In Miami, there are two kinds of art lovers. There are the casual fans of gallery exhibits, people more interested in the after-party and the nearby food trucks than they are in the work itself. And then there are the Art Snobs.
These are the lovers of Art with a capital 'A.' They know all the Wynwood galleries by heart (though of course they're so over that scene these days). They've been following the careers of their favorite local artists ever since they graduated together from New World. And they're always down for a discussion about that fascinating article in the latest Miami Rail.
In a city like Miami, "Art Snob" isn't a derogatory term. It's a necessary way of life for people who are passionate about art living in a town where the culture -- in museums, in galleries, and in the street -- grows and evolves so quickly. A little jaded? A little too serious? Who cares? If it's all in service of Miami culture, go on with your artsy self.
Here are ten signs you might fall within Miami's arts elite.
10. You compulsively correct anybody who mispronounces "Art Basel."
Basel Week is the best week of the year in Miami -- and it's your personal mission to teach locals how to say it. For the record: It's baa-sel, as in "baa baa black sheep." Not Ba-sel, with the first syllable sounding like you're about to say "back" or "bathtub." And never, ever, ever Bay-sel, like basil. Ever.
9. You wouldn't be caught dead looking at Britto.
Not in a gallery, not on a mural, not at the Shops at Midtown, not at the Britto store at the airport. That cheesy pop art is for colorblind tourists, not sophisticated art lovers like yourself. (Even if you do secretly think Britto's response to his gallery getting tagged last year was kind of brilliant.)
8. You were going to Wynwood before it was cool.
Everyone claims they were in Wynwood back in the good old days, before all the food trucks and bars and overcrowding on Second Saturdays. But you have the memories to prove it. Speaking of which....
7. You scoff at gallery openings without free booze.
You remember the good old days of Wynwood: galleries filled with art, engaged onlookers, and drinks available for the price of a $1 tip. Nowadays, there's a ton of art happening in this town. You can't see it all. So a busy art lover like yourself has to make the most of the gallery experience -- and that includes taking in both culture and finely crafted libations. No drinks? No deal.
6. You know exactly where to find all of the murals in this video.
And you remember exactly what gallery opening or after-party you were going to see when you first saw each one.
5. Your wardrobe is made up entirely of thrifted and locally designed clothing.
One day, your cultured ways will make you rich and famous. (Or at least interesting enough to meet and marry somebody who is.) Until then, you've gotta fashion your artsy attire out of leftover designer labels and freaky finds at the Salvation Army. You can't exactly show up at an art event in cargo shorts from the mall.
4. Weird hair, don't care.
Impeccably styled and dyed, or carelessly yet somehow flawlessly unkempt -- pick a style, and adhere to it strictly.
3. You consider your Instagram account to be your own personally curated gallery.
You've gotta show off your keen eye. And what shows it off better than a Toaster filter paired with the blurred-edge effect?
2. Your tiny apartment is covered in local art.
Your low-rent studio affords you the opportunity to splurge on the very thing you love: art. Gotta support that local scene. Now, if you only had someplace to display all your masterpieces.
And of course, the number one sign you're a Miami art snob:
1. You're considering following your favorite artists out to L.A.
All the cool Miami creatives are headed out there. Shouldn't you go, too?
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