Sarah Andelman Sets Up Shop In South Beach for Art Basel Miami
Like clockwork, another Art Basel presentation has descended upon the shores of South Beach, bringing with it creative crowds from across the world for a weeklong fine art fête. Seeing some of the biggest names in fashion, art, and design mingling with emerging innovators spearheading the new regime, Miami’s annual showcase has developed into the marquee moment, serving as a fitting bookend to the year in culture.
While many maintain a vaguely familiar idea of what takes place in South Florida around this time each December (i.e., the opulent partying, grandiose dining experiences, the exclusivity of it all), the actual Art Basel fair, at its core, is a dedicated celebration of creativity, an observance of artistic innovation, and a catalyst for collaboration.
As someone who has witnessed the exhibition’s development and expansion over the last 22 years, the iconic Sarah Andelman resonates with the global gallery’s foundational ethos. Helping preserve the principle essence of Art Basel, the revered cultural figure was once again tapped to curate the bespoke shopping experience at this year’s Miami edition.
Having already executed successful iterations of “The Shop” in both Basel and Paris earlier this year (the former being the international art show’s inaugural shopping locale), Andelman arrives in Miami with a refined vision for the installation. From an aesthetic standpoint, the pop-up boutique draws on the city’s vibrant and illuminating energy, boasting a tasteful, hot pink color palette reminiscent of the memorable Miami Vice days. Still, on the product side is where Andelman truly flaunts her unmatched curatorial prowess.
Including paintings, sculptures, literature, and other artistic oddities from the likes of Takashi Murakami, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf, Florida’s take on the Art Basel Shop is highlighted by a unique selection of exclusive relics only available in-store during the show’s three-day occupation. Also featuring a limited capsule collection produced in partnership with the fair and emerging Brazilian artist Paulo Nimer Pjota, the custom installation sees Andelman naturally infuse her playful spirit and inspired approach into the space.
Never one to not be working, we caught up with the colette Paris founder just as she was putting the finishing touches on the shop to chat about her latest collaborative endeavor.
What makes Art Basel Miami such a destination every year?
I remember coming to the first Art Basel Miami in 2002, and it was very exciting because the city is already such a hub for art. So it made perfect sense. I think, at the end of the year, it’s nice to come to the sun and to see great art. It has a vibe that is different from Basel in Switzerland and Paris.
How did you approach curating this iteration of the Art Basel Shop with Miami’s distinctive energy in mind?
Basel was really the first test. We didn't know what would work. In Miami, like all of my shops, I try to think of products we would not find at a museum shop or a store on Ocean Drive. It's only new products, even if the artist or brand was featured in one of the other two Art Basel Shops. There is also this visual marriage that I like to have between the products. My hope is that there is a little something for everybody.
Is this how you approach all the shops and spaces you help curate?
I suppose it's all similar. I always try to have something exclusive that is nowhere else. I compare everything to a puzzle where, suddenly, every piece goes next to each other. Every piece is different, but it creates a story when they're all together.
What's the story that you're trying to tell here in Miami?
That art can be as diverse as a simple T-shirt or a nice leather bag from Medea. Doing research for Art Basel, I always try to find products I haven't heard of or seen before. I want people to be surprised.
Brazilian artist Paulo Nimer Pjota was selected to work on the exclusive “AB by Artist” product line for Art Basel Miami. What was it like collaborating with him on this project?
It was amazing to work with an emerging artist from Brazil since Miami has that connection. It really just starts with a conversation. We had discussions with Paulo about what he would like to do, and he suggested tie-dye T-shirts, a bucket hat with sun protection, a bag, and posters. It's a small capsule, but he’s someone who is starting to become recognized in art spaces. So, it’s nice to work with someone like that while they’re still available [laughs].
What does The Shop add to the experience at Art Basel?
There is an educational element I like to think about, and I have always loved this relationship between art, artists, and products. People can discover artists at the shop they’ll see in the gallery and vice versa. We are not in competition with the main exhibition. We’re here to support each other.
Also, many people from all over the world come to Miami for Art Basel. They go to the gallery and see so much art, but none of it you can take back with you. Through the shop, you can buy a book, a smaller piece of art, or any little souvenir to commemorate the moment. It's really continuing the idea of the "traditional gift shop."
