The VICE Guide to Miami Art Fairs - Bob Nickas

Bob Nickas is a kickass curator and writer. His latest book of collected writings is called

Theft Is Vision

(JRP/Ringier). He likes Art Basel, he likes Miami, and he likes the idea of getting away from this beastly New York weather. It’s fucking dreadful, isn’t it? I wish I was dead.

Photo by Ryan Foerster

Vice: What’s the best thing about Art Basel?

Bob Nickas:

This is the edition of the fair that’s not in Switzerland. It’s in Miami and it’s in December, so you can leave cold, gray, depressing New York and hit the beach.

What’s the worst thing about Art Basel?

It’s cheap to fly to Miami—or at least it used to be—so all of the annoying losers you have to see all the time on the New York art “scene” are there crashing the parties and trying to work their careers.

What’s the craziest thing you ever saw at Art Basel?

Dan Graham’s multimedia puppet show/rock show,

Don’t Trust Anyone Over Thirty

, with live music from Japanther.

Where’s a good place to eat in Miami?

Out of your own wallet, Sardinia or Quattro (table outside). If you’re invited out, Nobu. Or there’s Fratelli Lyon (make a reservation), Sheba Ethopian (for vegetarians), and Lost and Found (great Mexican and good beer on tap).

What tips would you give someone heading down to AB for the first time?

Sunblock.