From Sunshine to Snow- Home from Photo L.A!

As you all may know, DSFA made a trip out to Los Angeles recently to be a part of Photo L.A. Darryll was to be the feature artist of En Foco Gallery's booth. We used this great opportunity to preview Darryll's latest series, Descending to Heaven, as well as display some of his biggest "hits".  Fortunately for our frozen Chicago hearts, the weather in L.A. was unseasonably warm with temperatures in the high 80's all week long. We stayed near the L.A. Mart, where the fair took place, in the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo. We had a lovely stay, and an even greater time during the fair hours. 

The view walking towards booth 714…our booth!

Part of the new Descending to Heaven series.

The first night was a special VIP preview where the city's biggest names in art came to enjoy food, drinks, a live DJ, and of course, an exclusive look at the art. It was a lively and exciting night and I may have been a little more than excited about the fact that Elle Fanning and Moby were present that evening. By the end of the night, we felt overjoyed with the reception that Darryll's work received. It truly set the tone for the rest of the week. 

Enjoying the view.

Friday through Sunday were regular fair hours, open to the public. Each morning Darryll, his sister Lesley, and myself would get there a tad bit early to walk around and get our own look at the multitudes of work tucked within booth after booth. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with the collective talent of the artists being represented at their individual booths. There were galleries from all over the world and various parts of the U.S. The attendees were also a very diverse bunch. We met all kinds of people from all over the world with different stories to tell. 

Chatting with a man about Darryll's work.

The responses that Darryll's work received seemed to come from an inspired place in people's hearts. Aspiring photographers felt recharged and motivated by his work and long-time art lovers admitted they hadn't seen anything quite like these images before. However, I think the best responses were not the verbal, but the physical ones; jaws dropping, fingers pointing, and faces smiling.  We didn't know what to expect going into this event but left feeling fulfilled and successful. We are so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this event and hope to be there next year!

--Chelsea 

Art Basel Miami

Here we are, again, swiftly approaching the holiday season. It happens every year, I know, but I never feel quite prepared for the frigid Chicago weather, the frantic purchasing of gifts, and the making of travel plans. However, there is an upcoming event this winter that allows us to put the holiday madness aside and dive into the world of art and warm weather.

At the beginning of December, we will hop on a plane to Miami, Florida. With the city's iconic Art Deco architecture, Miami make the perfect backdrop to an event such as Art Basel.

Miami's Art Deco District

Originating in Basel, Switzerland, this international event occurs annually in its birthplace, as well as Hong Kong and of course, Miami. It is considered to be the hub, the meeting place, of world renowned art, its creators, and the places that exhibit them. It's a wonderful platform for anyone working with or around art, as well as those who simply appreciate modern and contemporary art. Of the 258 galleries participating in this years Miami show, here are a list of galleries we're most excited to visit:

Richard Gray Gallery

Richard Gray Gallery

As Chicagoans, we are happy to see our city represented at Art Basel. Their display at this year's Art Expo Chicago stood out to me the most and I'm really pumped to see what they come up with for Miami. 

Kavi Gupta Gallery 

This gallery, rooted in Chicago, also has a Berlin location. Its newest location in Chicago is now the largest commercial gallery in Chicago.

Gagosian Gallery

The Gagosian Gallery can be found in fourteen different locations across the world. They are legendary. Enough said.

Baro Gallery
Located in a hangar in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Baro Gallery is home to established and up and coming Latin American artists. Because Brazil is one of Darryll's favorite places to    visit, he is especially excited to discover whats trending in their unique art scene.

Art Basel Miami, 2011

If you are visiting Miami for this event, let us know who you are excited to see!

-Chelsea