Our mini-guide to navigating Art Wynwood 2015.
Just in case you didn’t get your art fix during Basel, Art Wynwood (February 12-16) is back for its fourth year, filling your weekend with vibrant street art, surrealist paintings, and contemporary works from 70-plus emerging artists. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our mini-guide:
Don't Leave Without Seeing: “La Habana in Waiting”
A photograph from Quentin Shih's "La Habana in Waiting."
Art is all about questioning current systems and stirring up controversy—renowned Chinese artist and photographer Quentin Shih exudes both of these phenomena in his exhibit “La Habana in Waiting," an exploration into Cuba’s communist regime in which people struggle for a sense of identity. The series debuted at the second installment of Art Basel Hong Kong last year and is now making its way overseas for its first American unveiling at Art Wynwood. Shih used actors with no direction and no scripts existing in nothing but limbo to capture their silent expressions; every image is worth a thousand words. Art Wynwood Pavilion, 3101 NE First Ave., Miami
More Than Just an Exhibit: "Art in the Natural World and Cultured Settings"
Carol Prusa’s 3D print Lambent Light.
If Design Miami is your go-to during Basel, don't pass up the chance to see revered gallerist Bernice Steinbaum’s exhibit, “Art in the Natural World and Cultured Settings," which blurs the line between art and design. Think 3D lights, tables that defy the laws of physics, and embroidery and acrylic on canvas from 14 talented artists. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Art Wynwood Pavilion, 3101 NE First Ave., Miami
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The Shining-Star Debut: SOLO Miami
Red Diamond Field by Mauricio Gonzalez.
Calling all art buffs: For the first time in Art Wynwood’s four years, five of Miami’s internationally recognized galleries—Emerson Dorsch, GUCCIVUITTON, PRIMARY, Fredric Snitzer Gallery, and Spinello Projects—will get together and unveil never-before-seen works by major local artists. Expect good vibes and herds of locals. Art Wynwood Pavilion, 3101 NE First Ave., Miami
The Event You Can't Miss: VIP After Party at the Wynwood Walls
The Wynwood Walls.
The late Tony Goldman made the Wynwood Art District into what it is today, so there was no question when it came to the location for the after-party: the neighborhood’s epicenter and Goldman's own creation, the Wynwood Walls. On February 14 at 7:30 p.m., rub shoulders and pick the minds of exhibitors from Art Wynwood while sipping on wine and cocktails courtesy of Joey’s (Wynwood’s first eatery) and Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. No word yet on the food, but cross your fingers for chef Miguel Aguilar’s (Wynwood Kitchen & Bar) chicken ropa vieja empanadas. 2550 NW Second Ave., Miami; VIP card and RSVP required
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Where to Grab a Bite: Proof Pizza & Pasta
Our favorite dish at Proof.
Somewhere between the murals, street art, and surrealist works, you might start craving crabs, at which point, head to Proof Pizza & Pasta where former Bourbon Steak sous chef Justin Flit is flipping Neapolitan-style pies topped with everything from oxtail and caramelized onions to bone marrow and house-made fennel sausage. But the real proof is in the pasta—try the angel hair with crab, Calabrian chili, and lemon breadcrumbs—and colossal macaroon ice cream sandwich. 3328 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-536-9562
Where to Take a Cocktail Break: Sugarcane
Beet mojito.
After being on your feet all day, you deserve a drink (or two) from Sugarcane. The globally inspired restaurant proffers a bevy of handcrafted rum and beer cocktails, as well as signature libations with unusual ingredients like house-made apricot jam and hibiscus-infused Leblon cachaca. Order the savory beet mojito with beet-infused Bacardi Superior to get your veggie fix in drink form. 3252 NE First Ave., Miami, 786-369-0353
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLA TORRES (PROOF)