Getting ready for SELECT Fair NYC 2015

Spring is here (sometimes, right?) and I am busy putting together work for what is turning out to be one of the premier art shows of the season at SELECT Art fair where I will be showing a solo booth of my work. Sometimes the work exhilarates me so much I can't tear myself away to go sleep. And sometimes is terrifies me.

For the first time I will have a small edition of 12 prints available which be uniquely hand embellished with color and available framed individually or as a series of 4. Reducing the size of the already intricate drawings has been great as they appear more complex. Painting on the prints is allowing me to quickly experiment with color, and the set looks fun as a series.

On the flip side, I have started working larger than in the past looking to create an installation. Having noticed that gravity is more of a factor in large scale materials I've had to opt for alternative materials to maintain shape. Things are getting physicial - let's just say that my nails will never be the same again. 

The rooftop project that the guys are putting together at SELECT fair will be featuring many talented artists and an amazing set of installations. While I am excited to be one of them I have been working on a piece that can compliment the intensity of what I know to be going up there, while taking into account the possibility of rain on the open Chelsea rooftop. While my silk sculptures are water resistant, and silk is certainly durable, I have become rather fond of it's virginity and prefer it's per-watered luster.

This somewhat fair nature of the materials I am working with reminds me of how special they really are, and also has moved me to explore using additional and alternative materials. 

Art Basel Miami Bustles with Parties while Art Fairs Attendance Dwindles

I have always looked forward to Art Basel Miami - but this year was more work than the usual play of parties, paintings and pampering then this artist likes to enjoy. In fact, many things had changed from previous years. South Beach; which in the past had been packed with tourists regardless of the event at hand - was unusually quiet as the young and hip scoped up Wynwood and partied on the other side of the bridge.  Moreover, the addition of new art fairs forced openings to be stacked over the same evening - as no one really can schedule to open outside Dec 2nd through 4th. This influx of events, also left fewer people attending each art space and with less time to dedicate to the appreciation of the work that artists spent so much time and energy to create. Those who were smart (and organized) did their homework and selected the places most inline with their taste - while the rest of us (and yours truly) attempted to savor a piece of it all. Even the Art Basel vernissage, typically brimming with collector and sociality alike, opened the show at a much slower pace and left me to wonder if the buying of art at this prestigious event has shifted to leave Art Basel as the social celebration of the art world. 

I must admit, this would be ok with me. I enjoy a good celebration, and extending that invitation outside of those affiliated with galleries, museums and publications, signals to me the expansion of the art appreciation market and makes me happy. Sure, the new attendees may not be quite as ready or willing to invest in the blue-chip-gallery pieces, but from an artist's perspective, I am glad that they are exposed to the artwork that we (collectively) create. 

I myself had my first Art Basel VIP reception and solo show, proudly brought to fruition by the new venue Sriciach house in South Beach. Organizing this task alone, left me stretched to attend the fairs or chatter with art enthusiasts about Trask's use of bone or Abramovics' appearance. But the evening was lovely, and causal in comparison to the hotel parties, with Pan-Asian snacks passed around and buckets of beers placed generously for attendees to enjoy meaning no one was left waiting at the bar. And to top it off, I did something that I have never done before.

A few days prior to the event, I took a moment to sit on the beach and drew a couple of sketches in the moment of peace between the madness, to give away to guests attending the reception. I didn't care about the value of the work nor the effect on my collection, I simply wanted to give something back to those who may not have the chance to own an original piece of art. And the response I received, in the excitement from the crowd waiting for the winner to be announced was one of the best feelings that I have achieved as an artists today. And actually, I hope to be able to continue to share in an art market infrastructure that is about giving, because true art is created with the intention to give and express and pass on, and not to be held hidden or captive. 

And as I left Miami heading back to New York, that is something that reminded me of the real essence of this specific art fair that is Art Basel. Sure it may have become about the parties, but as long as the parties are in celebration of the art and are meant to honor the artists and their work, keep the champagne coming and the Rolexes turning and please, pass me the caviar sans pancake. 

Thanks,

Zuz