with a story to tell…
Magdalena Murua
July 2- 31, 2019
May 1- 31, 2019
Jamie Wyeth
May 1- 31, 2019
Maria Svarbova
Forbes 30 under 30
AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM
March 12-April 16, 2019
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, War and Peace Series: Warrior 1 Pose
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!
Mr. Brainwash, Believe in Magic
Brendan Murphy, Lightning
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.”
Hijack, Balloon Head
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/
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2019
Jan 10-13
Tortoiseshell: A Timeless Trend
From bags to shoes to glasses, tortoise shell is seemingly everywhere, and I’m not complaining. Especially after finally finding 
its way into my personal jewelry collection! I recently popped into one of my favorite shops, Sequin, on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach and couldn’t resist these faux tortoise shell earrings. Not only are they made to look like the coveted tortoise shell, they also have coral colored gems which accentuate the tortoise shell design. What girl doesn’t want to mimic Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, who sported the timeless black and brown spots on a variety of their accessories, right? And the best part—they are super lightweight so they can be worn comfortably all day long!
A rule of thumb for seamless inclusion into your wardrobe: simply consider tortoise shell a neutral. A maximalist neutral that will be sure to catch everyone’s eye!
Finding Your Own Sunshine with Vivre Couture
Hand painted artwork worthy of a gallery exhibition? Lusciously tropical garments guaranteed to turn heads at any of life’s premier moments? Yes, please! Vivre Couture, a partnership between designer Kristen Alyce and artists from around the world, fuses the highest quality elements of art, design, and construction into their hyper-inspired line of wearables. Their line, which includes apparel for men and women as well as accessories including handbags, bow ties, luggage tags, shoes, cardholders, and belts represents the best of the Palm Beach experience and happens to be my latest obsession. 
What sets Vivre Couture and their “wall to wardrobe” concept apart is this team’s unmatched commitment to advance the meeting of fine art and couture fashion. Each item is carefully crafted with fine canvas and linen, then hand painted with thick bodied acrylic paints. Gowns and cocktail attire are created with in-home custom fittings and require between 24-80 hours of hands-on attention to include designer, seamstress, and artist. Take a look for yourself at https://vivrecouture.com.
PapiChulo Tacos, bringing flavor to Jupiter
To me, the best food is the freshest with the fewest ingredients. Simple enough, right? This brings me to everyone’s favorite Tuesday night fare–the taco. Everyone is sure to have an opinion on where to find the best of this deceptively simple dish. This is where I return to my “freshest and fewest” philosophy. To be sure, there are plenty of taco spots that I happily visit to satisfy my cravings, but there can be only one spot I call the best!
Fortunately, I have found my personal El Dorado, courtesy of the cozy and authentic PapiChulo Tacos. Recently opened, and nestled near the Jupiter Lighthouse, the eatery attracted me with its creative cocktails and menu promising authentic Mexican-style street food. Homemade tortillas? Check. Mexican Shrimp Ceviche? Of course. Housemade Sangria? Yes, please!
And yes, I had the perfectly prepared street corn smothered gloriously in chipotle mayo, along with the quesadilla stuffed with cheese straight from Oaxaca. So many salivating choices on my path to the main event. For my first visit, I tried Carne Asada, Pollo, and Repollitos (crispy brussel sprouts with secret sauce and queso frecso, YUM!). Each was to die for in their own unique way, but I’m wondering what it would take to get a bottle of the chimichurri sauce! Hands down, dare I say, best tacos I have had in Palm Beach County. I plan on returning ASAP to taste what I could not manage to order before being rolled out. Get a peek at their menu and specials here: https://www.papichulotacos.com/menu. Tell them Brandy sent you!
Tastefully Starting the Palm Beach New Year
Siamak Hariri’s aesthetic reverence and deep respect for sacred spaces results in works of enduring value
It was only natural that award-winning Canadian builder and developer Great Gulf would partner with world renowned architect Siamak Hariri for the design of its first luxury condominium in Florida, La Clara, slated for completion 2021. Great Gulf is a vertically integrated firm in business since 1975 and has 18 projects under construction in North America; this is its first foray into Florida. Hariri is internationally renowned and feted with 60 major architectural awards.
Among Siamak Harari’s most notable masterpieces is the Bahá’í Temple of South America which he discussed on a TED talk, receiving over 1.8 million views on line. A graduate of Yale School of Architecture, Hariri, age 53, has in his own words, a “profound interest in light, form, site, material, and craft.” In 2003, Siamak answered an open call for the design of the first Bahá’í Temple in South America, a continental temple, an extraordinary milestone for the Bahá’í community. Siamak needed to create a circular sacred space, with 9 sides, 9 entrances and 9 paths to the temple from all directions welcoming people from all faiths and background. With no models to draw from, he asked himself “how do you design sacred space today? How do you define what’s sacred today?” He found his answer in Bahá’í quote which led him to illumination from within. See his TED Talk presentation below.
Siamak Hariri focused on illumination — from the temple’s form, which captures the movement of the sun throughout the day, to the iridescent, luminous stone and glass used to construct it. This same illumination and is the inspiration behind Harari’s design of La Clara.
La Clara– Blending sacred space with community
Like all great communities, La Clara offers the perfect balance between privacy and surroundings.; clarity and luxury. Light, sacred space, clarity and community are evident throughout: La Clara’s deep private balconies face south-east toward the water and over-sized windows are throughout the residences. The flowing spatial interiors, are carried throughout the entertainment room, fitness center and all common areas. Outdoor amenities include swimming pool with cabanas and a dining area.
“La Clara takes great advantage of Hariri’s vision and talent, particularly with regard to the light and vistas in each unit. Great Gulf has supported his vision wholeheartedly, and it has committed to launch as a good neighbor in our community,” said Chris Leavitt, Director of Sales for La Clara.
Residence Private Balcony
For more information, please visit La Clara or email sales@laclarapalmbeach.com
Tel 561.898.2171
influences West Palm’s Skyline