson guitars, I visited the art fair "Art Basel Miami" for the first time in four years, also to build my network. It was a packed four days under perfect weather, visiting friends who have brands, relatives living in Florida, and attending the opening of a POP UP SHOP for the shoe brand "UNITED NUDE"!
Actually, I had planned to stay for five days, but due to heavy rain on my departure day, my stay was cut short by a full day. I'll omit my complaints about domestic airlines here.

Text and photos by Matthew Waldman

My favorite piece was...

Since my primary objective was networking, I focused more on attending parties than visiting the show itself, which meant I didn't have much time to visit the main venue of Art Basel. However, after touring "PULSE Contemporary Art Fair" and other off-site exhibitions, I identified three thematic trends in the displayed artworks.

1. Works utilizing LED reflections or lighting
2. Works using money as a material
3. Trophy-style works incorporating animal carcasses

Artwork by Korean contemporary artist Airan Kang

Artwork by money artist Barton Benes

It's fascinating to consider the social implications of these trends. Personally, I got the impression that works emphasizing technique and impact sell better than those with conceptual or emotional themes. And among these three trends, works centered on money were remarkably numerous.

My personal favorite wasn't part of the aforementioned trends. It was a piece by a young Japanese artist collective called "THREE." And it seems I wasn't the only one who liked it, as all their works sold out! I think that's quite remarkable.

Now, enjoy the slideshow of works I saw, including those with trending themes and others that stood apart!

Artwork by Terri Thomas

My artwork, a remade Gibson guitar

Related Links

Terri Thomas, Reclining
http://www.terriart.com/terri-thomas-news-inst_09.html

Airan Kang
http://www.brycewolkowitz.com/www/

Chad Person
http://chadperson.com/

Sandow Birk
http://www.sandowbirk.com/

Devorah Sperber
http://www.devorahsperber.com/chenille_stem_works_htm/index_stem_works_1_05.htm

THREE
http://www.three-studio.com/index.html

Electric Guitar by Matthew Waldman for Gibson
http://www.curatedmag.com/news/2010/12/08/electric-guitar-by-matthew-waldman/