Celebrating today’s most significant creatives and leading contributors to the worlds of design and visual arts, the fair assembles 48 leading international galleries; prominent 20th-century and contemporary design dealers; a weekend of exciting programs; and 21POP, a special installation created by Stanlee Gatti.

FOG has become a focal point for the design and arts communities on the West Coast and further afield. The fair is synonymous with a uniquely pioneering spirit due to its bold hybrid approach and intimate presentation of art and design, dynamic programming on-site and its community-led mission to champion art and design in its historic Fort Mason setting. Building on FOG’s longstanding commitment to cultural institutions, the fair’s Preview Gala is honored to continue its crucial support of SFMOMA’s exhibitions and education programs. FOG represents a key moment in which the local and global community congregate to engage in critical dialogue, artistic exchanges, and a shared passion for creative pursuits.

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

Legends of Speed is the first major exhibition of racing cars presented at Phoenix Art Museum. Open now through March 15, the landmark exhibition features more than 20 legendary cars by Maserati, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Ford, and more, an unprecedented collection of cars driven by some of the greatest drivers in the history of racing, including A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, and Stirling Moss.

Featured cars have won many of the world’s most iconic races, including Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Italian Grand Prix, and were loaned to the Museum by internationally recognized collectors from Arizona and across the United States. Legends of Speed offers an unparalleled opportunity for Museum guests to experience and learn about some of the most successful and famous racecars of all time.

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

“The Fahey/Klein Gallery is proud to present Volume 3, a solo exhibition of works by renowned photographer Frank Ockenfels. This exhibition is a celebration of Frank Ockenfels 3’s long career and an analysis into his personal collaged journals, featured in his first publication Frank Ockenfels 3, Volume 3.

The works of Frank Ockenfels 3, on view in this exhibition, provide a window into his visual thinking. Subjected to ink, collage, or paint, the images are no longer just photographs of an individual, but become a more personal statement of who the artist is, of his psyche, and as such, creative artistry in its purest form. The erotic, the sublime, and the violent collages are blended with portraiture that seamlessly complement each other. The photographic creations become tactile, bringing another dimension of sensory experience. His photographs are a “re-presentation” of what he saw through the lens.

Frank Ockenfels 3 is propelled by a drive and curiosity to discover an image that is not yet known. Simultaneously, he creates a visual language that speaks from the most primal and dark corners of his mind. He produces waking dreams, images that represent the darkest, least-illuminated aspects of his unconscious – projected on the individual he has photographed. He has the courage to go way beyond the expected and the obvious; breaking the boundaries of traditional photography.

Frank Ockenfels 3 does not play it safe, and as a result, he is very effective at evoking from the viewer aspects of their own psyche of which they may or may not be aware. One cannot help but feel a resonance with the chaotic vibrancy of his creativity. He leaves the imprint of his unconscious on the photographic image.

Frank Ockenfels 3 is an American photographer, artist, and director. He is renowned for his portraiture and incorporating non-photographic elements in his work. Ockenfels applies techniques like collage, painting, and drawing to his photographs. His career began working for magazines such as Rolling Stone, Spin, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and Vogue. He photographed over 200 album covers for various musicians.” – per website

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

The inaugural weekend will take place November 30 to December 2, 2018 just before Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the most significant destination art fairs in the world.

Founded by gallerist Sarah Gavlak, the weekend formalizes the fact that major collectors typically spend the week before the ABMB in Palm Beach and host lavishly during that time. Led by Gavlak and an Advisory Board that includes Beth Rudin DeWoody, Amy Phelan, Franklin Sirmans and other prominent leaders in the industry, New Wave Art Wknd’s mission is to foster a dialogue in the burgeoning contemporary art community in Palm Beach, while also addressing critical issues of our time that artists so eloquently address. Main topics for 2018 will include diversity and immigration.

The invited guests of seasoned collectors, numbering no more than a few dozen, will be feted with lunches, dinners and programming dedicated to lively and provocative dialogue about the future of culture.  

The itinerary includes private tours of prominent contemporary collectors’ homes in the area, including Jane Holzer and Lisa and Richard Perry. The weekend’s highlight will be the opening of The Bunker Artspace: Collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody. For the 2018 installation, viewers will have the opportunity to discover new curations, while revisiting others preserved from the past year. Artist E.V. Day and White Cube’s New York Artistic Director, Eric Shiner, will each co-curate a room with Beth Rudin DeWoody.

There will also be a public programming component featuring panel discussions, lectures and the opening of a public art project in West Palm Beach curated by Yvonne Force Villareal & Doreen Remen.

–  taken from website

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected]or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

Pop Minimalism 
Minimalist Pop

Opening reception: Tuesday, December 4, 5–8pm
December 5–9, 2018
Moore Building, Miami

On the occasion of Art Basel Miami Beach 2018, Gagosian and Jeffrey Deitch are pleased to present Pop Minimalism | Minimalist Pop, their fourth collaboration at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District. This group exhibition explores the intersections and legacies of two major American art movements of the 1960s—Pop art and Minimalism—and the ways in which features of Minimalism have been incorporated into a variety of contemporary art practices. While these two art movements are typically seen to represent opposing artistic responses to the legacy of Abstract Expressionism, the work in Pop Minimalism | Minimalist Pop highlights points of common conceptual approaches and mutual exchange. Work by Jeff Koons, Adam McEwen, Sarah Morris, and Richard Prince is included. – taken from website

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

Superchief Gallery is an independent artist-run gallery with permanent large scale warehouse locations in New York City & Downtown LA, founded in 2012 by Edward Zipco & Bill Dunleavy in Brooklyn, NY

Superchief has a history of supporting artists from disparate scenes & collectives, enabling them to participate in the larger community.

As a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary platform, Superchief Gallery is an extension of the cultural landscape in its most raw and honest form.

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

NADA Miami

The 16th edition of the fair, to be held December 6–9, 2018 at Ice Palace Studios, is dedicated to showcasing new art and to celebrating the rising talents from around the globe.

NADA holds a renowned art fair to vigorously pursue our goals of exploring new or underexposed art that is not typical of the “art establishment.” NADA Miami is the one of the only major American art fairs to be produced by a non-profit organization, and is recognized as a much needed alternative assembly of the world’s youngest and strongest art galleries dealing with emerging contemporary art. – taken from website

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

BY CHELSEA ESQUIBEL

WEEKEND RECAP: ADAM FRANZINO DEBUTS “MUSES” AT MILK LA

Last Friday, SoCal native & Milk fam Adam Franzino showcased his first solo photo exhibition, “MUSES”, at Milk Studios LA. Hundreds of guests attended the opening to view his work, which emphasizes the beauty of the supermodels and icons he photographs. 

The curation of the show “MUSES” centers on Franzino’s attraction to landscape backdrops and asymmetrical composition, with on-location editorials and behind the scenes snapshots. And”MUSES” isn’t just a show about natural beauty; the portraits on display also benefited the TONIE GARM FOUNDATION, as a portion of the proceeds from sales will go to this foundation to provide educational opportunities and advancement for girls in Africa.

Franzino moved to New York in 2005 with a background in fashion photography. After a decade of working in the industry, he has created countless iconic images and directed various projects for Victoria’s Secret, Harper’s BAZAAR, Vogue, and more.

We sat down with Franzino to talk more about the “MUSES” exhibit and his journey as an artist; read the full interview below.

How did your love for photography develop?

My love for photography developed from day one having a camera on program in high school to continuing to understand how to balance light properly. I love daylight and I love the way it can be shaped and once I started understanding that I became a huge light nerd. Watching movies pausing scenes and looking at photographers work I love trying to figure out how everything was being lit.

You do a lot of your work outside on location. How do you pick your locations? Do you prefer shooting outside? Are you inspired by your locations / environments?

I get asked this question a lot. Do I prefer studio or location. Like I said, I love natural light. I love locations because you have so much more to work with then just a set or a cyc. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by a location sometimes I’m Inspired by the fashion and then will find a location that works . But at the end of the day once I’m on location I let the light dictate everything. I follow the light all day and chose where I’m shooting and how to build the story around the sun.

Who are some of the most influential photographers / artist that you look up to?

I was real confused when I went on my own. I was inspired by so many different photographers and styles that I was having trouble knowing who I was. I had a meeting one day at American Vogue with Ivan Shaw who was the photo director at the time that made the light bulb go on. Without going into detail he pretty much said, “I think you’re a good photographer but you’re lost and all over the place.” Knowing my background where I was from and what he thought the strongest images in my book were he helped me hone in big time on developing my style. From that day on my favorite photographers and who I started studying more of was Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Patrick Demarchelier, Jeanloup Sieff and Helmut Newton to name a few. They have had major impact on me and my work.

Talk to us about your first exhibition, “MUSES”, what does this exhibition mean to you? I am sure all of your photos have a special meaning to you, but if you had to pick your favorite piece from “MUSES” what would it be and why?

“MUSES” is my very first solo show. I wanted to do it in LA, my hometown, in front of my family and friends. I wanted the people most important to me to be there since they have been there since day one through this insanely difficult journey of becoming a photographer. It was so special, 1,000 people RSVP-ed, the room was packed and people were taking pictures in front of my images and that was amazing to me. Each one of these images has a story behind it on the way we shot it or got the image in the end. For that reason I don’t have a favorite as I’m too close to these images and the stories behind them. I will say though, seeing them all hung and framed together was a moment for me for sure.

You have been a photographer for over 10 years, how did you pick what pieces of work you wanted to select for your first exhibition?

I have an archive of images over the years of all the personal work with these girls. Editing down to two or three of the same image is the easy part but choosing the actual image to hang not so easy. I have help editing as I’ll actually sit with the girls after and see what what images they are drawn too. I like their opinion. I like to see how they see themselves looking best. I’ll then ask a couple more people I work with and trust for their opinion and make the final select.

How do you see your photography developing as your career grows?

As my career grows I want my eye to grow. I’m constantly seeing more as I grow and shoot. I am accompanied by such legends in this field and even some of my old assistants that are now shooting on their own make me jealous with some of their images they are putting out. I like seeing that. It pushes me internally to constantly be better, to push harder to try and take better pictures. I was recognized on the night of my exhibition but now I forget that and jump back into this small sea with big names and try to become as good as them one day.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your years of photography?

My biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is PATIENCE! I have none. I thought I was ready to be shooting major campaigns and editorials when I was 25 and if that would have happened I would have failed badly. This process of growing as an artist is important.  On the commercial side there are so many variables on a shoot day so many things thrown at you that no one can prepare you for. It’s all about watching that while assisting, understanding how this business works and then hopefully when your day comes you’ll step up and be ready.

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents two installations by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room – Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity and Narcissus Garden. An immersive experience for visitors, Yayoi Kusama offers a unique wonderland of lights and reflections where guests become part of the artworks and can experience Kusama’s exploration of infinite space. 

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity is a room of infinite, shimmering lights. Guests step into an enclosed room to become immersed, as an array of lights ignite a delicate mirage mirrored on every surface representing the eternal cycle of life over the span of just under a minute. The space represents Kusama’s lifelong obsession with the dissolution of the self into the infinite.

Narcissus Garden has been re-installed and commissioned in various settings since its creation more than 50 years ago. This iteration is comprised of 750 stainless steel silver globes that create an infinite lake that distorts images of reality reflected on the surface of the 12-inch orbs.

Recognized today for her robust career, Kusama is one of the most successful and well-known living artists. Time Magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2016.

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson

Art is an after-reflection.
—Urs Fischer

Gagosian is pleased to present Images, an exhibition of new paintings and sculptures by Urs Fischer.

In Fischer’s work, images emerge from an odd liminal space between the real and the imagined, between what does, and could, exist. Over the past year, he has been creating paintings digitally, inventing things, rooms, and spaces using color and light. On a screen, as opposed to paper or canvas, Fischer is able to paint with light itself—moving illuminated pixels around, juxtaposing clean lines and gradients, and reflecting on the subtle atmospheric changes across day and night, summer and winter, Los Angeles and New York.

Silkscreened onto aluminum panels, the paintings in this exhibition—vertical compositions broken up into multiple rectangular passages—take on the scale of modern abstraction, yet they all describe imaginary interior and exterior worlds. Windows appear often: one glows behind a gauzy white curtain, looking onto swaying palm trees; another reflects a sunrise or sunset, with a still life on a table barely visible through fingerprints on the glass; and another frames a building across the street, where nine more windows reveal smeared and fragmented California views. In other paintings, Fischer imagines canvases hanging on walls, hit with swathes and squares of light pouring in from an unseen source. The fictional paintings and sculptures depict animals, food, city streets, or messy brushstrokes, but they—like the light—only exist within Fischer’s constructed environments; they need not adhere to any history, law, or logic.

Fischer presents characters and drawings that seem capable of disappearing at any moment. In one painting, a small orange bird sits on a branch, floating in a dark gray sky. Though its legs are in sharp focus, its body becomes a vaporous orb, glowing within the surrounding clouds. And in an uncanny sculptural ecosystem below, two motorized snails slowly wander through the gallery, leaving trails of slime in their wake. These gleaming lines, which evaporate over time, wind across the floor, uniting the other sculptures—a smoking volcano, a snowman, a palm tree—within a swirling, ephemeral landscape. Looming over the scene, the surrounding paintings form vivid, even cinematic, backdrops: a montage of disparate settings for a small, peculiar world.

– FROM GAGOSIAN WEBSITE

– for more information on additional images from this event please contact EMS at [email protected] or Instagram at @ericminhswenson