A Day at Art Basel

An honest apology for being absent and inconsistent, and some of the beautiful art I saw and loved at Art Basel Miami.

Dear friends,

I apologize for being absent and for not being consistent with my writing. I've mentioned before that I'm going through something that requires my complete and undivided attention. It mostly drains my mental energy, sometimes leaving me with zero ideas or desire to sit down and write. This situation is not permanent, but it will continue well into mid-January. I may or may not write and send newsletters for the rest of December. Hopefully, I will, but if I don't, please don't go. Stick around because, God willing, I will be back with more engaging content.

With that said, today I went to Art Basel Miami Beach. I was so glad to have some "me" time out of the house, looking at art and being inspired by the work of incredibly gifted individuals. It was also overwhelming because if you've ever been to Basel, you know that the place is packed with humans on Sunday, which makes me feel anxious because I don't like crowded places. There's also way too much art, which also creates anxiety in me because I want to see everything, lol.

I know very little about art and the art world, but if I learned something today, it’s that anything can be art and that success is entirely out of the artist's control.

I photographed a few artworks I was attracted to and want to share with you. The reasons I'm drawn to certain types of art are varied; most of the time, I’m still trying to figure out why.

For one, I’m immediately drawn to drawings like this one below. I actually saw this at NADA Miami on Thursday. Shame on me I can’t remember who the author is.

Three of my favorite artists are David Hockney, Cy Twombly, and Alice Neel. Today, I saw myself instantly drawn to their work without knowing it was theirs.

David Hockney, More Flowers on a Table, 2021 iPad painting printed on paper.

Alice Neel, Irma Seitz, 1963 oil on canvas.

Cy Twinkly, Muses 1963 oil, wax crayon, pencil and color pencil on canvas.

I was drawn to art that focused on the study of color. Maybe more than just the study of color, but you get the point.

Some galleries don’t include the name of the artist. I guess they don’t like how it looks. I get it. I totally get it.

Paulo Pasta.

And black and white art.

Torkwase Dyson.

Richard Serra, Notebook Drawing, 2023.

And full collections.

Andreas Ericsson, Texture Mapping 2022-2023 acrylic, oil and oil-egg tempera on canvas.

And what I call “curiosities” or “shrine” art.

Betye Saar, Objects, Obsessions, Obligations, 2013 mixed media assemblage.

Another piece without an author name on the wall. I do know that the name of the piece is Flags of the World.

Joaquín Torres García, Montevideo Uruguay, 1874-1949 oil on wood.

And very feminine art.

Louise Bourgeois.

Ellen Lesperance.

Ann Agee.

Alex Da Corte, The Last House on The Left, 2022. Sarah Lucas Titty Bunny, 2018.

Works of art that I appreciated how they were exhibited.

Philip Pearlstein, Pittsburg, PA 1924-2022, Seated Male Nude, 1963 oil on canvas.

Arts and crafts art.

Silvina Der Meguerditchian, Chevril Branch, 2022 laminated colored acrylic foil, wool.

Instagram sensations.

David Shrigley, Untitled (Zodiac), 2023 acrylic on paper.

Art that is executed to perfection.

Honoré Sharrer 1920-2009, Afternoon at the Beach, 1990 oil on canvas.

And I’m always down for a random piece of fabric hanging on the wall.

And art that I won't share with you because the photo doesn't do it any justice. Like this enormous painting I would totally hang on the wall of my future beach house.

No artist name. Unfortunately, I took a photo of the artist's name, but it came out blurry because I can't see well. Welcome to my mid forties, lol.

All art needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate it. Also, don't be offended by how I refer to some types of art. I'm here for the love and appreciation. If I shared, it is because I loved it. Only respect for the artist here.

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That’s all for today, guys. Thank you for being here. I know this newsletter is late. Better late than never. This was my day today, surrounded by art. I hope you had a joyful Sunday. Until next!

xoxo

MC