This years Basel runs from December 5 through the 9, but the major parties, exhibits, and galas occur during the weekend. With too many going on to examine each in detail (for more info see our Basel story in the front of the paper), heres a couple of picks to keep you entertained. For a tasty slice of underground culture, check out Gen Arts Vanguard exhibition and party tonight (Palm Court, 309 23rd St., just off Collins in Miami Beach). Gen Art always throws the greatest bashes (and its hell-bent on exposing you to the best emerging talent from the Europe and the U.S.) The exhibit is being curated by local-boy-turned-international-phenom Francisco Lo Castro and features 29 artists with work ranging from pop surrealism to urban contemporary. The party will be bumpin with complimentary beverages and a soundtrack courtesy of DJ Ray Millan. Tickets will run you $20 in cash at the door.
Another great must-see is Dope Art Dealer Jacqi Browns repeat offender exhibit Pimp my Kart. In Pimp, Brown refurbishes old shopping carts with rich excess, lavishly creating high-brow sculptures as a response to gentrification -- first of the homeless, then of the displaced artists. Last year you caught the show at Faktura Gallery, which, Brown explains, now exists only theoretically. With no walls confining her, the thesis behind her work is even more immediate, more pressing. She will be wheeling her creations through the diamond-glittering streets of Wynwood from Friday through Sunday, but shes making those roads more than just her roving gallery; shes making them her home. Brown will be living on Wynwoods streets for the weekend, accepting no outside help for food and shelter. So no, you probably wont catch her at an afterparty muggin down with Matt Damon. Get the full scoop on all sanctioned events by visiting www.artbaselmiamibeach.com.
Dec. 6-9, 2007