“Bushwick Gone Basel” Is Just What It Sounds Like
Just as we’re learning of a dubious “hipster war” supposedly raging in Bushwick, we’re also learning that Bushwick has become enough of a marketable commodity to be packed up and taken down to Miami as a “pop-up rave,” and right on time for the internationally renowned branding art extravaganza that is Art Basel Miami. Per DNAinfo:
In Bushwick Gone Basel, dozens of Brooklyn performers are packing up their art, instruments and party skills to “descend upon the center of paradise” in South Beach for the prestigious arts fest.
“We’re creating a pop-up rave space that’s going to be like a party in Bushwick,” said event promoter and artist Ms. Fitz, who co-organized Bushwick Gone Basel with fellow artist Angelina Dreem, laughing that the party would include “lots of trash in the floor,” in true Bushwick style.”
It essentially sounds like a party that happens to feature Bushwick performers and artists (and the aforementioned trash on the ground), which is all legit, but the event’s website blares “DEAR ART WORLD. MEET THE UNDERGROUND,” and continues as follows:
“TAKEOVER WILL CLIMAX WITH A PRESENTATION OF THE BUSHWICK UNDERGROUND. SELECT AND ENIGMATIC PERFORMANCE ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, VISUAL ARTISTS, AND PERSONALITIES WILL BE SHOWCASED ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH AFTER CRASHING PARTIES AND RUBBING EGOS OF THE ART WORLDS BIGGEST PLAYERS.
THE EVENT WILL FEATURE LIVE MUSIC AND VISUAL ART IN ITS RAWEST FORM STRAIGHT FROM THE MOST TALKED ABOUT AND MISUNDERSTOOD NEIGHBORHOOD IN NEW YORK CITY.
PROVING THAT BUSHWICK IS MORE THAN A PLACE, ITS A LIFESTYLE.”
Yes, a trash-strewing, ego-rubbing lifestyle. So, if that all sounds like your thing, by all means, go. Freak the squares. Show ’em the “underground.”
Follow Virginia K. Smith on Twitter @vksmith.