I truly feel that I and my Art Basel reporting last year are some of the inspiration for SlamXhype having a more art based feel of late.  I have some thoughts and complaints about the way we covered the event but for now though I'll  just show pictures, ones that I took myself because that's the only way I get down. Here's various stuff I dug when I went to Art Basel and the satellite shows it has inspired

 Barbara Takenaga above seen at Art Basel another new find for me

Jiha Moon seen at the Aqua show. Aqua and the Bridge  shows were great better than Basel if your looking for new artist that is

Another Jiha Moon she is amazing..This was at Basel

Punk Rock hero Raymond Pettibone...He did the Black Flag covers and logo's.This was seen @Art Basel

Huluk Akakce Art Basel

Ai Yamagucci Art Basel

Armando Romero pretty funny piece seen at Art basel

Beatriz Milzhaus at Art basel......I love her stuff

Dr Lakra from Mexico a new discovery for me he showed at Basel as well

Another Lakra

Barry Twist McGee at Art Basel as well

Another Barry Mcgee. He has taken Streetart/Graf so far he's a representitive of the community of artist I come from. His succes is something I marvel at! This was at the Bridge show Adam should be all wet in his huggies over these right about now!

Robert Raushchenberg one of my all time favs. He use to walk around Soho when I was a kid I would see him and bug out! Also at Basel

Since skulls are so popular these days I wanted to show another skull. This is Bhakti Baxter also seen at Art Basel

OK I was born with the ability to bond with people particularly artist of all mediums. Not sure why but I think it's cause people like some of the records I've been invovled with and my forthcoming respect for those whos work I fully admire. This is one of those people Travis Louie. He's a special artist to me very original and weird like me. Here's some of his work I really dig his stuff seen at the Aqua Show. It looks like it should be on the wall in the Adam's Family's house. So cool!

The way he humanizes monsters is so fresh to me. He also writes storys that go along with the paintings. Powerhouse books should give this guy a book deal pronto his stuff is unreal and he's from Queens!

Markus Ohlen I loved this piece...Art Basel

Craig Craola Simpkins F.A.M.E. collective show....Beautiful piece I see why he's Everlast's favorite these days!

If this isnt art what is? Aron Bondaroff his lifestyle might be art....At least thats his schtick these years......Like woa! Collette/SuperTouch shindig at Le Baron

 Now back to our regularly scheduled art viewing......Jim Woodring one of my favs love the faux Henri Rosseu vibe

Lari Pittman seen at Basel wasn't familiar with him but I really dug the work alot it somehow reminds me of Doze Green in a weird way.

Ok now this guy I also had never heard of Micheal Vasquez. This painting is breath taking to me. His style and technique are unreal this guy is serious. One of my favorite things is finding a new artist's whose work speaks to me. I think I found a few at Art Basel this year, this guys one of them!

Here is another amazing find Mikalene Thomas this stuff was funny,cool and impressive. really big pieces on uncovnetional canvas' and just a great tounge in cheek vibe

One more from Mikalene Thomas I think I use to date this chick!

Ok another break in the action......This is the illest crew ever from L-R

Free Simon. NastyNeckface,Eric StuntBoy Foss, Kaws and Myself throwing birds.  Where did Aron go I wonder? SuperTouch shindig again

A little graf was cool to see as well.....Note the Rickey Powell and StayHigh pieces in there!

And without further ado here it is Espo sign master

And with that I say goodbye for now..........I dug Art Basel this year though there was less sculpture than previous years and a lot of people who were just there to party so it seemed. This thing may end up becoming like winter music conference the way it's going. One other gripe is that people who work at gallerys really need to stop acting condescending to people who are appreciating the art they're showing.  Yes I wear baseball hats and sneakers maybe even a gold chain upon occasion but I do collect art, I do spend some money on it and I find it very offensive the way some people who work for and at gallerys treat art fans. Remember you just work there you didn't create the art and you shouldn't have an attititude about it, it alienates people and the key is to engage people when it comes to art espicially the youth!

I'll post some more Art Basel stuff in the next few days. Leave a comment let me know your thoughts.

Enjoy

Dante Ross