Hasta La Ideas

A look at domestic-themed work as seen at Miami’s recent art fairs

Call it a deadpan response to the U.S.’s role in geopolitical affairs or just a meditation on the unexpected truth and beauty to be found in contemporary Americana, Art Week Miami 2010 provided some interesting insight into the enduring theme of suburbia. The concept, seen at Art Basel, Scope, Pulse, the Rubell Collection and Nada, made for a refreshing and often witty departure from the highbrow atmosphere and VIPs admiring glossy surfaces and big-name works. Whether or not this focus on domesticity reflects a heightened interest in interior design or a nostalgic yearning for a return to the current generation of artists’ youth—afternoons spent gliding around sub-division sidewalks on skateboards or curled up on a La-Z-Boy watching “Married With Children”—there’s no doubt that the trend speaks to a particular phase in American culture. See some of our favorite examples below.

With contributions by Ami Kealoha, Evan Orensten and Jonah Samson

L: “Roter Vorhang” (2010); R: “Schwarzer Rock” (2010) both by Martina Sauter, seen at Ambach and Rice

“Lamp” (2010) by Beth Campbell, seen at Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery

“Indoor sculpture Zürich” series (2002) by Erwin Wurm, seen at the Jack Hanley Gallery at Nada

L: “Dwelling” series of “Untitled Soap” (2008) by Felicity Warbrick, seen at Waterhouse and Dodd; R:
The Hole booth (2010), seen at NADA

“General Park” (2010) by Ryan Trecartin, installation seen at the Rubell Collection

“Dryer” (2010) by Isaac Layman, seen at Elizabeth Leach Gallery

“Skateboards” (2010) by Comenius Roethlisberger and Admir Jahic, seen at Scope

“Knitting is for Pus****” (2010) by Olek, seen at Christopher Henry Gallery