Big, 8-hour day at #ArtMiami and #ContextArtFair (on top of the 2 hours opening night)… we’re sharing a few pieces that caught our eyes and initial impressions.

We concentrated on more recent contemporary works, although there were numerous galleries showing Warhol, Ruscha, Stella, Albers, Picasso, and other masters, with special emphasis on major (huge) Botero pieces which were almost impossible to get good shots of. Notably absent: Motherwell.

What did we see?
LOTS of Kenny Scharf, including a big wall right at the entry. Mr. Brainwash was showing everywhere. Selling? Not sure.

Paintings ruled, with limited freestanding sculpture (beyond the aforementioned Botero works) or photography (David Yarrow was most-represented).

Lenticular work is en vogue, and selling well, from multiple artists at prices from around 5k to over 40k.

Young Rae Kim’s reflective cut-metal wall pieces are prevalent across both fairs, plus #ScopeArtFair.

Some recurring subject themes across all fairs, too, which we’ll share once we’ve knocked out the last couple. A few years ago, it was deer. Take a guess as to this year’s in the comments!

Resin probably takes the most-used material crown after pure painting, used in 3-d printed and cast multiples, as well as pieces for the wall.

In all, a super-commercial feel to the fairs, especially CONTEXT. Lots of glossy, in-your-face artwork that promises immediate gratification.