While the entire international art crowd seems to have descended upon Miami Beach
this week, CONTEXT fair, the sister fair to Art Miami, which is focused on emerging
and mid-career artists, was suspiciously empty.

The fair, which launched in 2012, is expanding and will soon have a New York
edition (see "Nick Korniloff Reveals Plans for New Manhattan Art Fair"). But with
so many satellite fairs in Miami, CONTEXT tries to distinguish itself by being at
the cutting-edge of art. Though a valiant effort, it's a mission that fails upon
perusal of most of this year's booths.

Among the more interesting booths at the fair was Swiss-based Licht Feld Gallery
run by Fredy Hadorn. With works by German based painter, Peter Dauphin genannt Muth,
Japanese-American photographer, Ayakamay, and Swiss video-artist Marck, Licht Feld's
booth struck you as a space with a clear vision and aesthetic. Hadorn told artnet
News that “business is very good compared to last year. The first day I sold two
huge pieces, which has never happened before." The gallery owner has been showing
in Miami since 2007. “I spent all my money for the first show at SCOPE," he said.
"And it was the best decision I ever made." When asked why he switched to CONTEXT
he said, “after five years, [at SCOPE] I wanted a more modern art fair."

According to Hadorn, the most popular pieces have been video works by Marck, a Swiss
multi-media artist who likes to lock women (primarily his wife) up in metal boxes
only to watch them struggle to find the exit. What kind of collectors were snapping
up these sensual yet slightly sadistic works? Hadorn says two collectors from Miami.

Another booth from Mexico City, Galeria Enrique Guerrero, had a cohesive collection
of work by artists from Chile and Mexico. The works were aesthetically less flashy,
more earth-toned. Perhaps this is why, at a satellite fair in Miami, they just didn't
work. Gallery owner Enrique Guerrero did not seem happy with the turnout this year.
“The main difference, is that we're not part of [Art Miami] anymore," he said. "They
aren't connected. There used to be a VIP lounge and champagne lounge, and it was the
direct access to the other fair. Which we don't have this year, which I think has
brought in less people."

Was the flow of foot traffic stopping at the much bigger sister fair, Art Miami?
It's a definite possibility, but if galleries are bringing new and exciting works—like
Hadorn—it shows that product is, once again, king.

Christie Chu