By Kiša Lala
Christian Awe working on the pictures for Wynwood Kitchen and Bar October 2010, photo by Bernd Borchardt II
This year, during Art Basel week at Miami Beach, NYC-based gallery – The Hole’s Kathy Grayson and Meghan Coleman – curated new sets of sculptures and murals at Wynwood walls by artists including Ryan McGinness, Ben Jones, Assume Vivid Astro Focus, Ron English and Kenny Scharf. The wall art covering the Wynwood District is becoming a refreshing alternative to the white-cube confines of more conventional gallery spaces in which art is traditionally sanctified. The labyrinths of walls at Wynwood are sponsored by Goldman Properties who benefit from the revitalization of the district, and these murals without a doubt enhance the aesthetics and property values of the flat-roofed run-down warehouses. The artworks from previous years by Shepard Fairey, Futura and Kenny Scharf have weathered well enough to become part of the Wall’s growing ‘permanent collections.’
Nothing could stop Art Basel from having another successful year in Miami. Not a recession, not adverse conditions—though heavy rain and flooding destroyed a few works of art—could keep the droves of people from returning to south Florida and jamming the aisles of all participating spaces and the streets of the Design District.
