Guest Blogger: Local Bloggers Take on Basel

The post was contributed by Jannely Fernandez. Her blog, The Fashion Buffet, is one of my favorite Miami fashion and lifestyle blogs. Find out what she has to say about Art Basel below.

Once December arrives, it seems as though every Miamian becomes an art aficionado. Art Basel has become a tradition for us living in the city. This year’s experience was no different from previous years, but just as fun. I was lucky enough to be invited to more events than I could attend (and was even able to sneak in a private party or two).

I love how we’ve created so many nicknames for Art Basel like “Baseling” or “Baseltov.” I especially enjoyed this year’s festivities because I got to attend events with some fellow bloggers and my boyfriend. They helped make the experience that much better.

Between the art and cocktails it’s easy to get inspired (and drunk as most of the events include plenty of drinks). Baseling around town is an art in itself. You can easily be perceived as an art savvy connoisseur depending on the clothes you’re wearing or how well you walk in those Valentinos. Or, you can easily be ignored by the art vendors.

Either way, I enjoyed this year the most because I noticed an increase of well-established artists and amazing paintings. This year, the amount of creativity blew me away. I got the opportunity to attend the Spectrum, Context and Art Miami tents, with the latter being the best. It’s interesting how some of my favorite paintings were actually nudes. I found this lady swinging gracefully in an open field that looked like paradise.

This reminds me that worry is a disease. How about this painting with the naked old ladies? I want to be as happy as they are when I reach 90.

Art is everywhere if you seek it and Art Basel is the time of the year where you find it right outside your door.

The after-parties tended to be like any other night of debauchery in Miami with one or two art features added. I went to the Mazda event one night and I have to say that the food was the best part. At this event, I enjoyed my favorite seafood: sushi, grouper, and paella. After eating, I got a look at some of the cars. I don’t know what cars have to do with art, but I imagine cars have a lot of aesthetic involved, so I suppose there’s something artful about them.

In the end, all I can say is, thank god for the open bars and the free food. They made my Basel experience all the more fun. Art Basel can be a marathon but only the experienced know how to get through it. This is one of the best weeks in Miami that every tourist has to experience. I can’t wait for next year to explore more art!