Considered one of the art world’s most favourite yearly rendezvous, Miami Beach, Florida hosted its 12th edition of Art Basel last week. This global affair drew forth an impressive crowd of admirers, ranging from artists, collectors, critics, curators, dealers and enthusiasts. From well established masters to up-and-coming names, over 2, 000 artists showcased their works in top-quality exhibitions all over South Florida. The fair also celebrated the art of partying, as it hosted a number of high-profile events including a barbecue by Chanel, a poolside runway show by Roberto Cavalli and an evening of Warhol by Fendi – just to name a few.
This exceptional annual gathering provided the perfect playground to explore newness in modern and contemporary art ranging from the 20th to the 21st century. Certainly one of the most notable events of the week, New York-based agency Paradox Designs NYC launched their newest venture in wearable art. The leading global vintage design studio presented a unique soirée showcasing a collection of works well worthy of praise. Bridgette Morphew, sole proprietor of Paradox Designs NYC, redefined the fine line between art and fashion. Her motto, “art inspires fashion,” is an endeavour aimed to reinvent the industry, interpreting fashion as a direct product of art. As an avid innovator, Morphew’s unique vision is only matched by the mind-blowing collection itself.
Moreover, juxtaposed to the fairly habitual (nonetheless brilliant) in-your-face works of modern day artists, were the romantic masterpieces of Laguna Beach, California’s very own Dasha Guilliam. Heavily influenced by dream-like realities, Guilliam paints multidimensional seascapes depicting the greatness of the ocean through her multi-dimensional and mixed media creations.
Yet another charming discovery during Art Basel was artist Lisabel Filiatrault from Montreal. Lisabel’s daring works are spread out around the globe, occupying numerous galleries and over 40 exhibitions. Her creative process is a unique technique, one that has yet to be adopted by other artists. With a background in art and engineering, Lisabel makes use of materials utilized by Bombardier Aerospace, the same composites used when building airplanes. This surprising form of technology, as well as her intrepid vision, truly set her works apart. Her gallery, in Montreal’s up-and-coming area of Griffintown, is a must-visit space. With help from her entrepreneur husband, Glenn Miller, the pair has designed an art gallery of a new breed. The ultra-modern 2,000 square foot space focuses on the “art of receiving.” This creative enclave on the banks of the Lachine Canal is ready to host a variety of events – a fusion of art and entertainment in the hottest district in town.
Photos courtesy of Casey Kelbough, Galerie Lisabel and Annie Deir.