In a year when the most notable “performance” of Art Basel was a student stabbing a random bystander with an X-Acto knife (only to mistakenly be perceived as art itself), how does one stand out without looking crazy? Here are Urbasm’s felony-free highlights from Art Basel 2015:
Institute of Contemporary Art Opening Party
The ICA’s rooftop was packed to see Las Vegas’ Shamir and local newcomer poorgrrrl hit the stage (photo above). The event kicked off a week of Basel-ing for the museum, which also included the premiere of Alex Bag’s work, “The Van (Redux)”; a witty take on the world of art fairs themselves.
Richard Phillips X THE EIGHTH
Men’s underwear brand THE EIGHTH used Art Basel as an opportunity to think outside the boxer briefs. The line collaborated with artists Jim Torok and Richard Phillips on a limited edition line being sold in The Webster in South Beach. Torok’s artwork, Some Days, offered a playful take on the undergarments of yesteryear that corresponded to a certain day of the week. Now, good day or bad, you can be sure to have a pair that matches your disposition.
DesignMiami
DesignMiami is Art Basel’s more functional interior design counterpart. I appreciated that we were dealing with functional objects, which were more palatable to someone not involved in the Art World. From a giant globe of Swarovski crystals, to a candelabrum stylized as a kraken, colorful bedrooms and everything in between, there was plenty to see.
Gallery Diet’s collaboration with Culture Mag
Swarovski’s piece, El Sol
Kill Your Idol – Zister!
If you didn’t see Narcissister on America’s Got Talent, her performance in a similar costume at Kill Your Idol was every bit as magical in person. While taking a notably different path for a former Alvin Ailey student, Narcissiter has truly carved out a space of her own in the art world.
About Jason Wilson
Jason Wilson is a creative innovator trying to learn everything he can about this hectic vortex called life. He currently perform freelance social media, PR and web promotion strategies. Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasontheJumbo
About Jason Wilson