Basel 2013: Best Music-Related Art Events, From Kanye and Wu Tang to Lady Gaga

To paraphase Yeezus: "They said because I'm known for music that no one would believe in me if I put on some weird masks and called it performance art." These days, especially during Art Basel Miami Beach week, musicians aren't satisfied with Billboard number ones and platinum records and a...

By S. Pajot

December 4, 2013

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To paraphase Yeezus: "They said because I'm known for music that no one would believe in me if I put on some weird masks and called it performance art."

These days, especially during Art Basel Miami Beach week, musicians aren't satisfied with Billboard number ones and platinum records and a dressing room full of eager groupies.

Whether it's Kanye or Gaga, the pop stars of 2013 want to be recognized as artistes. So naturally, they're doing art events all over Miami for Basel 2013.

Kanye West! With Jacques Herzog! A panel discussion moderated by Hans-Ulrich Obrist. As part of Surface magazine's Design Dialogues No. 6. Wednesday, December 4, Moore Building, 4040 NE Second Ave., Miami. "Can I talk my shit again?" Yes, Yeezus, you may. Tonight, in fact, go ahead and ramble all about "art and design," alongside superstar architect Jacques Herzog. Just remember this is a panel discussion, i.e. friendly, sophisticated chit-chat. So no need to start screeching, "Imma let you finish!"

Kanye West Again! With Vanessa Beecroft! As part of Flaunt Magazine's Affordable Care group show. Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m., Mana Wynwood Production Village, 318 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-305-5574; manawynwood.com. Visit artbaselmanawynwood.com. This one is a "rumor." But even if it's not officially confirmed that "Mr. West will be making an appearance," he is billed as a contributor to art star (and artistic director for the "Runaway" video and Yeezus tour) Vanessa Beecroft's 7 p.m. performance piece.

And, like, y'know, he'll only be about five minutes away after finishes talking that shit.

Born This Way Foundation Gala! Presented by Omar Hernandez. With an art auction featuring work by Lady Gaga, Hilary Harkness, Cass Bird, and others, curated by Nicole Erlich. Wednesday, December 4, 9 p.m., Castle Hotel, 5445 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets are available for $250 and up with reservations via [email protected]. Lady Gaga loves art so, so, so much that it's devaaaaaastating. She also loves all her little monsters. And that's why she is hosting this Basel week art auction to benefit the Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit that the pop star founded with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, "foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated."

But what about a society where we know if Gaga's actually gonna show up for this thing?

Wu-Tang's 20th Anniversary Event: Official Art Basel Edition! Hosted by Raekwon, Angela Simmons, and Mr. Brainwash. Co-presented by Smile Design Gallery. Thursday, December 5, 7 to 10 p.m., 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; delano-hotel.com. Celebrate two decades of the Clan and "Bring Da Ruckus" with Raekwon at the Delano. Then protect ya portfolio ... By investing in some Wu-Tang-inspired art by Liu Bolin, Mr. Brainwash, RETNA, Miya Ando, Lina Viktor, and Fab 5 Freddy.

And even though it true that "cash rules everything around me," Rae and the rest of the Wu crew will be donating some of those "dollar, dollar bills, y'all" to the Children of Staten Island and free dental care.

For real, "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta Fuck Wit."

Basel Castle 2013. With SBTRKT (DJ set), Chance the Rapper, Been Trill, Travi$ Scott, and others. Saturday, December 7, noon to 11 p.m., Grand Central Park, 700 N. Miami Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $20 to $50 plus fees via ticketfly.com. All ages. Visit baselcastle.com. Enter Basel Castle, a trippy-ass house of horrors and hilarity splattered with expertly rendered portraits of monocular monsters, mutant cartoon characters, humanoid donuts, murderous pandas, and MC Hammer by the artsy likes of L'Amour Supreme, Greg Mike, Madsteez, Nosego, Matt.W.Moore, Angry Woebots, Pale Horse, Nychos, Skinner, Jeremyville, and Meggs.

There will also be beer, custom-made carnival games, and 10 hours of awesome fucking music.

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