VUE

One of the most interactive (and Instagrammed) exhibits at Art Basel, Toilet Paper by Italian artists Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari put even the most serious art critics in a fun and silly state of mind. Designed to look like a young adult's apartment, the space held a makeshift kitchen, bathroom, bar and living space, complete with everything from a functioning bedroom with couches and chairs for viewers to sit on. On top of the funky, colorful décor, rugs and accessories scattered Reminiscent of one of Yayoi Kusama's signature "Infinity Rooms," which are big enough to fit more than a few adults, Kusama's latest piece was meant to transport art-goers to a world of her own and evoke an emotional response from viewers. Exploring around the space, (think clothes from the closet and an giant alligator laying next to the bar), everything was covered in and overflowing with pasta. An homage to carb lovers, the cluttered installation didn't spare on any details, including the noodles, which were in fact, real. The pasta was flown in from Milan for the show, changed out every night, and replaced with a new batch. The installation was meant to challenge one's imagination, creating a space to lose control and forget all formalities. themes such as geometric abstraction, repetition, mirroring and reflections, the exterior was meant to both reflect and merge with its surroundings. This was also the first mirror room by Kusama which depended on ambient light for effect. T his was also the last year in which Nicholas Baume would serve as Art Basel Miami's Public sector curator. Located in Collins Park, Art Basel's Public sector presents outdoor sculptures, exhibitions and performances and for the past four years, Baume has been named the curator. However, as of 2017, Baume will be passing the torch onto Los Angeles-based curator Philipp Kaiser, who was brought in for his expertise on contemporary artistry. "I have always found Public to be a fascinating sector of the show in Miami Beach because of the opportunities it presents to artists and galleries, and I'm honored to have the chance to build upon the successes achieved by my predecessors in this role," Kaiser remarked. "I look forward to the challenge of curating a thematic outdoor exhibition that transforms and re-envisions Collins Park, and engages Art Basel's audiences, as well as the broader Miami Beach community." VUE had the chance to escape the chilly Garden State for a few days and head down to the sunny shores of Miami to experience the one-of-a-kind art fair firsthand. Here are some of our favorites. TOILET PAPER BY MAURIZIO CATTELAN AND PIERPAOLO FERRARI, COMMISSIONED BY FONDATION BEYELER WHERE THE LIGHTS IN MY HEART GO BY YAYOI KUSAMA IN VICTORIA MIRO GALLERY V U E N J . C O M 92 VUE ON THE ARTS

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