You may remember Chicago artist Nick Cave from Brian Keith Jackson’s “30 Americans” feature in the latest issue. His “Soundsuits,” named for the sound they create when they’re worn, are extensions of the artist’s work in fashion and dance. Cave studied and danced with Alvin Ailey before launching his own fashion line and boutique. To see those elaborate “Soundsuits” in motion is a marvelous experience (see video below), one that enables you to fully understand what the work is really about. Fusing elements of the ritualistic and the fantastic into living sculptures, Cave’s colors and compositions erupt as if a painting flared out into the third dimension.

At the Jack Shainman Gallery in NYC through February 7th you’ll find a small army of still soundsuits, almost muted, lined up on a pedestal waiting for someone to climb in and take them for a whirl. Created from found materials, woven hair, beads, etc., these bold works are impeccably ornate and detailed. Makes me want to see what world this garb would be worn in.

Also on view are Cave’s more “traditional” (not really) sculptures that further explore issues of race and identity.

1. The “30 Americans” exhibit at the Rubell Family Collection warehouse opened the weekend of Art Basel Miami Beach, the largest annual US art fair. The show, on view through November of 2009, spotlights the 30 best-of-the-best African-American artists of our generation. Artists include Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Wangechi Mutu, Rashid Johnson, Jeff Sonhouse, Noah Davis, Barkley L. Hendriks, Mickalene Thomas, Shinique Smith, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Glenn Ligon and more.

GIANT’s own Brian Keith Jackson covered the show for our Dec/Jan issue.

For #2.

On my recent trip to Art Basel Miami Beach, I was awe struck and totally inspired by the “30 Americans” exhibit at the Rubell Family Collection. “30 Americans” is a show devoted to the 31 most talented and cutting edge African American artists of our time. It’s right on time. Here is a look at the exhibition, from my perspective. Check it out.

While PUMA is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is also giving back to art, culture and community. With the release of the Reality Bag No. 2, PUMA is a proud sponsor of the Rubell Family Collection’s exhibit 30 Americans. This ground breaking exhibition high-lights the works of 30 cutting-edge African American fine artist in the country. PUMA Urban Mobility created 500 bags and considers it a work of art for the working artist. The royal blue leather tote with red spider accent contains a crayon box, business cards, USB stick, the 30 Americans catalog and lots of other goodies for the modern art enthusiast. For each bag sold, PUMA will donate $100 to the Contemporary Arts Foundation of the Rubell Family Collection and the Serpentine Gallery Education Programme. PUMA considers this their contribution to sports, fashion and lifestyle. For more information go to: www.puma.com

During this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach, The Rubell Family Collection presents “30 Americans,” a dynamic exhibition of African-American art. Wielding influence through creations, the five artists profiled here provided a sampling of this important and immense cultural perspective. – BRIAN KEITH JACKSON

Check out their moving pieces below:

Want to know what makes the new issue of GIANT so fly? Other than Beyoncé… Well, watch my editor’s video letter below to find out.