The entrance to Art Basel Miami Beach 2009

“There’s a lot less ornament and a lot more substance,” declared Micky Wolfson Jr., founder of Miami Beach’s Wolfsonian Museum – this phrase sums-up many reflections on the eighth edition of Art Basel Miami Beach closed on Sunday, December 6 where smaller parties dominated and collectors purchased cautiously. In keeping with tradition edgy Contemporary pieces were bestsellers at Art Basel Miami Beach with larger, museum-targeted pieces dominating the booths along with traditional works by Popular Latin American artists such as the Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco. Interestingly, while many Asian and European buyers skipped the fair, additional Portuguese speakers were hired to aid Latin American buyers who were out in force.

Santigold performs at the Raleigh Hotel

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Shepard Fairey in front of his work at STAGES

STAGES, the fundraising exhibition organized by Lance Armstrong‘s Livestrong, has come to Miami after runs in Paris and New York. ArtObserved was at the opening last night at the exhibition brought together by O.H.W.O.W. Lance Armstrong was in attendance, as were several of the artists involved, including Shepard Fairey, who DJed for a time, Rosson Crow, KAWS, Dustin Yellin, Erik Parker, José Parda, and others.

Tom Sach’s work at STAGES

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