Out of the sun drenched sands of the beach rose a tent and it was UNTITLED – the very first art fair to be located right on the beach on Miami’s South Beach on 12th and Ocean Drive. AF came for more than a beach blanket bingo last Saturday afternoon December 8th and knew that this art fair was going to be a different experience. Walking into the 40,000 square foot tent that you immediately feel the expanse and freshness of this fair. With only 45 participating national and international galleries, that it was a manageable venue to really view the art. This is small fry compared to the behemoth and mother of all fairs that is Art Basel yet the best surprises come in small packages. With an airy interior and the view of the beach as you peruse the art with bass thumping music to soundtrack your odyssey that Untitled really provided a great respite and breather from the other fairs. It is distinctively well curated (by Omar Lopez-Chahoud), works were in the realm of thought provoking as gallerists were on hand to discuss the concepts and process of their artists, exuded a younger vibe, and most likely you walked away being blown as how the artworks shifted your perception. The collaborative manner of the galleries showing certain work in conversation with the curator put out a very cohesive, dynamic and impressive art fair which definitely falls into the NOW. Besides being in a unique setting that Untitled hit the right note. For a freshman to the art fair scene in Miami, this beach beauty will most definitely be on its way to grow into top of the class and graduating with honors. This is where there’s more to what meets the eye in the art that they showcased. And our special shout out to two galleries that AF had featured and is the right fit for Untitled – namely The Hole and Cindy Rucker Gallery (formerly number thirty-five). Gold stars for everyone at Untitled for making a trip to the beach well worth the sand getting in our shoes.
written text and photos by: Oscar A. Laluyan
