Even if you know nothing about the art world and have never heard of Art Basel, you may remember a story from 2019 where an artist duct-taped a banana to a wall and it sold for USD 120,000 (HKD 9,35,550). And then another artist ate the banana. And then everyone was just duct-taping things to walls thinking they were hilarious.
That was the most recent Art Basel in Miami Beach (it was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19) so clearly, the annual event doesn’t have an aversion to unusual artwork. And this year, Cheetos is coming in flamin’ hot with a bizarre announcement of its own: On Art Basel’s final day, the snack brand will be hosting an exhibition featuring art made entirely out of its iconic orange dust, Cheetle.

In partnership with the LL Cool J-founded lifestyle brand Rock the Bells, Cheetos has hooked up with street artist Lefty Out There for a hip-hop-inspired art exhibition that will, of course, be hosted on a yacht with luxury Cheetos-inspired cuisine, cocktails, DJ sets from the likes of Just Blaze and DJ Millie, and a live performance from Kaash Paige.
This “Yacht The Basel: The Art of the Cheetle” exhibition also promises “eight vibrant and dynamic original art pieces.” For those not familiar with Lefty Out There, his signature style is an abstract collection of curling tube-like shapes that kind of resemble Cheetos Puffs in the first place, so I guess it’s a sensible match. “This event will be one for the books,” he said in the announcement. “New techniques, a unique venue and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take on a new challenge. Should be one hell of a party!”

“Over the years, fans have used Cheetos as inspiration for so many different things, from fashion to beauty to culinary and more,” Jessica Spaulding, senior director of marketing for Frito-Lay North America, added. “Now, we’re excited to see how Cheetle — the orange dust that our fans wear proudly on their fingertips — is brought to life at Art Basel through the incredibly talented Lefty Out There’s artwork.”
The one-day event will take place on Saturday, December 4 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the four-story SeaFair megayacht docked at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. During those hours, fans can view the exhibition and listen to the DJ sets. Then, afterwards, the boat will set sail for a larger invite-only party.
Reservations for the event can be made on Eventbrite.
This story first appeared on www.foodandwine.com
(Main and Feature Image Credit: Courtesy of Frito-Lay)
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