Groundbreaking contemporary works by Brendan Murphy and Mr. Brainwash are among the highlights at the prestigious and much anticipated ‘tent site’ art fair

By Brandy Guthrie

South Florida art enthusiasts recovering from their annual Art Basel come downs, have another weekend to absorb some of the planet’s best contemporary art–courtesy of Art Miami. This time, it’s the 3rd edition of Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, a world class fair poised for a breakout year in 2019.  Palm Beach’s Contessa Gallery, still glowing from a fabulously successful exhibit during Art Basel, will feature works from renowned artists Mr. Brainwash, Hijack, Maria Svarbova, Daniele Sigalot, and Cayla Birk, as well as the world premiere of Brendan Murphy’s latest sculpture series.

Brendan Murphy’s most recent works are the result of a pivotal period of personal stress and hardship, namely, the destruction of his Malibu neighborhood caused by devastating wildfires. Artists often produce their most poignant work during dark times, and Murphy’s “War & Peace Series” (pictured above) are no exception. Created using an exclusive process which generates a vibrant chrome-based painted finish, the series of large-scale soldiers in yoga poses garnered national attention when premiered at Art Miami 2018. New “War & Peace Series” poses will be debuted at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019. Do not miss!

Following up another blockbuster solo exhibition at Art Miami 2018, Contessa Gallery will bring the electrifying works of Mr. Brainwash to West Palm Beach. This brilliant artist with roots in the world of street art was eventually introduced to Bansky, arguably the most famous street artist alive, and has continued to blaze a path of artistic experimentation throughout his career. This year, the gallery will showcase his new paintings consisting of neon light bulbs, paper collages, and fiberglass, as well as his newest broken vinyl record collages which give both material and subject a new life by, “making singers live forever with what they sold.”

For more detailed information about the artists or gallery, which will remain open during the week of the art fair, please visit www.contessagallery.com or contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email at art@contessagallery.com.

Learn more about Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019 at https://www.artpbfair.com/