MIAMI – Beyond all of the fantastic art inside the convention center, Art Basel Miami offers “sectors” that allow viewers to explore the many dimensions of Modern and contemporary art. These events include films, talks, and my favorite— public art. Accessible to everyone, the Public sector offers visitors a chance to see outdoor sculptures, interventions and performances, all sited within an open exhibition format at Collins Park.
Alfredo Jaar, Culture = Capital, 2014.
After walking around the Public installations, I drove to my favorite tapas restaurant in Miami’s Design District. The Wynwood Kitchen and Bar is situated amongst the Wynwood Walls, a series of buildings decorated by some of the world’s top street artists. Since its inception in 2009, the Wynwood Walls program has seen over 50 artists representing 16 countries and has covered over 80,000 square feet of wall. My table overlooked a stretch of works by Shepard Fairey, who also designed the murals behind the bar.
Returning to my car post-lunch, I found a fitting last sight for my trip before heading back to Duke. Celebrating the very activity that brings crowds from all over the world to Art Basel Miami Beach, a group of graffiti artists were hard at work that day making new art of their own.
