Studio Lenca at Y.E.S. Contemporary, all images via Art Observed
Positioned south of the Convention Center at 10th and Ocean Dr., the Untitled Art Fair returns to its prime beach real estate this year, bringing with it another year of tightly-curated booths, installations and special projects. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the bustle of ABMB, complemented by the fair’s signature tent design, which boasts wide aisles and spacious booth for exhibitors that gave the exhibition a distinctly relaxed air, while offering ample light to emphasize the works on view.
Shinya Azuma at COHJU
Now in its 11th year of operation, Untitled has established itself as one of the week’s stronger offerings of art, particularly given its carefully curated approach and def selection of galleries and projects. Its continued emphasis on curatorial rigor and specially-focused invite model have made it a long-time favorite in Miami Beach, and this year was no different. Works ran the gamut from intriguing installation work to densely layered paintings and back, each booth offering a concise and engaging entry that made the fair feel as if it were an exhibition broken into smaller sections.
Alexis Mata at Maia Contemporary
John Gill at Yossi Milo
Among the highlights in its early hours were a striking series of wall-mounted works and sculptures by Studio Lenca at Y.E.S. Contemporary, colorful, languid depictions of the human form that engaged notions of identity and performance, while at Art Observed, a Kyoto-based gallery painter Shinya Azuma’s deconstructed depictions of the human figure took abstract portraiture in another direction, removing interior details in favor of bright colors and simplified renderings of the body. By contrast, artist John Gill’s abstract sculptures, mixing hard edges with bright colors to create jagged, surreal forms, offered an intriguing counterpoint against the subdued tones of painter Yoora Lee at London’s Cob Gallery.
David Leggett at Steve Turner LA
This year marks a high point for Untitled, taking its already impressive focus to a new level in terms of quality and selection. Â One can only hope the fair continues to push itself forward in coming years, making the beachfront fair an even stronger draw.
Untitled closes Sunday, December 3rd.
Daria Dmytrenko at Eduardo Secci
– D. Creahan
Read more:
Untitled [Exhibition Site]
