Art Positions on the Beach at Art Basel

by Brice Brown
Fri, 7 Dec 2007 at 10:44 AM

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One element of the Art Basel Miami Beach fair that perhaps never crosses the minds of attendees are the large quantity of shipping materials — wooden crates, boxes, and all sorts of bubble and plastic wrap — dealers use to transport their works around the world. As it turns out, at the main fair there is a large adjacent hall almost equal in square footage to the main event space where exhibitor's shipping materials are stored. But not all shipping materials made it to storage.

In an attempt to promote younger galleries with strong exhibition programs and promising artists, ABMB has constructed Art Positions, a tent-city style exhibition space created right on the beach, only a short walk from the main fair. Set on top of a makeshift walking path made of plywood are 20 large metal shipping containers, the kind one would expect to see rolling down the highway in the form of an 18-wheel truck. Invited exhibitors have transformed the interiors of these containers into exhibition spaces, some focusing on a single artist, some attempting a mini group exhibition.

It's a great idea, and there is an exciting, slightly subversive feel to walking around this temporary village on the beach. The problem is that this is not the best way to view art. The obstacle of the long narrow spaces is a hard proposition, and most of the experience comes from being inside the overpowering containers themselves. Unfortunately, even if this physical hurdle was overcome — which in a few cases it was, brilliantly — most of the works are just not that interesting.

Most successful is Ara Peterson's installation in the container of New York gallery John Connelly Presents. Along one long wall is installed a floor-to-ceiling sculpture composed of low-relief laser-cut strips of birch. Hand-painted in high-keyed, punchy colors, this piece transforms the grey metal container wall into what could be a topographical rendering of some mythological continent. Mr. Peterson covered the other long wall with mirrors, insuring no escape from this intricate, highly tactile and visually stimulating piece. The beach outside seemed dull in comparison.

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