Art Basel a Go-Go

If you're in Miami this weekend there's probably only two things on your mind: art, and traffic. The world (at least the art world) has come to Miami this weekend for Art Basel Miami Beach, the tropical kid sister of the Swiss summertime fair. We headed out to the Miami Beach Convention Center to check out the real deal and then to some of the offshoot fairs going on around town to see what's cool in art this year.

What we found is that a lot of the art at Art Basel Miami Beach is representing 2009. Hard. You've got recession art, MJ art, and self-reflective art. That is, art that's truly of its time, in it's time. If you can't make it down to see Art Basel in the flesh (or the mixed-media) check out our video of some of the very best the fair has to offer.

If you are in town, here's my advice for the best way to enjoy Art Basel Miami Beach: First, get a cab. You won't have to worry about driving or parking. Second, hit up the convention center to get an eye-full of some the biggest ideas in art right now. Then, head over to Lincoln Road (sans cab) to Art Center South Florida to check out some homegrown, (affordable!) art; you might even have a chance to meet the artists who make it - try that at the convention center.

Finally, head over to Wynwood, Miami's coolest little neighborhood that's stacked with galleries and Art Basel parties and events. While you're there, check out the newly painted murals on the sides of nearly every building - they're there forever, but you get to see them first. Then, get a drink. Head over to the Lost and Found and chill; after a long day of tickling your senses, you deserve a margarita. Or two. Shake, and stir.