Wynwood Canvas hits the scene

The first edition of Wynwood Canvas is ready to hit the scene, a monthly newsmagazine that will be mailed to 15,ooo homes surrounding the Wynwood Arts District in zip codes 33127 and 33137. The publication will feature the arts, entertainment and events in Wynwood. On the cover is our friend and gallerist Danelle Pino at Wyn317 Gallery located at 167 NW 25th Street in Miami, Florida 33127.

Wyn317 is a unique urban gallery spotlighting local street artists with artwork ranging from Miami's graffiti culture to a wide array of vibrant pop art influences. Read all about it with the gallerist Danelle Pino's interview, available in print and online at Wynwood Canvas. Stay tuned for our Miami Art Scene feature in the next issue, where we will be highlighting Miami artists and our city's amazing talent. For more information please email Kat Wagner at miamiartscene@gmail.com.

AlviPOP by international artist Alvaro Emiliani

Colombian-based artist Alvaro Emiliani is the founder and creator of AlviPOP. He explores Colombian culture with a distinctive modern twist through his sculptural artworks of traditional Colombian figures known as 'Palenqueras'. AlviPOP is a successful line of original art made from a variety of colorful, raw materials - clay, plaster, acrylic, gel shots, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals are used in the creation of these modern sculptural works.

Emiliani is a graduate from the Arturo Tejada Cano - School of Fashion, Design and Marketing in Bogota, Columbia. He reinvented a form of Cartegena's historical icons, the emblematic Palenqueras, which have the privilege of a celebrity following. Jean Paul Gaultier and Tommy Hilfiger are examples of AlviPOP's collectors.

Miami Art Scene represents AlviPOP and the artist. His work is sold all over the world to collectors, art lovers and fans. Emiliani's sculptural artworks are displayed in high-end stores, boutiques and museum gift shops. He is a highly sought after artist creating unique sculptures that are charming and chic. For sales or inquiries please contact Kat Wagner via email: miamiartscene@gmail.com

New York-based fine art photographer Brian Garman entering Miami market

Miami Art Scene is proud to announce the representation of fine art photographer Brian Garman. He has been likened to famed landscape photographer Peter Lik, yet Garman's work is known for it's distinct photographic perspective and style.

Garman's scene dictates the image, "I just capture it as best I can and in my own style. My goal is to have my photographs take on characteristics of paintings, and to convey a sense of emotion that viewers are drawn into. It’s difficult to put into words, but my goal is to make images with a realism that conveys an almost surreal emotion. A scene that one might feel they could walk into, but at the same time one almost doesn’t believe is real. A simple complexity as I like to call it. An image that when viewed overall is aesthetically pleasing on its own merit, but upon close inspection reveals layer upon layer of complexity. I look for locations that offer the right mix of light and color, motion and textures, size and shape. I’m very obsessive about what I photograph and as such I don’t create many images. I encounter a lot of locations that are amazing but to me lack that 'something special'.”

His photographs capture nature's most exquisite, magical images and landscapes. Garman creates fine quality, limited edition artwork using an exclusive museum quality direct-to-aluminum printing process. His art pieces are created with the highest resolution, they are signed and numbered with a lifetime warranty. His stunning, high definition metal prints are available in three panoramic dimensions: 16" x 48", 24" x 72", and 32" x 96". The works are scratch and water resistant - custom framing is available. Miami Art Scene is representing Brian Garman, we are brokering his works to galleries, corporate clients and art collectors. For sales inquiries and information please contact Kat Wagner via email: miamiartscene@gmail.com

Miami-based artist Lloyd Goradesky's 'Gator In The Bay' Art Basel Installation at the Miami Yacht Club

We had a wonderful Art Week and wanted to share the iconic photograph of the Gator in the Bay completely assembled and floating on Biscayne Bay - what a stellar shot! Art Basel Miami Beach 2o13 was a huge success, the project has become a worldwide sensation. The Gator in the Bay was the #1 Recommended, Must-See Art Exhibit during this year's Art Basel. The media coverage was phenomenal and the headlines stated - 'Massive Gator Invades Art Basel Miami' - it was great, truly a sight to see.

The event took place at the Miami Yacht Club on Watson Island, we were honored to have the new Mayor of Miami Beach, Philip Levine with us for a spectacular Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and celebration on Friday evening Dec.6, 2o13.

Art Week was very busy as we began on Wednesday, Dec.4, 2o13 with a spectacular showcasing of the 4ft. x 8ft. Floating Tile Art pieces on large, custom built easels that were lined up on the shore of the Miami Yacht Club for display. The Floating Tile Art pieces are comprised of stunning Photo Mosaic Collages, each tile is made up of over 3,ooo thumbnail images of the Florida Everglades.

The artist and creator of Gator In The Bay, Lloyd Goradesky, was a wildlife photographer for over two decades capturing precious images the Everglades. His extensive collection became the genesis of this massive public art project, which was created to generate awareness of the Florida Everglades.

On Thursday, Dec.5 the Gator In The Bay crew assembled the 1o4 Floating Tile Art pieces with cables and riggings to the head of the Gator, which was built onto a self-propelled barge. We had the help of Florida Marlins pitcher Dan Jennings No.43 and Billy The Marlin, who each assembled the last two Floating Tile Art pieces, which comprised the tail of the Gator, it was an amazing moment.

Gator In The Bay is sponsored by V&M Erectors and Fronte Cranes, both Vern Nix (far left) and Warren Fronte (far right) are pictured here with the artist Lloyd Goradesky (center) and Florida Marlins Pitcher Dan Jennings and Billy The Marlin.

This project is a worldwide sensation, the media attention, press and coverage has been enormous - Gator In The Bay is truly a collector's dream. We had a very successful Art Week, if you are interested in purchasing any of the remaining Floating Tile Art pieces please contact Kat Wagner of Miami Art Scene who represents the artist and Gator In The Bay via email: miamiartscene@gmail.com - The Floating Tile Art comes with a complete art package, which includes: (1) The Floating Art Tile of your choice and the riggings used to connect to the barge. (2) A licensed aerial photograph. (3) Diagram of the project with a highlight of your specific Floating Tile Art. (4) Signed explanation of the project by the artist. (5) Certificate of Authenticity that your tile is a unique art piece from the Gator In The Bay.

The highlight of the weekend was on Saturday, Dec.7 when the entire crew from Gator In The Bay traveled on the barge and we took the massive Gator, which was beautifully lit up and glowing in the night to the new Perez Museum of Miami (PAMM). We were able to enjoy the evening's opening celebration of the new museum during Art Basel on Biscayne Bay from inside the mouth of the Gator. The special gala event was attended by VIP's Marc Anthony, Martha Stewart and Elle MacPherson. It was said that Gator In The Bay crashed the biggest, most anticipated party of Art Basel Miami Beach.

'You And I Are Love' Pop-Up Mini Art Fair & Art Basel Party at The Lab Miami in Wynwood Dec.7, 2o13

On December 7, 2o13 the organization known as You And I Are Love will be holding a pop-up mini art fair during Art Basel Miami at The Lab in the Wynwood Arts District. The event will include an exhibition of 24 local emerging artists, 8 artists painting live, live musical performances - a mix of visual artists, performance artists, photographers, fine artists, street artists, art installments and sculpture. You And I Are Love is known as "The Independent Art Movement", it is a non-profit organization catering to the art community by providing a platform for Miami's local artists to exhibit and sell their work at no cost.

Join us at The Lab Miami for the You And I Are Love pop-up mini Art Fair and Art Basel Party on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2o14 at 7pm. in the heart of Wynwood at 4oo NW 26th Street in Miami, FL 33127. The exclusive VIP Cocktail Reception is available to ticket holders from 7-8pm, which includes an Open Bar with Sailor Jerry's handcrafted cocktails, wine by Constellation Brands, tapas by Prestige Catering, Bunny Cakes cupcakes, PopNature Organic popsicles and You And I Are Love merchandise. Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased at the door or online via Eventbrite: 'You And I Are Love' Art Basel Party. A portion of the proceeds go to You And I Are Love's fiscal sponsor, Rise Up Gallery - a collection of artwork created by artists with disabilities.

After the VIP Cocktail Reception, the party continues for guests and the public to enjoy all-you-can-drink beer from our local brewery Wynwood Brewing Company. The mini art fair will be on in full effect for patrons to explore Miami's local talent - this is without a doubt the hottest party in Wynwood during Art Week.

Miami Art Scene's exclusive interview with New York-based artist Ben Moon, the art world's rising star exhibiting at SCOPE's 'Art Takes Miami'

Miami Art Scene caught up with New York-based multi-media artist, musician and Dj Ben Moon, who was selected to be part of a special exhibit presented by SCOPE at Art Basel Miami Beach. Moon's original painting titled 'Artist and Model 2' will be on display exclusively at SCOPE's fourth annual installment of  'Art Takes Miami' from Dec.3-8, 2o13 at the new SCOPE location on the sands of Miami Beach. The Scope Pavilion will feature an outdoor beach lounge and stunning views of the ocean, nestled amidst the iconic architecture of Ocean Drive and 10th Street in the heart of South Beach. Miami Art Scene interviewed the brilliant artist and we can't wait to share the scoop!

                             'Artist and Model 2' - on display at Art Takes Miami

Q&A with artist Ben Moon by Miami Art Scene

MIAMI ART SCENE: Can you tell us about your original painting 'Artist and Model 2' that will be on display at the Scope Art Show's fourth annual installment of 'Art Takes Miami' from Dec.3-8, 2o13?

BEN MOON: Artist and Model 2 is one of the last in a series of paintings dealing with the way traditional archetypes such as the "artist and model" are so deeply ingrained in our notions of art and culture, that whether we choose to accept or reject them, their familiarity becomes the jumping off point for a dialogue. I did the first ones in a very realistic style, portraying myself, "the artist", as well as the "models", in ways which make specific references to similarly themed paintings throughout art history. As the viewer observes the obvious absurdity of the construction, when placed in a modern day context - the next logical leap one might make is to begin to consider whether these archetypes were ever any less arbitrary and "fabricated" - and it is merely our consciousness which has evolved over time. As the series continued, the realistic depictions began to give way to the more visceral deconstructed treatment you see in 'Artist and Model 2', almost as a visual representation of the crumbling away of these very constructions that have held everything together for so long. It's like this apprehension, as we sense something more primitive and savage that has been there all along, lurking just beneath the surface. I tried to capture that tension I think we all feel in the world right now.


MIAMI ART SCENE: How were you selected to be part of this special exhibit with Scope at Art Basel Miami Beach 2o13?

BEN MOON: I was involved in a very cool exhibition earlier in the year put on by the 'See.Me' Art Group, who are also the organizers of 'Art Takes Miami'. I was really impressed by what they did, creating a "mobile" exhibition during which the artwork was projected at various sites around New York City. Including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, MoMA, the Guggenheim, and Gagosian Gallery. Since then our relationship has steadily grown, and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to have my work in 'Art Takes Miami'.


MIAMI ART SCENE: What was your inspiration for this painting?

BEN MOON: From the earliest time I can remember, the human form, or more specifically its relationship to the environment around it has always interested me as an artist. I recently found this old portfolio my Mother had saved, full of all these drawings I did when I was only a few years old. It was such an epiphany to see that at 3-years-old, I had already began my life's work. I knew it back then. But somehow life has a way of making us veer off course, and trade what really matters to us, for some false promise of stability that's always right around the corner. In my case it took something really radical to wake me up.

                                                            'Celebrity'



MIAMI ART SCENE: When did you decide to pursue a career in the arts and what was the path to get to this point like?

BEN MOON: Although creating art and music were all I ever truly cared about, I was actually considering entering the business school at Tulane University, because that was what everyone said I should do. In my heart I knew it wasn't my true path, but I convinced myself that this is what it meant to "grow up" and be practical. I thought I was planning for the future, but what happened next was something I hadn't planned on. A few weeks before I was supposed to return to school for my junior year, I got in a very serious car accident. So serious that I was actually dead for a period of time before they were able to successfully revive me. It was crazy. I broke everything, had to have all these surgeries. They said the injuries were so extensive that there wasn't enough data to even make any kind of long-term prognosis. After what felt like a lifetime in the hospital, I was finally able to return home, but it was still a long time before I could even leave my bed and begin the arduous journey back to health. Although this was clearly the most surreal, and difficult time in my life. I had become possessed by an experience so profound that at that point I didn't even know how to begin to fully share it with others. During the time immediately after the accident I had what might be described as a near death experience. While language fails to encompass the exact nature of the feeling, the best description I can give is like being able to look in on what we experience as reality from the "outside", almost like one of those snow globes. From this vantage point it was easy to see that most of what we experience is an illusion, and time and space were merely "useful fictions". I could see every possible permutation and outcome, and all of history, and the future happening in an infinite matrix of simultaneous dimensions - all taking place in one eternal instant beyond time. I could see that the nature of this matrix was made of information, and that there was a source from which this information emanated. Most of all, I saw myself, as I was truly meant to be. The self that I recognized in my heart when I was 3-years-old, before I forgot. I saw that I had an important role to play, and that was to act as a bridge bringing the light and energy from this source into this reality through my art. I believe we are all here for a reason, and although I still had to go through hell to get back to health, everything was different. I knew it was going to be alright. I had found myself.

                                                      'Head In The Clouds' 



MIAMI ART SCENE: How does it feel to be known as a rising star within the art world?

BEN MOON: I've been so blessed to have people in my life that have always believed in me, and been there to support me every step of the way. I think that's the part that doesn't get enough attention. It's so hard to make it these days. I know people with so much talent and promise, the tragic thing is that's not enough anymore. That person has to find some way to circumvent the system, some way to create the time and space to focus their talent, refine their thesis. Being an artist is like being a scientist conducting research. The momentary bursts of passion are part of it, but real art is more about a kind of stubborn persistence. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving every minute of being here. I know how far I've come, but I try not to dwell on that for too long.


MIAMI ART SCENE: Which artists or creatives would you say have inspired you, your style or your work?

BEN MOON: I've always been a huge fan of Warhol, but especially the group of younger artists around him such as Jean-Michelle Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Lou Reed, whose fusion of poetry, sound and image, has been perhaps the greatest influence on me. The direction my latest work has taken owes a tremendous debt to the "Plastic Inevitable", and early Factory Parties of the 196o's. I'm really inspired by almost everything. The less it's traditionally associated with "art", the better.

                                                              'Amanda' 



MIAMI ART SCENE: What tips do you have for art students and young, emerging artists out there?

BEN MOON: It's not too late to change your mind while there's still time. If you have half a lick of sense in your head you'll reconsider the terrible, insensible, impossible life you are about to embark on. But if you're really an artist, you will ignore this advice, as I once did.


MIAMI ART SCENE: Which celebrity, musician, or well-known figure would you like to meet during this year's Art Basel Miami Beach and perhaps see purchasing your work?

BEN MOON: I can't think of any celebrity that I wouldn't want to buy my work. Part of what is so great about Art Basel, and Miami, in general, for that matter, is that everyone is so accessible. There seems to be a slightly more reasonable relationship between the press and the celebrities in Miami, more of a respect for boundaries. From what I'm hearing they're taking things to a whole new level this year event wise, so I'm sure everyone who's into the "art thing" will be buzzing around this week. It should be a lot of fun.


MIAMI ART SCENE: What is the best part about being an artist?

BEN MOON: Besides this interview? The best part is that even if they may not particularly "like" you personally, people like the idea of the "Artist". It's almost like a "cowboy", this mythical figure who somehow embodies the values to which we, as a society, collectively value and aspire to. The lone hero out there on the frontier where few dare to tread. The self made man, who creates something out of nothing, and does it his way, on his time. The more these things recede into the realm of fiction and memory, the more we need the idea of "The Artist".

                                  'When The Moment Is Right Will You Be Ready'



MIAMI ART SCENE: Can you tell us what is on the horizon after Art Basel Miami - future exhibits, events or possible collaborations in the works?

BEN MOON: Until recently, my creative output has generally taken place on the two simultaneous, yet parallel paths of painting/visual arts, as well as music and sound environments. My latest project called "Roklyfe" marks the ultimate realization of my lifelong dream of combining these two elements into one cohesive art form. Together with my creative partner Valentin Fuhrer, I've developed my own completely original art making platform, which allows the artist to "improvise" with "visual samples" in real time, the same way a Dj mixes different pieces of music to create a larger composition embodying the sum total of it's constituent elements. We debuted it at Charlotte Ronson's Party. I believe it's a real Gamechanger.

SELECT Fair Miami Pre-Basel Bash on the rooftop of The Dorset Hotel

Join us for SELECT Fair Miami's rooftop Pre-Basel Bash at The Dorset Hotel in South Beach on Monday, Dec.2, 2o13 from 7-10pm. Presented by Jay Z's Life and Times and his Google+ Hangout Channel. SELECT's rooftop Pre-Basel Bash is going to be legendary, this kick-off party will celebrate the fantastic mural by Greg Mike and the upcoming SELECT Fair Dec.4-8, 2o13 at The Catalina Hotel - 1732 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Miami Night Drive Radio will be broadcasting live from the rooftop while complimentary Dusko Whiskey cocktails and Red Bull are served. The Dorset Hotel is located right next to SELECT Fair at 172o Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida 33139. RSVP here: Basel Basel Sign Up - space is limited!