Expect the Unexpected! Miami Art Week 2021

February 17, 2022

Miami Art week was finally back and brought so much fun! Art Basel Miami Beach was grander than ever with 260 world’s best contemporary art galleries participating. Satellite fairs with over 300 art galleries from all over the world were true rivals to the major event.

November 29 – December 5, 2021 formal and informal openings, champagne receptions, private parties –manifested that the contemporary art scene has survived the pandemic and continues to flourish.

To me, as an art dealer and art gallery owner, it’s always interesting to visit international art fairs and to feel the direction in which contemporary art is developing. I have observed that majority of artists are employing new media as a novel way to express the artistic message. Using unconventional and non-glamorous media, artists are breaking the barriers to art connoisseurship, inviting wider audiences to appreciate art, striking them with the element of surprise and good humor.

New media often evoke emotions very different from traditional painting and sculptures. Tapestries made of old worn-out clothing invite to explore the threads and tussles, check the content of the pockets; candy-colored sculptures made of felt tempt you to give them a big hug; intricate oriental rug made of woven plastic paste inevitably urges you to poke it with your finger (I did, when nobody was looking).

The old classic painting style known as “Trompe L’oeil” (trick the eye) got totally new interpretation in various installations using holograms, mirrors and all sorts of high-tech shimmering, flickering, vanishing imaging. The effect goes far beyond tricking the eye – some impressionable art lovers experience temporary mental confusion and nausea.

Please enjoy photos I made featuring art pieces that I find interesting. If you haven’t visited this mega art event last December, I would highly recommend not to miss it this year. And invite your friends. You’ll be out for good time, I guarantee it!