Miami becomes the art capital of the world for one week as Miami Art Week 2024 takes place from Dec. 4-8.
The event showcases artists from around the world across Miami and Miami Beach. The celebration runs concurrently with Art Basel and features satellite fairs, gallery openings, and immersive installations in vibrant neighborhoods such as Wynwood, Lincoln Road, the Design District, and Midtown. For the main information, go to artmiami.com, but here are a few of the lesser known, but still very interesting events to check out. Also included are places to grab a bite or relax and have a drink near each location, because one does not live on art alone.
Wilzig Erotic Art Museum, 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, will have two exhibits running during art week: “Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality,” the largest known exhibition dedicated to Cuban erotic art spans more than 50 artists and over 100 works across painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography from the last 90 years. “Breaking Boundaries” features the groundbreaking work of photographer Mariette Pathy Allen, and offers a powerful look into the evolution of attitudes toward transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender non-conforming individuals, seen through the lens of an artist who has dedicated her career to the humane and dignified portrayal of these communities. Check out the Latin and Mexican fare, at Serena Rooftop. Unwind in a lushly planted open-air paradise overlooking South Beach in Moxy Miami South Beach. Hand-crafted cocktails and shareable dishes add to a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe like none other in Miami. 915 Washington Ave.
The Betsy Hotel, 2700 N Miami Ave., Miami Beach, always abuzz with artistic endeavors is certainly a hub of activity during Art Week. LT Steak & Seafood restaurant will feature fashion photography by Lillian Bassman, a celebrated contemporary of Richard Avedon and “poetic” photography Willy Ronis (1910-2009) is a French photographer whose best-known work shows life in post-WWII Paris and Provence. The Piano Bar will display the photos of Andy Sweet who captured Jewish life in South Beach in the late 1970s. Mac Stone’s and Clyde Butcher’s Everglades photographs will line the Gallery. The Carlton Room will display Elinor Carucci’s photos of “The Collars of RBG.” Throughout the property are photos by Bob Bonis, an MCA talent agent who held an extraordinary position in the music industry at a pivotal time in rock and roll history. These are just a few of the exhibits at the Betsy. Treat yourself to an upscale meal at the hotel’s LT Steak & Seafood, where the intricately plated dishes mimic works of art.
Lina Cerrone Gallery, 2239 NW 2nd Ave. in Wynwood, will host the U.S. premiere of Bastien Soleil’s VIP exhibition with a reception on Nov. 23 from 6-9 p.m. with a special artist meet-and-greet and exhibition opening with artist Lee Gihun on Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. during Miami Art Week. All exhibitions are on display at Lina Cerrone Gallery through Dec. 31 and will be open to the public. Arlo Wynwood, 2217 NW Miami Ct., has an artistic vibe that has cemented its position as a place to be during Miami Art Week. Sip on local beers and tropical cocktails, and fruit rosés paired with stone-oven pizzas and handhelds.
The team behind Lincoln Road’s public art initiative continues to position the district with meaningful, thought-provoking works by presenting the following: “XO World,” a 12-foot-high, 24-foot-long jacks-inspired sculpture by contemporary abstract artist Daniel Anderson and “Dream Machine,” a 10-by-13-foot larger-than-life butterfly wing sculpture by poet and philosopher Rubem Robierb. Also drawing attention is Beauty, a pop-up gallery featuring artwork by internationally known actor, director, and writer Jordi Mollà (best known for his starring roles in Blow and Bad Boys II.) There are also 15 art galleries throughout the district. Relax at Issabella's, 1222 Lincoln Rd., which focuses on simply prepared food using quality products, easy-drinking beverages, an intimate sophisticated ambiance that draws neighborhood denizens and visitors alike.
