Arts & Culture

Let’s face it — Art Basel isn’t just about Miami Beach anymore. Not to mention, if you Uber or — God help you — drive to the Beach, with each year you have to ask yourself if the ever-increasing traffic is worth it. It makes sense that Downtown, the real center of our city, after all, is fast emerging as a home for the arts.This year, Art Miami, Miami’s oldest art fair, and sister fair CONTEXT catalyzed this movement by setting up shop in their new location at One Herald Plaza.

When you grow up here, you see Basel as a kind of abstract happening. It’s something your rich friends get to go to while you’re stuck at home prepping for Christmas and Hanukkah. Beyond the beaches and the walls of Wynwood, life goes on and celebrity sightings are nil. It’s just another week, but with worse traffic.

As idols fall and the charged conversation about gender inequality continues to gain momentum, communities and allies pop up in unlikely places. During Miami Art Week, one such unexpected event for feminist art and interaction is Fair, taking place at the top of Brickell City Centre through December 10.

It’s not easy having eyes all over the scene, being around to take in all the wild visuals at all the worthwhile places in the city. There are, however, those parties and gallery openings where a fortunate photographer can point and shoot. Every week, in collaboration with WorldRedEye, New Times…

In August, Charleston City Paper published the stories of four local artists who took legal action against Rebekah Jacob of Rebekah Jacob Gallery for allegations of untimely payment, damaged work, lost work, and nonpayment. Jacob is also the gallerist behind Vedado Gallery, which is part of Scope Art Show in Miami Beach this week.

The Parade Against Patriarchy comes at the close of a year when women rose up to say “no more” to sexual harassment, among many other consequences that result from a patriarchal system.

Art Basel is in full force this week, with practically every spot in Miami hosting a private art collection event, performance art piece, or concert. Some places are jumping in for the first time, while others have been perfecting their events over the years. Hôtel Gaythering’s Art Gaysel falls into the latter category.

Art Basel isn’t known for skirting political commentary. The fair is arguably even a barometer for the levels of extremism to which contemporary art is willing to go at any given moment. Last year, for example, galleries reacted pointedly to the election of Donald Trump by making last-minute changes to works on display at the behest of artists and the public.

Thirty years ago, before he made his foray into politics, Donald Trump had this crazy idea to create the most opulent, over-the-top casino the world had ever seen. He set his sights on Atlantic City, New Jersey; outbid rivals to purchase a monstrosity called the Taj Mahal; and slapped his name on the front for good measure.

Miami Art Week can be overwhelming, especially if you have champagne taste on a beer budget. So as the Magic City prepares to take on the annual art bacchanal, we’re here to guide you to some of the best events around town that’ll cost you a total of zero dollars.

Neon lights embody Miami’s essence. They’re simultaneously bright and shady, buzzing and beaming above hotel foyers and diner doorways, advertising restaurants, pawnshops, and strip clubs. Live in South Florida long enough, and you get used to their electric glow. You probably don’t even notice them anymore.