Photos: HW

Oh Miami. Has it been another year already since the last Art Basel Miami? Feels like it was only a week ago since I crossed these strips. The only evidence of time having moved on is from all the Art Basel/Nada/Scope ad flags that got updated to the year 2010. This year I gave myself enough time to readjust to the new climate, habitats, eye-candy, and lots of space. The 20 or so art fairs are quite spread out, so it’s not that easy to navigate without a vehicle. You can either take cabs, rent a car, bike, hop on shuttle vans, or (this one’s my pick) hail a rickshaw. At The Grand Beach Hotel, our host provided us with a lovely suite that faces two sides of the sphere, with endless views of palm trees, and the ocean. They are now even offering special packages for Art Basel guests.

At tonight’s MoCA X Vanity Fair preview event, VIPs and press folks were schmoozing over cocktails and finger food around the “Bruce Weber: Haiti/Little Haiti” photography exhibition. The vibe was definitely stimulating and alive with everyone looking fresh and ready for the next few days ahead. Stepping away from the crowd, I dashed straight to the flashing “Paradise Lights” (1996) installation by Jack Pierson.  It seems to summarize the upcoming events quite well — art market in a carnival-esque setting. Although this is my first time at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, their collection, program, and on-going acquisitions are quite impressive, some of which are listed online. Keep checking back for more on the fairs, galleries, talks, and performances. And holla to my New York artist friends who are heading down to show and perform. Here’s a quick recap of tonight’s MoCA party.