As Art Basel Miami comes to an end this week, giving art lovers a much needed break before Art Week kicks in a few months, we take our pick of the top three refreshing cultural destinations to visit, to immerse in the diverse and vibrant art scene of the budding new art capitals.
By Aishwarya Tyagi
Havana, Cuba
It’s an exciting time for Cuba since President Castro announced the relaxed immigration laws recently, opening doors for Cuban artists to interact with the world on an international platform. Havana is a substantial spectacle in its own right, with the city’s iconic colonial architecture standing still in animated colours across the cove. The newfound freedom has enforced Havana’s status as the cradle of avant-garde art and culture. Famed contemporary artist Kcho has lead the way in the city with the Kcho Estudio Romerillo arts studio free to the public. The Havana Biennale art fair also makes rounds around the art circuit every year, backing up more than 170 local artists. When you’re in the city, take a walk through the Gaudí-esque streets and relish some street Salsa performances while revelling in theamore of Havana.
Must see: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Havana Biennale, 7ma y 60 studio
Artists to look out for: Kcho aka Alexis Leyva Machado, Los Carpinteros, Adrian Fernández
Athens, Greece
In the wake of the well-documented economic distress in Greece, young Athenian artists with undying motivation have emerged to showcase their talents by channelling their anger and confusion in the best way they know. The Depression Era project in the Benaki Museum presents the work of multiple artists who recorded the 2014 riots and the agonising recession through photographs, video installations and literature. The Anti-austerity graffiti street art in Athens is hailed as one of the most captivating in the world, overflowing with political and pop cultural references, filled with optimism for the future of Greece.
Must see: Acropolis Museum, 20 Kolonaki Sq., The Depression Era Project, The DESTE Art Foundation
Artists to look out for: Andreas Angelidakis, Mr Manolis Anastasakos, Jonathas de Andrade
Detroit, United States of America
Detroit’s burgeoning urban art is a true testament to the unvanquished spirit of the city that came out of the biggest bankruptcy in American history. Based on the concept of rising from the ashes, is The Heidelberg project in the artsy east side of the town, founded by artist Tyree Guyton. Heidelberg community is an outdoor open art space that employs the use of everyday, discarded remains from the economic turmoil to create colorful art instillations full of symbolism for humanity and life. The city’s fast growing reputation as a playground for innovative and diverse cultural exchange was proven when Birmingham’s David Klein Gallery and legendary Brooklyn-based Galapagos Art Space relocated to the flourishing art capital of the Midwest.
Must see: Detroit’s Artists Market, Re:View Gallery, Sugar Hill Arts District
Artists to look out for: Robert Sestok, Olayami Dabls, Jonathan Rajewski
Before you embark on your journey to explore the art cities where game-changing artists are flocking right now, make sure to pack a chic suitcase with the MOJEH approved carry-ons, fit for an Art curator with an eye for high fashion.
