THE LOCAL SPOT
THE GALLERY Horizon Arts is set to open an exciting new gallery in Wynwood just in time for Art Basel. The gallery will feature one of Israel’s most prominent and original artists, David Gerstein. Gerstein has been hailed as one of the most innovative artists in the world today. That might seem to be a bold statement, but after viewing his work it is impossible not to recognize his ingenuity and far-reaching imagination. Gerstein is an accomplished artist in a wide variety of mediums, from paintings to intricate paper cut-outs. After working with various materials and mediums, Gerstein embraced steel and used it to create works that were completely new to the art world. Gerstein fashions his pieces from layers of cut-out steel then hand-paints them in bold, vibrant colors. His works are playful in spirit yet mind-boggling in complexity, featuring a myriad of colorful butterflies, exotic birds, bicyclists, flowers, and jazz musicians among other subjects. Horizon Arts will feature Gerstein’s wall sculptures but you can find his art in numerous public spaces around the world, from his native Israel to Belgium to Singapore. Gerstein’s works are represented in galleries and museums in more than 20 countries and across the United States. Now, thanks to Horizon Art, his work will finally be in Miami. Keep up to date with the gallery at http://horizonarts.us/ and don’t miss this world-famous artist.
THE COLLECTOR Robert Blumenthal has quickly become one of Miami’s most prominent young Contemporary Art collectors. His Miami Beach home is filled with works of some of the most respected contemporary artist of the time. Blumenthal has an eye for the upcoming and coming treasures as well. One of his favorite works in his collection is by Cory Arcangel titled Beat the Champ. It is a Nintendo game projected onto the white walls of his home which plays repeatedly and sadly, the player never hits a pin. Blumenthal states that this is a new form of video using antiquated technology. Another notable work is from the Hello Meth Lab in the Sun by Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe. The work came from a larger piece which infamously turned a Miami condo into a meth lab. “Floating” in the middle of the living room is a beautiful stark white sculpture entitled the Universe by Ricci Albenda. Other artists in the collection include: Parker Ito, Jonas Wood, Dan Rees, Jon Pestoni, Chris Burden, and Mary Weatherford. Our favorite work in Blumenthal’s collection is somewhat of a “performance piece.” A fully functioning cannon which shoots beer cans across the pool at a designated target. The work was designed by Justin H. Long and is entitled The Old 96’er. SFG had the pleasure of meeting Justin and seeing the work of art in action. This kinetic sculpture is sure to be the life of any party. SFG NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2012
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Robert Blumenthal inside a work by Sam Falls.