One of the many satellite fairs of Art Basel Miami, Art Miami has proven that the main show isn’t the only thing worth seeing in town. Located in the Wynwood Arts District, Art Miami has a much more relaxed vibe than the main Art Basel Miami show. Comprised mostly of smaller galleries from around the world, this fair however has no less super art stars hanging in the wings (however, most are deceased). Also complete with its own Art Video and New Media Lounge, the dedicated space showcased videos from six major art institutions from Beijing to Tel Aviv.

The shaky economy has not deterred collectors who were out in full force, overheard asking “How much is this?,” as if discussing a supermarket special and a few pieces were even sold many times over. The price point that people were willing to fork over (unless you’re Ed Ruscha) seemed much lower than previous years. This included one David Drebin panoramic digital C-print of a Paris streetscape at a collectable $4950.

The print, although stunning to look at seems to lack a story behind its facades. Photographed in such a way that begs the viewer to peek into its apartment windows in hopes of a domestic scene or perhaps an engagement on its streets, the downfall of this piece is that there are none of these special moments (which are often times pre-planned by the photographer) to speak of. The streets are almost empty and there is no one visible in any of the windows. However, this was obviously not a concern for the many buyers who flocked to this piece (eight at the time of our visit). It is surely a comment on the type of pieces which are selling in this economy: the ones which are content to look beautiful on a wall.

www.Art-Miami.com

Tags: Art Basel Miami, Art Miami, David Drebin, economy, Miami, Paris, Photography, satellite art fair, Wynwood.

Our first stop in Miami: to see the Olaf Breuning sand sculpture on the beach for ourselves. Part sphinx, part Picasso, the reclining nude is massive and lovely to behold. A lone seagull perched atop her head completing the temporary art piece. As we left, high-heeled art collectors were making their way, albeit slowly onto the sand to view the beauty. Flip flops optional.

Tags: Art Basel Miami, beach, Miami, nude, Olaf Breuning, Picasso, sand sculpture, sphinx.

Art Basel Miami started today and boy do we wish we could be there. Wait, we will be there! Give us a couple days and The Totam will be at the Art Basel Miami festivities and shows Friday through Sunday with the rest of them.

What we are missing:

Highlights of today’s opening include Olaf Breuning’s sand sculpture of a reclining woman at the Sagamore Hotel.

What we won’t be missing:

The Asprey London launch party of KiptonART Rising featuring artists Jade Doskow, Sabina Forbes II, Eric Klemm, Naho Kubota, Joyce Lee & Serge Strosberg.

Stay tuned for more from Miami..

Tags: Art Basel Miami, Asprey London, Eric Klemm, Jade Doskow, Joyce Lee, KiptonART, Miami, Naho Kubota, Olaf Breuning, Sabina Forbes II, Sagamore Hotel, Serge Strosberg.