At the start of December, I flew to Miami for Art Basel, a sister event to the amazing, Switzerland-based, annual art show that's been happening for over 40 years. I went to appreciate, be inspired by and support art. It was better than expected. Inspiration, served; life, changed. I filled up my creative tank.
I had read about the guerrilla-style covering of city objects with crocheted yarn by Polish artist Agata Olek (she even wrapped the Charging Bull as a Christmas gift to NYC and tribute to the sculptor, Arturo di Modica), but nothing in print or verse compares to seeing her work in action. Maybe it was her entrance to the live music of Pharrell...toting behind her two yarned and leashed men (big surprise, I followed them). She is worth looking up. http://agataolek.com/home.html
Even Retna had a major presence at A.B., whose work we've seen in Salt Lake in the 40-foot virgin gracing the wall of Fice (see blog entry dated 10.22.10). Maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise when artists worthy of prestigious, international shows make their case in our own city.
And so, I have committed to attending Art Basel again next year because of all it had to offer, but perhaps more importantly, I have committed to not missing anything happening here. What better way to start supporting local?
Check out the show that brought Art Basel home for me; Kristin Calabrese at the the Salt Lake Art Center, Nov. 5, 2010 to Jan. 8, 2010.
