Last Saturday saw the opening of LITTLEST SISTER 09 at Spinello Gallery, which runs through Art Basel to December 10.

The idea is simple. LITTLEST SISTER sets itself up as a mini mock-art fair, with 8 booths, all 4′ x 8′ in size, and a size restriction on all the work of 9″ x 12″ and smaller, poising itself as the “little sister” to Art Basel Miami Beach and the multitude of art fairs that flood Miami every December.

 This year, the larger roster of artists gives the gallery a more “art fair” feel, as you find the booths packed and cluttered with more work, much like what you’d expect at the Miami Beach Convention Center. In terms of commentary or subversion of the idea of Art Basel as an institution or art fairs in general, LITTLEST SISTER’s overall criticism is not very biting, but instead pokes fun in an ironic and playful manner. The true strength of the show however comes from the size restrictions placed on artists, which forces them to momentarily step out of their comfort zone.

The show predominantly focuses on local artists and includes work by, Troy Abbott, Zach Balber, Bhakti Baxter, Tim Berg, Sandra Bermudez, Blackbooks, Pablo Cano, Clifton Childree, Alejandro Contreras, Julie Davidow, Dead Dads Club Corporation, Reniel Diaz,  Dunce, Jose Felix Perez, Pachi Giustinian, Michael Glidden, Richard Haden, Enrique Gomez De Molina, Felice Grodin, Richard Haden, Alex Heria, Alvaro Ilizarbe, Kris Knight, David Leroi, Nick Lobo, Lee Materazzi, Franco Mondini Ruiz, Victor Muniz, Federico Nessi, Skot Olsen, Kristofer Paetau, Christina Pettersson, Kerry Phillips, Vickie Pierre, Job Piston, Manny Prieres, Retna,  Mike Rivamonte, Santiago Rubino, Samantha Salzinger, Oliver Sanchez, John Sanchez, George Sanchez-Calderon, Tawnie Silva, Jen Stark, Tatiana Suarez, TM Sisters, Vadis Turner, TYPOE, Tatiana Vahan,  Leandro  Vazquez, Michelle Weinberg, Robert Wilson, and Agustina Woodgate.

Spinello Gallery: 151 NE 38 St, Miami; 786-271-4223; spinellogallery.com