Untitled Art, the perfectly Instagram-able Miami Beach fair known for using the literal sands as its platform, was recently added to a luxury brand portfolio ahead of its 13th iteration this December. Solidifying every contemporary artist’s dream of having their textile and resin-pour assemblage work displayed on private yachts across the seven seas, Untitled Art announced the partnership with South Florida Ventures last Friday, February 16, with founder Jeffery Lawson describing it as “a natural progression” for the fair to grow within Florida and beyond.
For some additional context, South Florida Ventures, the regional lifestyle market sphere of British exhibitions and business group Informa, acquired Art Miami Fair Group in 2019 — thus incorporating the Context, Aqua, Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary, and Art Wynwood fairs into a portfolio mostly known for its hold on luxury fashion, beauty, homewares, and, of course, boating. The “yacht-ification” of Miami Art Week continues to corral contemporary art at the most diverse and experimental period in its existence into another frivolous corner of the home decor and luxury industry sectors.
It’s unlikely that everyone would have a bone to pick with the potential for increased profits and reach, especially as Lawson will continue to helm the ship with the partner promise of “greater resources and the ability to scale the platform.”
Perhaps it’s a market misstep, or rather a confirmation that 13 really is an unlucky number as the wealthy snowbirds of the Northeast no longer need boats to admire the whale tails off the “sands of Miami Beach.” They only need to adjust to the culture shock of seeing them on full display waddling from booth to booth, tightly wedged between the cheeks of “curatorial balance and integrity” that Untitled claims to offer.
