Sarah Arison’s Top Picks | Miami Beach 2020
UNTITLED, ART is pleased to introduce a new series of curated selections from the art fair. Cultural tastemakers, international curators, gallerists, and local collectors will be tapped to share their picks from the Online Viewing Rooms of UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach 2020.
Today’s highlighted selection comes from Sarah Arison, President of the Arison Arts Foundation, a private grant-making organization that supports emerging artists and the institutions that foster them.
Below, Sarah shares her six favorite pieces from UNTITLED, ART and explains why she is drawn to each.
Adebunmi Gbadebo, Production 1, black hair, cotton, rice paper, indigo dye and printed photographs on rice paper, 2020.
On View with Claire Oliver Gallery, Booth D2.
I think that Adebunmi’s decision to reject traditional art materials in favor of those she felt had a connection to her own history is very powerful. In using human hair from people of the African Diaspora, she not only is able to connect with her past, but also to her current community because she collects hair from those around him. I can’t wait to see her work in person because I’m sure the pieces have a great depth of texture due to the many different materials she uses.
Hiba Schahbaz, Roots (After Frida), Watercolor, gouache, tea and gold leaf on wasli, 2020.
On View with De Buck Gallery, Booth A9.
Hiba says about her work, “I speak an ancient language in a contemporary feminine voice.” I love this concept, and that she uses an ancient artistic technique in order to bring a female perspective and female history. Her work is exquisite- I wish I could fill my daughter’s bedroom with many pieces!
Jose Parla, Ramsen Street, Gesso, acrylic, ink, plaster, gel medium, and pigment on paper, 2013.
On View with Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery, Booth C10.
I’ve been lucky enough to know and work with Jose for many years through an organization I chair, the National YoungArts Foundation. Not only is his work beautiful and dynamic, but he’s also the most wonderful human being! He is such a great mentor to younger artists, and is constantly thinking about how he can better serve his community.
Oliver Jeffers, All the Salt Water of the World, Mixed-media, Steel Globe, 2019.
On View with Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery, Booth C10.
I actually purchased a piece from Oliver at UNTITLED, ART last year because I loved his seascapes. A few months later, I found out he writes and illustrates the most beautiful children’s books which I’m now collecting for my daughter!
Iren Tete, Lost for Words, Glazed porcelain, ebony engobe on stoneware, gold leaf, 2020.
On view with Galleri Urbane, Booth B15.
I wasn’t familiar with Iren before exploring the OVRs, but I feel like I’m really drawn to ceramics right now… I’m seeing so many artists experiment with this medium and I think they can bring great variety to a collection.
Petra Cortright, “Dragonball Z”, stations FUHITSU (France) “HUNTING NEBRASKA”, Digital painting on anodized aluminum, 2019.
On View with C O U N T Y, Booth B11.
As someone who is definitely tech-challenged, I’m fascinated and impressed by Petra’s process- she uses found images from the internet along with simulated brushstrokes. I think this combination of digital processes to make what can appear to be a landscape leads to a very interesting effect.
UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach OVR is open December 2–6, 2020.