5 great things about miami art basel

it was windy and rainy and beautiful and epic. two days in miami for art basel was the perfect weekend getaway.

if you didn’t know, art basel is an international art fair that takes place in miami every december. i was blessed to take the trip with the dopest photographer in the dc metro, carlisha shanae, whose work was selected for the scope show. whether you go to art basel to scout new talent, buy artwork or party, miami in december is always a good look.

5 great things about miami art basel

1. you get to see your favorite artists’ work. if you don’t live in new york, it might be hard to see orginial pieces by basquiat, banksy and keith herring, but at art basel you can find them all in one place. i fanned alllllllll the way out over the herring originals.
2. someplace other than south beach is poppin. south beach is like disney world. everything is shiny and manicured and well…fake. wynwood is miami’s art district that has a much more authentic and cooler vibe with lots of gallery spaces. even if it wasn’t art basel, i’d still go for the murals, including original pieces by eduardo kobra.
3. it’s a creative takeover. it’s refreshing to see so many creative folks in one place celebrating art and culture. it’s hard to describe, but the vibe just feels different.
4. black excellence is in effect. while the art world definitely needs to work on its diversity and inclusion, the museum of contemporary african diasporan arts held it down this year. the museum hosted a gallery space, artist talks and nightlife. next year their spot is at the top of my list.
5. you come home with new favorites. it’s dope to meet the artists showing their work and hear their inspiration firsthand. it’s even better to get impromptu lessons on certain mediums and techniques by aficionados that a country girl like me wouldn’t otherwise meet.

see you in miami next year!