Collect 2021 by Palm Beach Media Group

A Connoisseur’s Guide to the South Florida Art Scene

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tara booth, coral reef, 2021 gouache on paper

@mtnspacegallery

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mtnspace.com

502 lake avenue lake worth, fl

(561) 285 4883

10/11/21 10:05 AM

JOHN JOSEPH DENIS

Frequency Glass and Acrylic Limited edition 76” tall, 22” wide , 21” deep

JOHN JOSEPH DENIS www.johnjosephdenis.com | Miami Florida | 619 778 4068

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Contents

Features 14

10 TRENDS TO SPOT AT ART BASEL Palm Beach art experts share what to look for at Basel and beyond By Al yss a Morla cci

STATE OF THE ARTS Our guide to Miami Art Week By Eric B ar t on

CRUSHING ON CRYPTO Everything you want to know about NFTs and how they’re impacting collecting By Jud y Mar tel

PHOTO FINISH Gallerist Jaye Luntz shares insight into starting a photography collection By Susie S t ant on S t aik o s

Departments 6

EDITOR’S LETTER

Conne c ted with Na ture , Federico Uribe

On the Cover: Kirsten Hassenfeld, Millefleu (detail), 2019, salvaged textiles with mixed

media, 78 inches. On view in “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters of the Vanguard” at The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, through January 30. This exhibition was organized by the Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, California.

COURTESY OF FEDERICO URIBE AND ADELSON GALLERIES

GET CONNECTED Explore two of Palm Beach County’s newest art hubs By Mar y Murra y

MIAMI MUSEUMS What’s on view now at some of the Magic City’s top cultural institutions By Mar y Murra y

SCENE STEALERS See and be seen during Art Week at these haute Miami restaurants and hotels By Paul R ubio

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? Superblue Miami unlocks alternate realities in Allapattah

By Mar y Murra y

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NEW DATES & LOCATION APPLY FOR VIP STATUS AT WWW.ARTPBFAIR.COM

VIP PREVIEW BENEFICIARY | OFFICIAL CULTURAL PARTNER

OFFICIAL LUXURY JEWELER

Alice Aycock, “Alien Twister”, 2018 powder-coated aluminum 84 x 74 3/4 inches Marlborough, New York

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT art

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miami | NOV 30 - DEC 5, 2021 | ARTMIAMI.COM

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Publisher Terry Duffy Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos Editor Mary Murray Creative Director Olga M. Gustine Art Director Jenny Fernandez-Prieto Contributing Writers Eric Barton, Judy Martel, Alyssa Morlacci, Paul Rubio, Susie Stanton Staikos Contributing Photographer Jerry Rabinowitz Digital Imaging Specialist George Davis ADVERTISING Publisher, Naples Kaleigh Grover Associate Publisher Deidre Wade Account Managers Kathleen Beuttel, Melissa Zolin Schwartz, Dina Turner, Meegan Wyatt Advertising Services Coordinators Emily Hauser, Christopher Link PRODUCTION Production Director Selene M. Ceballo Production Manager Kayla Earle Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis Advertising Design Coordinators Anaely J. Perez Vargas, Jeff ey Rey

OPERATIONS Chief Operating Offic Todd Schmidt Office Manag Sue Martel Circulation/Subscriptions Administrator Marjorie Leiva Distribution Manager Judy Hefli Accounting Specialists Mary Beth Cook, Lourdes Linares Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel

In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013) HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo PUBLISHERS OF: Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Fort Lauderdale Illustrated • Orlando Illustrated Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design • Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide Fifth Avenue South • The Jewel of Palm Beach: The Mar-a-Lago Club • Traditions: The Breakers Palm Beach 100 • Naples 100 • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation • Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club Naples on the Gulf: Naples Chamber of Commerce • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura Community Foundation of Collier County Community Report • Advances: Tampa General Hospital Published by Palm Beach Media Group North P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 Telephone: 561.659.0210 • Fax: 561.659.1736 www.palmbeachmedia.com Copyright 2021 Palm Beach Media Group North Inc. All rights reserved.

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Photo by Laura Pedrick

HAVEN, PALM BEACH

MICHAEL MURPHY GALLERY, TAMPA, FL

LEE CALICCHIO LTD., NEW YORK CITY

COLLETTE HOME, SAG HARBOR, NY

ONE MARITINE GALLERY, WHITE PLAINS, NY n

PALM BEACH ART, ANTIQUE & DESIGN SHOWROOM

CAROLCALICCHIOART (561) 213-0616 | CAROL@CAROLCALICCHIOART.COM | CAROLCALICCHIOART.COM

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editor’s LETTER

Fr o m lef t : Th e Br ide Who B ec omes Fr igh t ened Wh en Sh e Sees Lif e Opened, Fr ida Kahl o , and Call a Lill y Vendo r , Dieg o R iv er a , bot h par t o f “ Fr ida Kah l o, Dieg o Riv er a , and Mexic an Mo de r nism f r o m t h e Jac ques an d Nat asha Gel man Co lle c t io n” at t h e Nor t on Museum of Ar t

THE JACQUES AND NATASHA GELMAN COLLECTION OF 20TH CENTURY MEXICAN ART AND THE VERGEL FOUNDATION, © 2021 BANCO DE MÉXICO DIEGO RIVERA FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUMS TRUST, MEXICO, D.F. / ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK

I fell in love with art in Florence, Italy. A city so beautiful, it’s almost a cliché. I was 17 and standing in front of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at The Uffizi. It as one of those “cue the violin” moments when time stops and you take a mental picture because you want to hang on to every detail for as long as possible. How the delicate hues seemed to glow. How my eyes danced across the canvas, savoring each sublime brushstroke. How the murmur of my fellow tourists softened as they too became enthralled with the masterpiece. Whenever I visit a new city, I always add art museums to my itinerary in the hopes of reliving instances like this one—when I get lost in an artwork and everything around me fades away. Now that I live in South Florida, I’m lucky to feel that way frequently. From our worldclass museums to the immersive installations popping up across the region, there is a bounty of cultural offerings to parta e in. Here in Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is hosting “Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru,” a transportive collection of artifacts paired with a virtual reality flight ver the exhibit’s eponymous world wonder. The Norton Museum of Art is showcasing the work of some of Latin America’s most influentia artists in “Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection.” And, on the island, The Society of the Four Arts has one foot in the classics and another in contemporary with “An Eye on Michelangelo and Bernini: Photographs by Aurelio Amendola” and “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters of the Vanguard,” a piece from which is refl cted on our cover. To be venturing out and experiencing art among others feels like a renaissance of sorts, and nothing says “back in business” like the return of Art Basel Miami Beach. In this issue of Collect, we herald Basel and the satellite fairs that comprise the greater Miami Art Week. We also spotlight what to look for when perusing the gallery booths, share insight into building a photography collection, and broach the oft-confusing topic of NFTs. Beyond just NFTs, digital art has taken on new meaning amid the pandemic. On-demand culture is here to stay, and events like Art Basel are providing ways to engage with galleries, artists, curators, and more from the comfort of our couches. While this has opened up a new world for art lovers—allowing us to tour the Louvre on our smartphones, for example—it’s no match for those in-person encounters that take our breath away. See you at Basel!

CAPEHART

Art Renaissance

Mary Murray Editor 6

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PAUSE. PLAY. Perfect.

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art HUBS

Get Connected Discover and support local artists at these new Palm Beach County cultural destinations BY MARY MURRAY

Cr aig Mc Inn is’ st udio a t T h e Peach

BOTH IMAGES: KAJ STUDIO

THE PEACH Named in honor of its location off Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach, The Peach opened in late September with a weekendlong celebration that encapsulated what it hopes to bring to the community: a welcoming, artistic haven. At the core is a collective of six studios, occupied by local creatives specializing in fine art and other related industries, such as art therapy and 3D printing. “I want to be here for the long haul,” says artist Craig McInnis of studio No. 3. McInnis also serves in a managerial role for The Peach, which is owned by businessman Rodney Mayo. He notes that each unit is “drastically different,” but the goal is

to create opportunities for collaboration among the artists and for art enthusiasts to be able to visit the studios and engage with them. “Come in, ask us questions, sit down and watch the process,” he adds. The Peach complex is also home to a new outpost of Troy’s Barbeque as well as a flexible space that will host special events, such as performances, gallery shows, art installations, and yoga sessions. In addition, there will be monthly public art walks inclusive of artisan vendors and live music. (thepeachwpb.com)

Follow the artistic footprint of one of Palm Beach County’s most creative enclaves on the Delray Beach Art Trail. Organized by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the trail aims to expose visitors and residents alike to the diverse artworks, galleries, studios, and cultural centers in Delray Beach. Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray Beach DDA, notes that the city is a dynamic arts destination where cultural adventures abound. “The art trail features

Gat eway (inset ) by Mich elle Newman an d a mur al by Edua r do “Emo ” Men diet a (l ef t ) o n t h e Delr ay Beach Ar t Tr ail

all visual and performance art offerings in Delray Beach,” she explains. “Local artists will benefit as new visitors experience the evolving art scene, whether it’s strolling through the First Friday Art Walk, taking a self-guided tour of art murals and installations, or attending an outdoor concert.” 8

BOTH IMAGES: COURTESY OF DELRAY BEACH DDA

DELRAY BEACH ART TRAIL

Each destination boasts a QR code that connects visitors to more information. There is certainly a lot to soak in: The Delray Beach Art Trail consists of eight cultural centers, north of 75 installations, 40-plus murals, and more than 35 galleries and studios. (delrayarttrail.com)

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ART EXHIBITIONS An Eye on Michelangelo and Bernini Photographs by Aurelio Amendola

Aurelio Amendola has devoted his career to documenting the works of great masters of the Italian Renaissance. This exhibition features 30 stunning black and white photo details of some of Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s most-beloved sculptures, showing the intimate dialogue Amendola shares with the artists and unveiling the style and intensity of the Italian masters. Aurelio Amendola, detail of Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne (1622–25, marble, Borghese Gallery and Museum, Rome, Italy), print on baryta paper with silver salts mounted on aluminum, printed 2021

A Beautiful Mess

Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard This vibrant contemporary textile exhibition features a diverse selection of fiber arts, including wall-hangings, installations, and monumental pieces. The all-female roster of conceptual artists displays twisted, tied, and braided works made from tactile and utilitarian materials like rope, yarn, clay, and wire, elevating the status of weaving and knotting from craft to fine art. Katrina Sánchez Standfield, detail of Waiting for Tomorrow, 2021, machine knitted yarn, fiberfill, 34 x 39 x 6 inches

ON DISPLAY NOVEMBER 13, 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 30, 2022 Tickets: $10. Hours: 10-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesdays. Visit www.fourarts.org to reserve tickets and view our season policies and procedures.

www.fourarts.org

| 102 FOUR ARTS PLAZA | PALM BEACH, FL

A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard is organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA. An Eye on Michelangelo and Bernini: Photographs by Aurelio Amendola is organized by The Society of the Four Arts.

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Miami

Museums

JERRY RABINOWITZ

on VIEW

OUR GUIDE TO WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE BY MARY MURRAY

 THE BASS With an emphasis on expanding the contemporary art lexicon, The Bass brings the work of internationally significant creatives to Miami. From November 29 to May 1, it will present “Alex Israel x Snapchat,” which includes five augmented reality experiences as well as a sixth work that will enable visitors to view The Bass’ facade as they never have before. During Miami Art Week (November 28 to December 5), The Bass will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (thebass.org)

 INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, MIAMI

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND ROBERTS PROJECTS, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Cl o ckw ise f r o m abov e: Keit h H ar ing a r t a t t h e Rubel l M useum; insta l l at io n o f Resurre ct io n, Bet y e Sa ar ; Sel f -Por t r ait (P el ica n wit h f ish ), Al ex I sr ael ; Faniswa, Seapoi nt , Cape Town, Zanele Muh o li . Bel o w lef t : Subway Cit ysc ape Tri pt yc h, Bo b Dy l an.

Dedicated to promoting “the most innovative art of our time,” ICA Miami showcases local, emerging, and underappreciated artists. In addition to numerous new exhibitions, visitors can peruse “Betye Saar: Serious Moonlight,” featuring rarely shown immersive works by the 95-year-old Black artist. While admission is free, the museum recommends reserving entry in advance. (icamiami.org)

 FROST ART MUSEUM This academic art museum is also a Smithsonian affiliate that is free to visit and includes a collection of more than 6,000 objects, with a strong representation of Cuban and Haitian paintings, and works by self-taught artists and those based in Miami. Beginning November 30, the Frost will host the U.S. debut of “Bob Dylan: Retrospectrum,” comprising the Nobel Prize–winning lyricist and musician’s drawings, paintings, and sculptures. (frost.fiu.edu)

 PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI PAMM moved into its Herzog & de Meuron–designed building on the waterfront in 2013, signaling a new era for this icon of the Miami art scene that highlights the area’s diverse cultural identity. Current special exhibitions include “Meleko Mokgosi: Your Trip to Africa” and “Allied with Power: African and African Diaspora Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection,” which features recent acquisitions of works by artists such as Zanele Muholi, Rashid Johnson, and Kara Walker, among many others. (pamm.org)

COURTESY OF BOB DYLAN

 RUBELL MUSEUM

Don and Mera Rubell have long acquired art with an eye toward supporting emerging artists—and many of their bets have paid off. Their collection now includes heavyweights such as Cindy Sherman, Mickalene Thomas, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as a robust representation of works by Keith Haring. Stop by the museum before December 12 to catch “Yayoi Kusama: Narcissus Garden.” (rubellmuseum.org)

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COURTESY OF THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA-FIU

Fr o m lef t : 5xWP, Ba s v a n B eek ; “Hel l o Go r g eo us” Bar br a St r eisan d ex h ibit io n . Bel o w, c l o c k w ise f r o m l ef t : Vizc aya Museum & Ga r dens; Con st r uc t ion i n N or mandy Shor es a nd Pin k Side wal k, Ana st a sia S a mo y l o va . Bo t t o m cent er : Spir al Neo n, Paul S eide, Lo w e Ar t M useum.

History, art, and culture collide at HistoryMiami. This Smithsonian affiliate museum spotlights the events and issues that have shaped Miami and will continue to impact its future. Its permanent collection chronicles the evolution of the Magic City through more than 2 million images and 30,000 artifacts, among them a 1920s trolley car. Now through April 17, the museum hosts “FloodZone,” an exhibition of 47 photographs by Anastasia Samoylova that reveal the realities of climate change. (historymiami.org)

ROBIN HILL

 HISTORYMIAMI MUSEUM

 VIZCAYA MUSEUM & GARDENS

South Florida is home to one of the largest concentrations of Jewish people in the country, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU tells their story through cultural exhibitions and historic relics. The museum itself is an artifact, spanning two restored synagogues that date back to 1929 and 1936. Fans of Barbra Streisand will find many things to love at the museum, as it hosts “Hello Gorgeous,” an exhhibition on the famous actress and singer, through February 20. (jmof.fiu.edu)

For an alfresco art outing, visit this Gilded Age estate nestled amid 10 acres of lush gardens. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter residence for James Deering, the main home boasts stunning Mediterranean architecture and an impressive collection of art, furniture, and objects. The gardens were designed by Diego Suarez, who organized them into a series of “rooms,” inclusive of fountains, sculptures, and other architectural flourishes. Make a point to stop by on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market. (vizcaya.org)

 LOWE ART MUSEUM

 THE WOLFSONIAN

This institution at the University of Miami is dedicated to sharing more than 5,000 years of “human creativity” through 19,000-plus objects. Visitors can peruse works from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe—among other areas—and explore the Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Art. Visitation is free during the 2021-22 season. (lowe.miami.edu)

Witness the rise of modern civilization at The Wolfsonian, which chronicles the significant advancements made between 1850 and 1950. Situated in a circa-1927 building, the museum is currently displaying “Aerial Vision,” a look at airplanes and skyscrapers and the new ways of life they inspired, and “Shameless,” an exhibition of colorful works by Dutch artist Bas van Beek. (wolfsonian.org)

 JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA-FIU

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sleep & DINE

Scene Stealers These restaurants and hotels are setting trends across the Magic City BY PAUL RUBIO

CHRIS CARTER

4 EAST MIAMI

4 W SOUTH BEACH

COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, SOUTH BEACH

This all-suite, all-balcony hotel sports a stunning new look in 2021 thanks to a $30 million upgrade, in which suites have been reworked with natural oak furnishings and beach house–style millwork, animated by coral and teal accents. After ogling the Atlantic from your spacious balcony, relax at the new 9,000-square-foot Away Spa, vibe at a DJ-led pool scene, or luxuriate in a full-service beach cabana. Also allot time to peruse the property’s museum-caliber art collection, which includes 21 original Andy Warhols, three of which are collaborations with Jean-Michel Basquiat. (marriott.com)

East Miami is immediately recognizable for its edgy architecture and modern minimalist design, but its commitment to art is elevating the Brickell hotel to iconic status. Curated by Indiewalls, the 300-plus artworks and installations are a mix of freestanding sculptures, paintings, multistory murals, and photography that reflect the brand’s Asian heritage with a strong sense of the famous Miami vibrancy and light. The collection, on display across the hotel’s 40 floors, includes works by David Aronson, Alex Mijares, Michelle Oppenheimer, and Michael Curry, who created the glass sculptures by the elevators. Through a new program called Urban Remix, East asks local artists to contribute to the sustainability conversation. (easthotels.com/en/miami)

4 OSAKA Stemming from the Japanese diaspora in Peru, Nikkei cuisine has been popular in Latin America for nearly a decade. Now Brickell locals and visitors can sample this hybrid at Osaka. Buckle up for an international culinary journey, beginning with osk ceviche: tender cubes of tuna dressed in rocoto yuzu sauce and tossed with crispy quinoa. Next, choose between eight nigiris, then ooh and ahh over the mariscos al fuego (flaming seafood) followed by the heartier niku kabayaki, a soy-glazed Wagyu skirt steak, sizzling atop hot stones. Imbibe on a pisco-based Aka Sour with cardamom syrup and purple corn ice, or a Lapsang Negroni rooted in roku gin and shochu and enveloped by a cloud of black tea. (osakanikkei.com)

4 THE RITZ-CARLTON, SOUTH BEACH Bask in a chic retro redux at this 1950s, Morris Lapidus–designed landmark, fresh off a three-year, $90 million renovation. It’s a riveting new chapter in an ever-evolving design narrative, where timeless tropical style, modern oceanfront luxury, and Art Deco splendor unite in the best ways imaginable. Suites begin at an impressive 800 square feet and all guestrooms—many of which overlook the Atlantic—are dressed in ocean blues and muted golds, punctuated by decorative geometric pieces. Two new standout amenities from the recent remodel include the design-forward Lapidus Bar and Latin American–tinged Fuego y Mar restaurant. (ritzcarlton.com) 12

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4 RED ROOSTER OVERTOWN

MICHAEL PISARI

All eyes are on Miami’s Overtown neighborhood as chef Marcus Samuelsson adds to the growing foodie movement with Red Rooster Overtown. Similar to Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Harlem, the restaurant pays homage to African American culture through food, decor, art, and location—the Miami outpost resurrects a space formerly occupied by Clyde Killen’s Pool Hall, a 1960s mainstay. It also brings the Magic City’s Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino influences into the fold. Anticipate explosions of foreign and familiar flavors on dishes like bigeye tuna crudo (coated in ground Cuban coffee and dressed in ponzu and burnt citrus), fried yard bird (dripping in sour orange hot honey), and sour orange pig ribs with kumquats. (redroosterovertown.com)

4 WAVE AT 1 BEACH CLUB Kindred tropical spirits Miami and Tulum unite across Wave at 1 Beach Club, a weekends-only outdoor restaurant at 1 Hotel South Beach. The menu capitalizes on the bounties of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, underscored by raw seafood towers, charred oysters, and the sensational loup de mer (Mediterranean sea bass). Mexican-inspired cocktails like the Coba (a sweet-yet-smoky balance of Gem & Bolt mezcal, aloe vera liqueur, hibiscus, lime, and watermelon agua fresca in a tajin-rimmed glass) and lounge beats complete a toes-in-the-sand Tulum fantasy. All the while, the common sight of magnum- and jeroboam-sized Champagnes and rosés remind us we’re still in Miami. (1hotels.com/south-beach)

4 UCHI

UCHI

Chef Tyson Cole placed Austin on the foodie map in 2003 when Uchi, his nontraditional sushi restaurant, garnered numerous accolades and later landed him a James Beard Award. Cole has transplanted Uchi to Wynwood, where it lives up to the hype. Serious food lovers can’t get enough of his ingenuity, underscored by dishes like oysters with lemongrass, coconut, and finger lime; masu pom (ocean trout dressed in pomegranate zu and topped with gooseberry); and roasted cauliflower with curried raisins, Gruyère, and cashews. There are also more conventional compositions of sushi and sashimi, including special selections direct from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Add to the mix cocktails incorporating Japanese spirits, and it’s easy to see why this JapaneseTexas juggernaut has risen to the top of Miami’s restaurant scene. (uchimiami.com)

4 MILA Nightlife sophistication returns to South Beach with the opening of Mila Miami, a rooftop restaurant and lounge serving “MediterrAsian” cuisine in a vibe-heavy setting, inclusive of Balearic beats. The mixology program yields the Instagram-worthy presentations—and flavor combinations—one would expect in such high-design environs. Try the Mila Crusta, a modern take on the piña colada with plantation pineapple rum, St-Germain, vanilla, pineapple, and pandan. Likewise, the food impresses with a commingling of Mediterranean and Asian influences, including shawarma-spiced Wagyu gyoza. If that’s not enough social media fodder, consider ordering an item with tableside preparation, such as the flaming branzino or the smoking nitrogen ice cream. (milarestaurant.com)

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COURTESY OF ART BASEL

TRENDS TO SPOT AT ART BASEL DURING THE GLOBAL ART FAIR IN MIAMI THIS DECEMBER, KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE TRENDING TOPICS, SHIFTS, MOVEMENTS, AND PROMINENT THEMES IN CONTEMPORARY ART

uring the last Art Basel Miami Beach, a banana taped to a wall stole the show. Irvin Lippman, executive director of the Boca Raton Museum

of Art and Basel’s official ombudsman, mentions the fruit installation that grabbed headlines in 2019 to prove a point: “Was that following a trend? I don’t think so,” he says. Creators want to defy the trends, not follow them. While it’s impossible to predict the exhibits—whether they be outlandish, sophisticated, or somewhere in between—that will garner attention this year, we can rely on art to do what it’s always done: capture today’s cultural and societal climate.

COURTESY OF FEDERICO URIBE AND ADELSON GALLERIES

BY ALYSSA MORLACCI

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Art Basel Miami Beach took a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, and artists have had a plethora of collective experiences to draw inspiration from for Basel’s much-anticipated return to the Miami Beach Convention Center December 2-4. Beyond the official event, satellite exhibitions and parties are part of an entire Miami Art Week that spans from South Beach to Wynwood. (Turn to page 18 for Art Week fair and exhibition highlights.) “For one week a year, Miami becomes the epicenter of the art world—artists, collectors, curators, all congregate to see and be seen,” says Sofia Vollmer Maduro, director of programs at The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach. “The sheer concentration of talent in one city is quite exhilarating, and you can sense your pulse accelerate.” Art, The Society of the Four Arts, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art to anticipate 10 prominent themes, topics, shifts, and movements happening in contemporary art today that collectors should look for at Basel and beyond.

1. Creations from Solitude

COURTESY OF ART BASEL

We spoke with experts from the Norton Museum of

“The biggest trends shaping the market now include

2. The Human Form

how artists are responding with the realities of the

When we connected with Maduro, she was in France

COVID-19 pandemic through their work,” says Ghislain

visiting the Art Paris fair, and one of the key take-

d’Humières, director and CEO at the Norton Museum

aways she noted is a return to the body and portrai-

of Art. Maduro of the Four Arts notes that some well-

ture. “Figurative art is back in vogue in the interna-

known artists even used the past year to explore dif-

tional art market, though Miami tastes tend to favor

ferent mediums and styles. “Damien Hirst, for example,

the abstract,” Maduro says. “It will be interesting to

spent 2020 painting Cherry Blossoms, in a marked de-

see whether the works selected by galleries present

parture from his abstract work,” she says.

this trend.”

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Fr o m ab o ve : Damien Hir st ’s s t udio w it h Ch er r y B l o s soms ; Bl um & Po e g a l l er y, Ar t B a sel M ia mi Beac h 2019. Oppos it e pag e, f r o m t op : Maur iz io Cat t el a n ’s Co median c aused a s t ir a t A r t Ba sel M ia mi Beac h 2019; Co nne c t ed wit h Nat ur e, Fede r ic o Ur ibe.

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COURTESY PIETER MAES AND ATELIERS COURBET

COURTESY OF MODERNE GALLERY

COURTESY OF SHAUN ROBERTS/ELEANOR HARWOOD GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Abo v e l ef t , f r o m t o p: Ac r o ss _1, Kir a Do min g uez H ul t g r en , a nd Millef le ur (det a il ), Kir st en Ha s sen f eld , bo t h pa r t o f “ A Beaut if ul M es s” at T h e So c iet y o f t h e Fo ur Ar t s. Rig h t : Fo ur Wo men, Dindg a M c Can n o n , Fr idman Gal l er y, Ar t B a sel M ia mi Beac h 2 021. To p r ig h t , middl e r ig h t , a nd bel o w : Piec es b y E st el l e Ha lp er at Mo der ne Ga l l er y, Piet er M a es at A t el ier s C o ur bet , a nd Ziz iph o P os wa a t So ut h er n Guild , a ll pa r t o f D es ig n M ia mi/.

ees can view textile works by Dindga McCannon at the Fridman Gallery booth, which will present some of this prominent Black artist’s most seminal pieces.

4. Fine and Decorative Art There used to be a clear separation between different calibers of art and artists, but now, Lippman says, “there’s been this very fortunate blurring of the lines between what used to be thought of as fine art and decorative arts, or even craft, so it’s great now to see painters who are, for example, trying their hand at ceramics.” He nods to Sterling Ruby as an example of an artist who dabbles in various mediums like ceramics,

COURTESY OF SOUTHERN GUILD AND ZIZIPHO POSWA

painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, video, and textiles.

5. Environmental Concerns From repurposing natural materials to create biode-

3. Contemporary Textiles

gradable masterpieces to making art that commentates on political issues relating to climate change and

Another trend Maduro spotted during the Art Paris

sustainability, the environment continues to be a topic

fair was “an increasing interest in contemporary textile

of interest for artists. Miami-based Federico Uribe, for

works.” In addition to examples at Basel, she notes that

example, often explores environmental themes and up-

The Society of the Four Arts is currently displaying a

cycles discarded refuse in his work. “Concerns for the

show entitled “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters

environment are certainly going to be addressed, and

of the Vanguard,” which features works made from ma-

rightly so, as artists are so instrumental in motivating

terials such as rope, yarn, clay, and wire. Basel attend-

us to act,” Maduro says.

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COURTESY OF THE NORTON MUSEUM OF ART

COURTESY OF THE NORTON MUSEUM OF ART/JACEK

So un dsuit , Nic k C av e, Nor t on Museum of Ar t

Zen o X Ga lle r y

r eprMIAMI esen t ed ART BASEL ar t f r o m ab o ve : Se ag ul l , 2018, l uc BEACH DAY TRIPS

6. Political Statements Throughout history, health outbreaks, recessions, and

Tuy ma n s; Falli ng

other collective crises have shaped politics, and, in turn,

Experience ArtDic Basel alongside ti o nal , 2018, l uc Tuy ma ns ; one Fal l fellow Palm Beachers during in g Dic t io nar yr y, of the following organized day trips to Miami. “There may be fewer kisses on the cheeks than in past years, but otherwise, I think we’re all looking forward to getting out and being with one another,” Lippman says.

inspired art topics and movements. Today, Lippman says “there’s a certain effort on the part of museums as well as artists to be responsive to issues of diversity, and that is probably top-of-mind; certainly that has been the case this past year with the pandemic.”

7. Trailblazing Tech technology is one of the most popular categories for new art ideas and innovations. “There are some wonderful artists doing laser work and, of course, video as well—that’s always engaging,” Lippman says. One South

From virtual and augmented reality to 3D printing, The Society of the Four Arts Friday, December 3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $150 and include transportation, a boxed lunch, and fair entry.

Florida artist he anticipates seeing each year is Jose Alvarez who uses video, among other mixed media.

Miami/, which takes place in tandem

“It’s the kind of thing that stops you in your tracks and

with Basel, puts more of a focus on

breaks the pace of walking around,” he adds.

trade categories, showcasing artistic

8. Insertion of Sound All it takes for a category to seem fresh again is a little

approaches to common items like furniture and decorative fixtures.

Museum of Art recently commissioned Scottish artist

10. Instagrammable Installations

Susan Philipsz to do a sound installation, and while “it’s

Social media has changed the way

not an art form that’s brand new—in fact, it’s really

people experience art—and how

quite old—she calls it a ‘sound sculpture.’” Philipsz’s

art is disseminated. Creating selfie-

exhibition at the museum is titled The Wind Rose and

worthy moments might be a consid-

features eight channels with different sounds created

eration for some artists, Lippman

from blowing into a conch shell.

says. “[Social sharing] seems to be

reinvention. For example, Lippman says the Boca Raton

9. Ceramics and Furnishings

Norton Museum of Art Friday, December 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complimentary for upper-level museum members. Includes transportation, brunch at The Fillmore Miami Beach, and fair entry. Boca Raton Museum of Art Friday, December 3, contact for time information. Tickets cost $50 for member, $60 for guests of members, and include transportation and fair entry.

the measure of popular support; it doesn’t necessarily bring a sale of the work of art, but it’s not just about

A rediscovered respect for the home after spending

the sales—it’s about the enjoyment,” he says. Contrari-

an extended amount of time there during this past

ly, there could be a financial gain for gimmicky art that

year has led to a reinvigorated valuation of interior

garners online attention. After all, that viral 2019 Art

design and architecture. Lippman notes that Design

Basel banana sold for $120,000. .

014_ART-TRENDS_2021.indd 17

Fr o m t o p l ef t : Nao mi Lo ok ing For war d #2, Mic k a len e Th o ma s, No r t o n M useum of Ar t ; Anno yed Radh a w it h h er Fr iends, Keh ind e Wil ey, Bo c a R at o n Mus eum o f Ar t .

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State of the

Arts AFTER MOSTLY TAKING A YEAR OFF, MIAMI ART WEEK RETURNS WITH A FULL LINEUP OF CAN’T-MISS EVENTS AND WORLD-CLASS SHOWS BY ERIC BARTON

hen the international art fair known as Art Basel first arrived in Miami, it had a rough start. Scheduled for 2001, the tragic events of September 11

forced a year delay. Perhaps some would have thought that beginning to be a bad omen. But organizers refocused on a 2002 opening, putting two solid years into the planning. That first Miami edition of Art Basel attracted 160 galleries from across the globe and 30,000 attendees. It spawned several satellite fairs, drew attention to local galleries and collectors, and invigorated the art scene throughout South Florida, helping to bolster Wynwood and the Design District. Nearly two decades later, Art Basel has spawned the broader Art

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K. HAYDEN

Cl o c k w ise f ro m a bo v e: Ar t M ia mi 2019; Wo r l d as Flo w, Sa int Cl a ir Cemin , Wate r h o use & Do dd, Ar t M ia mi 2021; Ph ysic h ro mie 2575, Car l os C r uz D iez , Ga l er ies Bar t o ux , Ar t Miami 2021.

Week, with events and shows spread across the region. Art Week is perhaps Miami’s most significant cultural event, and despite a necessary cancellation last year, it returns for what organizers hope is the kind of comeback we saw way back when it all began. The lineup can be overwhelming, but we’ve boiled it down to the must-attend fairs and can’t-miss high-

Oppos it e pa g e, f r o m lef t : Rast a Band, NYC, a nd Woman # 1, Din dg a Mc Can n o n , Fr idman Gal ler y, Ar t Ba sel Mia mi Beac h 2021

lights at Art Week 2021.

Art Basel The single biggest show during Art Week returns with slightly curtailed public participation. Art Basel reportedly adds a halfbillion to the local economy, but perhaps more significantly, it has led to satellite fairs, nighttime events, and shows throughout South Florida. For the main Art Basel event at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the public will gain access December 2-4, while private exhibitions will open November 29 through December 1. Those entering must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and wear a mask. For those not ready to return to in-person events, Art Basel will also offer an online viewing room and livestreamed conversations, among other programming, as part of the digital initiative Art Basel Live. The event itself will boast more than 250 participating galleries spread across its sectors, to include the return of the Meridians sector featuring large-scale works curated by Magalí Arriola of Museo Tamayo. (artbasel.com/miami-beach)

Art Miami Taking over a sweet piece of bayfront real estate at One Herald Plaza, Art Miami is not only one of the biggest contemporary

018_ART-WEEK_2021.indd 19

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REDWOOD ART GROUP

international exhibitors await. There’s also a slate of presentations and panels, live music nightly, and a massive video screen outside showing multimedia presentations. It’s open to the public December 1-5, but spring for VIP access and you’ll get in a day early on November 30. (scope-art.com)

Design Miami/ While much of Art Week’s fairs focus on the traditional forms of visual art, Design Miami/ takes a different spin, showing off what’s new and newly classic in interior design. Attendees will find everything from chairs to sculptures—some practical and others that prioritize form over function—all meant to dress up the modern home. Taking up residence this year in Pride Park,

REDWOOD ART GROUP

Design Miami/ begins with a VIP preview November 30 and runs December 1-5. Plus, the addition of an online show means design enthusiasts can access the works from anywhere. With a “Human Kind” theme, the event will showcase visions for a more “equitable and interconnected future.” (designmiami.com)

Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami

art shows in Miami but among the biggest anywhere, compris-

Two shows with more than a decade of history will team up

ing somewhere near a couple hundred galleries each year.

inside the 100,000-square-foot Mana Wynwood exhibition

While visiting Art Miami from November 30 to December 5,

hall December 1-5. Spectrum will look at contemporary art

be sure to also stop by its neighboring sister fair, Context Art

through the lens of a “Double Take” curatorial theme, asking

Miami, where collectors can discover and acquire works from

viewers to slow down and savor the experience, while Red Dot

cutting-edge artists. (artmiami.com)

will focus on the notion of “Reveal,” with artists using their

Scope If it wasn’t for Art Basel and everything else happening dur-

works to unveil inherent truths about themselves and the world around them. (redwoodartgroup.com)

ing Art Week, Scope would be a huge draw on its own. Hitting

Aqua Art Miami

the 20-year mark in Miami, Scope sets up a glass-enclosed

Now in its sixteenth year, the Aqua Hotel’s Aqua Art Miami is one

entranceway on the sands of South Beach, leading into a mas-

of the longest running satellite fairs. The event will take place

sive gallery stretching out along the seaside. Inside, some 140

December 1-5 (with a VIP preview on the first day) and focus on

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CAN’T-MISS EVENTS AND INSTALLATIONS

COURTESY OF THE CONTEMPORARY MODERN ART PROJECT

GREG CLARK OF GOODMIAMI

Baker’s Brunch The Bakehouse Art Complex’s annual event, slated for December 2, includes visits to artist studios as well as exhibitions and installations inside and outside its sprawling Wynwood campus.

emerging artists and galleries. The quirky Aqua Hotel turns into a hangout during Art Week, with those in the know stopping by for the what’s-next art on display and the breezy courtyard at the property’s center. (aquaartmiami.com)

Untitled Art Untitled Art prioritizes experimentation in contemporary art. This year, more than 146 galleries will participate, taking up residence in a custom-built structure at Twelfth Street and Ocean Drive November 29 to December 4. (untitledartfairs.com)

Pinta Miami Latin-American art takes center stage at Pinta. The fifteenth edition—December 1-5—will comprise four sections covering solo projects and photography, among other topics. (pinta.art)

Ink Miami Works on paper is the focus at Ink Miami, making it unique among the Art Week shows. The Dorchester hotel hosts the

Cl o c k w ise f ro m t o p: Wy nw o o d Wa l l s; i nsta l l at io n v iew o f Pedr o Wa z z a n ’s In th e Stu dio ser ies, Bake h o us e Ar t Co mpl ex ; Bar bie M el t down (NFT), Nyc h os , Sc o pe 2021; Flo wer ida, Idr is Ha bib, Scop e 2021. Oppos it e pag e, c l o c kw ise f r o m fa r l ef t : Swo on (NFT), Thal a s sa , Scop e 2021; 2022, Jac k ie Fuc h s, Red Do t M ia mi 2021; Pop of t h e Wil d Col l ec t ion : Leop ar d, Ka r in Br aun s, Spec t r um Mia mi 2021.

Tomorrow Land This interactive art project in the Miami Design District combines a series of sculptures, seating, and ornamentation to turn the neighborhood into a virtual and tactile playground. An app uses AR tech to allow visitors to collect totems throughout the area. If you miss it during Art Week, the playground will continue until May. “Agents of Change” at Wynwood Walls The street art epicenter Wynwood Walls will debut new installations from a roster of globally known artists that will come into focus just in time for Art Week. La Ventanita Rum maker Brugal 1888 has a popup in the Nautilus by Arlo that’s equal parts coffee and cocktails. During the day you can sip cafecitos; stay until happy hour when the drinks switch to rum creations from master mixologists. The Confidante’s Pop-Up Skate Park The Museum of Graffiti teamed up with Few and Far, a collaboration of women street artists, to create a skate ramp in the backyard of The Confidante. Drop in to watch demos by pro skaters daily. Rachel K at the W Miami Colorful art displays from FrenchLebanese artist Rachel K will be on view at the W Miami in Brickell through December 6. Snap your next selfie with the standout Wings of Joy angel wings.

show December 1-5. (inkartfair.com) .

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l SCAN EACH QR CODE TO SEE MORE FROM EACH ARTWORK

This digit al colla ge w as crea ted o ver the course of 5 ,000 day s by the ar tis t Beeple . To make it , he p os ted a ne w ar tw ork online ever y day f or more than 13 years. Ever ydays: The Fir st 5000 Days wa s the firs t purel y digit al ar tw ork ever offered at C hris tie ’s; it sold f or $69,346,250.

CRUSHING ON

CRYPTO HOW NFTS ARE TAKING THE ART WORLD BY STORM— AND HOW TO WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND IT BY JUDY MARTEL

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Left : The P andora Varia tions (2021) by B rend an D awe s in collab ora tion with L o gan Nel son and C har l otte Edmonds consis t s of five 4K MP4 file s. Right : Cr ypt oP unk #7523 by Lar va Lab s w as minted on June 23 , 2017, and is one of nine alien punk s. It sold f or more than $ 11 million.

ntil recently, asking someone to defin an NFT probably would have resulted in a blank expression (and maybe a quick Google search). Then, in March, Christie’s auction house shocked the

art world with one spectacular sale of an NFT and suddenly the acronym was on everyone’s lips. With a starting bid of just $100, the virtual collage Everydays: The First 5000 Days by the artist Beeple (real name Mike Winkelmann) sold for more than $69 million. (By the way: that’s $15 million more than Monet’s Nymphéas painting sold for in 2014.) Since then, NFTs—short for non-fungible tokens— have catapulted into the collective awareness, even if few understand their complexities. “The results of our sales at Christie’s over recent months have demonstrated huge enthusiasm within the market and, to a larger extent, the limitless potential for this artistic medium,” says Noah Davis, senior specialist in post-war and contemporary art. “At Christie’s, we have seen interest in NFTs from collectors of multiple generations and on a global scale.” So what are they? NFTs are digital assets representing a particular work. They are bought and sold on the internet, almost exclusively with cryptocur-

Perennial Link s (2021) by Ikaro Ca val cante is a one -minute MP4 vide o a t 30 frame s per se cond . It sold f or more than $8 ,000 and is currentl y o wned b y Ikaro Ca val cante . NFTs cont ain pro of of o wnership and exis t on a bl o ck chain, meaning e ven if a pie ce of digit al ar t c an be d o wnl o aded and copied , onl y the o wner of the NFT ha s the true original .

022_NFT_feature_2021.indd 23

rency. Most importantly, they contain proof of ownership—“provenance,” in art-speak—that is essential to the value of the work. NFTs exist on a blockchain, basically a digital database, so even if COLLECT 23

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Visor (2021) by Mad D o g Jone s is an MP4 vide o tha t cont ains audio b y La+ch. Because digit al ar t is typic all y bought and sold with cr ypt o cur renc y, by it s ver y na ture it will be v ola tile , but s ale s ha ve seen a b o om thank s in p ar t t o his t oric all y l o w intere st ra te s and the re cent rise of cr ypt o currenc y.

a piece of digital art (also called crypto art) can be downloaded and copied from the internet, only the owner of the NFT has the true original. Nor are NFTs exclusive to art; “digital moments” from NBA games are hot properties, and even an NFT of the first t eet, by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, sold for $2.9 million. In the art arena, the question among collectors is whether NFT buyers are rushing to stay ahead of a digital art boom, or are in danger of becoming victims of a potential investment bust. “They’re extremely hard to comprehend, but NFTs are here to stay,” says Ronald Harrar, a New York and South Florida collector and dealer who owns V. Contemporary Space in New York City and, through his Instagram account, @ronaldharrar, educates followers and displays the art he buys. “In South Florida, 90 percent of collectors are still trying to figu e out what an NFT is,” he adds. “They’re sort of watching from behind the fence, but then there are the other 10 percent who want

SHIFT// (2021) by Fv ckrender is an MP4 tha t w as minted on Ma y 1 8, 2021. Unlike tra ditional w ork s of ar t , NFTs pro vide solid pro venance be cause the y exis t on the Ethere um bl o ck chain.

to get in and say they need to get in.” David Rothschild, vice president and sales director of Sotheby’s Private Sales, says collecting and selling digital art is not so diffe ent from traditional art. “Like 24 COLLECT

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DRAGON! (2021) by O seanW orld is an MP4 tha t sold f or more than $ 100,000. The que stion among ar t colle ct ors is whether NFT buyers are ru sh ing t o s t ay ahead of a digit al ar t b o om or are in d anger of be coming victims of a p otential inve stment bu st —but NFT s are here t o s t ay.

INFINITE FUTURE (2021) by D on Diabl o is an MP4. This NFT is a ccomp anied b y it s hol o gram cabinet and a c ar trid ge . David Ro thschild , vice pre sident and s ale s dire ct or of S otheb y’s Priv ate Sale s, s ay s colle cting and selling digit al ar t is no t so different from traditional ar t.

tangible art, some buy digital art for passion, some for resale, and some buy as an investment,” he explains. Investors, however, need to be aware that because digital art is typically bought and sold with cryptocurrency, by its very nature it will be volatile. “Historically low interest rates coupled with the injection of capital into the markets and the resulting equity performance have led to a rise in cryptocurrency and, in turn, put a spotlight on NFTs,” he adds, so we are seeing something of a digital art boom. The same stock market performance and low interest rates have also helped lead to a boom in sales of traditional art as well, he points out. “As with any medium, it comes down to the quality of the work and the demand for the artist,” notes Davis. “Masterworks command significant prices egardless of the medium.” But unlike traditional works of art, NFTs provide rock

022_NFT_feature_2021.indd 25

Two D egree s (2021) by T erra0 cont ains con tra ct s tha t are linked t o an online tem pera ture ser ver tha t upd ate s on an annu al ba sis. The t oken is de signed t o be de stro yed if Ear th’s tempera ture rea che s a t lea st 2 de gree s Cel siu s ab o ve a vera ge gl obal tempera ture s.

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solid provenance because they exist on the Ethereum blockchain, says Rothschild. Blockchain’s security is the result of decentralized technology spread across millions of computers that record transactions. “There is never a doubt about authenticity if ownership can be traced all the way back to the artist, which is what the

Still from Er oding and R ef orming B us t of Rome (O ne Y ear) (2021) by D aniel Arsham. Arsham’s NFT depict s a digit al version of a sculpture from his re cent exhibition a t the Perro tin ar t galler y in Ne w York . The sculp ture will de cay, disinte gra te , and ref orm ever y month o ver the course of a year.

blockchain provides,” he adds. Sotheby’s began its foray into the digital NFT art space this

Digital: A Curated NFT Sale,” was held over the summer. Roths-

past year with “The Fungible” collection from the anonymous

child says they expect to increase their presence in NFTs, but so

and increasingly popular creator known as Pak. Following the

far, Palm Beach collectors for the most part remain cautious. “I

successful sale totaling $17 million, a second auction, “Natively

think there’s a general curiosity about them, but a large number of our clients are still hesitant to get involved,” he says, adding that the small percentage who are involved are well informed in

GUD MORNING (2021) by Gre g Mike x NGHTMRE. “Gre g Mike ” Mensch ing’s childho od trip s t o Ne w York C ity in the mid -1980s a s well as his l o ve f or ska te cul ture and Ameri can mid -centur y car t o ons inf orm the Surrealis t P op Ar t vibe s of his w ork . GUD MORNING come s with a cr y st al ball and cu st om s t and .

the space and are actively engaged in buying. Like Harrar, Rothschild believes that not only is digital art here to stay, it will continue to gain prominence among artists and collectors. “Art is always a creative way to capture history, and NFTs are capturing a generation,” he says. “Young artists of today are thinking of new ways to push boundaries and how museums, curators, and dealers interpret it.” Displaying digital art in a physical space can, in fact, be a challenge. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, with support from the Knight Foundation, responded to the closing of the museum due to the pandemic lockdown last year by launching eight digital commissions on its website and social platforms, highlighting the work of Miami artists. “The response from the community, and the measurable impact on working artists, was immediately remarkable,” says artistic director Alex Gartenfeld.

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Abo ve: Still from German-b orn ar tis t and filmmaker D ara Friedman’s The Cr owning (2021), a digit al proje ct commis sioned b y the Ins titute of C ontemp orar y Ar t , Miami. Far right : Backd ated NFT /Ethere um St amp (2016-2018-2021) by Simon Denny is a JPE G of an off set print on adhe sive -backed p os t age st amp paper and rubber s t amp, and is a ccomp anied b y a bl o ck chain comp any p os t age s t amp and a cu st om-de signed p os t age s t amp.

This summer they launched four more digital artists on the site and will add physical exhibits of the digital art this year. “We will be exhibiting the digital commissions in two physical locations,” shares Gartenfeld. “First, in collaboration with the Design District in public sites in our neighborhood. Second, we will be showing the full suite of commissions in a media gallery at ICA Miami this winter.” Harrar, who is building his own digital art collection alongside his traditional art, shows his NFT purchases on his website, his phone, and, when he’s entertaining at home, on his television. “I had people over for dinner the other night and showed them my latest acquisitions,” he says. He’s excited about how the digital medium will continue to advance, saying he’s “blown away” by the way a work can change before a viewer’s eyes because of the nature of the medium. “Think about three or four years ago: We had sculpture, paintings, some video installations—but technology has evolved so much since then. Now we’re in a whole new universe.” .

A version of the firs t NFT e ver crea ted , Quan tum (2014-21), by Kevin McC oy is a 9-mb TIF and file archive . The l ot sold f or more than $ 1.4 million at the cl ose of Sotheb y’s a uction “Nativel y Digit al: A Cura ted NFT Sale ” in June 2 021.

SAY WHAT? HERE ARE ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO ASK ABOUT THE NFT GAME (BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK)

ONE MORE TIME. WHAT’S AN NFT? NFT is the acronym for “non-fungible token.” Nonfungible means something is unique and can’t be replaced with something else. For example, a dollar is fungible. Trade one for another and you’ll have exactly the same thing. A rare Babe Ruth trading card or a Rothko painting, however, is non-fungible. If you traded it for a different card or a different painting you’d have something completely differen . WHAT’S ETHEREUM BLOCKCHAIN? Ethereum is a cryptocurrency (think bitcoin or dogecoin). But Ethereum is unique in that it was the first blockchain to support NFTs by storing extra information about them—and that information is what makes them non-fungible. WHAT CAN BE SOLD AS AN NFT? NFTs can be anything digital, including drawings, music, videos, and social media posts, among other things. WHERE ARE NFTS STORED AND DISPLAYED? NFTs are stored in password-protected digital wallets but can be displayed on any digital screen. CAN I STILL VIEW (OR COPY) AN NFT AFTER IT HAS BEEN PURCHASED? Yes. But when someone buys an NFT, they receive something that can’t be copied: recorded ownership of the work. Think of it this way: Anyone can buy a van Gogh print, but only one person can own the original (and the associated bragging rights). IS EVERY NFT UNIQUE? Yes, in the sense that every NFT is a unique token on the blockchain. But while it could be like the aforementioned Rothko or van Gogh painting (where there’s only one definitive actual version), it could also be like a Babe Ruth trading card, where a certain number of copies of the same card were issued. WHO IS PURCHASING NFTS AND WHY? Some NFT buyers are treating them like they’re the future of fine art collecting, at ultra-high prices. Others treat them like trading cards, sold at more accessible prices.

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PHOTO FINISH CURATE A COLLECTION OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY IN A SNAP BY SUSIE STANTON STAIKOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ

These days, anyone with a smartphone can take a photo at a moment’s notice. But with museum collections and art fairs devoted to fine art ph tography, the medium is attracting serious collectors like Jaye Luntz. As a child, she grew up surrounded by the works at her parents’ gallery, the Holden Luntz Gallery on Worth Avenue. As an adult, she runs JL Modern Gallery, also on Worth, geared toward a younger clientele. Collect caught up with Luntz to get her tips for wouldbe photography collectors.

Collect: What are the first steps i starting to collect photography? Luntz: The process usually begins by seeing an image that pulls you in emotionally. The beauty of photography is capturing a moment that actually occurred. The would-be collector has to understand that, unlike buying a painting, there are editions in photography that give multiple opportunities to collect something. It is important to educate yourself, and there are many resources. Starting a relationship with a gallery and having conversations with them can provide a wealth of knowledge. When galleries know 28

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Jaye L untz sit s with the Harr y Benson Bea tle s f or tieth annivers ar y por tf olio , with Benson’s The B eatle s (Pill ow Fight) , 1964, in the ba ck ground . Opposite p age: F ashion pho t o graphs b y Ca thleen Naund orf , incl uding (t op) La Fille en P la tre VI , 2009, and La Libell ule , 2009.

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lifetime are more valuable. There are also editions that are made posthumously. When it comes to vintage photography, it was not usual for photographers to think of their work as having fine art alue, and they didn’t always produce editions. When collecting vintage photographs, you’re not necessarily going to find them in pristin condition. There may be some creases or silvering on the print. It’s part of the print’s history and rather like a patina. If you are fixat d on the condition of a print, it may take you some time to appreciate the beauty of a vintage print. What about budget? It’s good to have a budget in mind, but it can limit you from seeing something extraordinary. Give yourself some space to breathe. What photography-related materials are collectible? Contact prints are really interesting and give you the opportunity to look into the photographer’s mind and see how their mind works and how they switch their focus. You can also see the photographer’s selection. It’s another way of looking at photography and giving you a narrative of the entire shoot. Sometimes the artist doesn’t want you to see the images that weren’t selected and won’t sell negatives because reproductions could be made that were never intended to be printed.

Luntz a t her W est P alm B ea ch home in front of B ernard F aucon’s Chambre s D’Amour por tf olio , produced between 1984 and 1989 .

An enlargement of a contact sheet can be more interesting. Anyone collecting photography should understand the foundation and the history of photogra-

the artists, they can pass on additional

excellent online publications that provide

phy. To know how a print is made is really

information. A gallery would educate you,