Sarasota News Leader

12/28/2012

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Sarasota News Leader December 28, 2012 Those content to simply wander around the area, however, would likely have seen one or more artists working on a new piece on the side of a building every block or so. One of these artists, a first-time Art Basel visitor from Houston, TX, who has been producing graffiti art since the mid-1980s ��� and goes by the name Gonzo247 ��� took a short break to speak with the News Leader about his experience in Miami that weekend, the piece he was working on and whether he would be returning next year. Page 95 after he apologized for whoever had tagged the building and explained that he wanted to cover up the unsightly marks. At that point, he said, it was time to get together as much spray paint as possible and start on the piece. ���I���m doing the best that I can with what I have and the time,��� he said. ���It���s a good challenge though,��� he continued. ���My goal is that the guy likes it enough that I can reserve this wall for next year and come back with a van full of paint, ladders and just rock this whole thing ��� spend a week on it versus a day.��� ���I came out here with just an open mind and really no expectations because I figured if you UNTIL NEXT YEAR have expectations you might get disappointThe day after the conclusion of Art Basel, the ed,��� Gonzo247 explained. organization���s public relations team sent an ���I think this is amazing,��� he said. ���I think that email to members of the press who had atthis definitely is something that at least the tended the event, boasting that this year���s fair street art culture needs, as far as what���s hap- was ���praised by critics, exhibitors and visipening here in Wynwood,��� he continued. ���I tors as Art Basel���s most serious presentation think it���s great for the city; it���s great for the art in Miami Beach to date.��� This bold statement scene and for all genres of art. I���ve seen some leaves little room to suggest that the organizsuper awesome fine art, some crazy street art ers of Art Basel have any plans for 2013 that and everything in between.��� do not involve bringing the fair back to Miami Gonzo247 explained that one of his main goals in full force. for the festivities, other than to appreciate the art and have a good time, was to contribute some of his own work to the area before leaving. For now, Miami has some time to recover from this year���s edition of Art Basel and its surrounding festivities. As the momentum builds, however, and artists and galleries be���For the first part of the day, we just started gin preparing for Art Basel in Miami Beach talking to businesses that had been tagged and 2013, it will become increasingly clear that the said, ���Hey, look, you got tagged. Whatever. Can city will be taken over by art once again. I put something over it and make it look betLike Gonzo247, who will be showing up in ter?������ Wynwood with a van full of supplies and a Gonzo247 added that although many of the head full of inspiration, many fans, other artbusiness owners he spoke to were not inter- ists and entrepreneurs are awaiting the day ested, one of them finally gave him permission when it all begins again. %

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