Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Image courtesy of Dustin Spagnola: first rough design concept of mural that a group of Asheville artists plan to paint at Art Basel in Miami in December.
A group of cutting-edge Asheville artists is pulling together sponsors for one amazing artistic venture – the crew plans to paint a giant mural in Miami during the prestigious Art Basel event there. First, a little more on Art Basel:
Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland’s Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 41 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city’s beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.
An exclusive selection of more than 250 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world’s most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.
The artists from Asheville that are coming together to paint the mural are: ISHMAEL (2012), GYSER (MPC), Ian Wilkinson (Asheville Mural Project), Guillermo Ruballo and Dustin Spagnola. Spagnola tells me that the crew needs sponsors, as well as local organizations to endorse them.
I’ll be lending my support to this group. I’ve admired Spagnola’s work for the past couple of years, ever since WNC Magazine took notice of his art. I’m also well familiar with the outstanding work of the Asheville Mural Project, and the artists that have contributed.
Efforts like this – from the grassroots up, from people passionate about their work – make Asheville the vibrant community that we all love. I hope other Asheville organizations will get behind these guys.
Should be noted that Gyser has his graffiti 'tag' all over private property in Asheville, it is my understanding he is part of the MOMS loser-collective. I would like to sponsor someone cleaning up 'tags' where they aren't wanted.