Decorative Highlights from 2023 Art Week in Miami
Author:Lindsey ShookCollectors, design enthusiasts and patrons gathered in Miami for the annual Art Week to discover new artists, obtain new pieces and see who is who at the year’s best parties. While many came for the fine art, it’s the decorative art that everyone was talking about. Here, Editor in Chief Lindsey Shook shares her selects for best in show.
DESIGN MIAMI
For the nineteenth edition of Design Miami, collectors flocked to the flagship fair to shop collections from renowned decorative arts galleries from around the world that showcased works in the curatorial theme—Where We Stand. Now owned by Basic.Space the internationally acclaimed show was by far the biggest attraction of Art Week in Miami. Here we share a few of our selections for best in show.
BEST IN SHOW: aequō
Mumbai-based gallery aequō made their first debut at Design Miami this year with their stunning Panna collection curated by Creative Director Florence Louisy featuring works by Cédric Courtin, Wendy Andreu, Valeriane Lazard, Frédéric Imbert and Boris Brucher.
SOUTHERN GUILD
Renowned South African gallery—Southern Guild—returned to Design Miami again this year, presenting an expansive selection of functional and sculptural work by 11 designers and artists: Adam Birch, Dokter and Misses, Andile Dyalvane, Jesse Ede, Charles Haupt, Porky Hefer, King Houndekpinkou, Justine Mahoney, Rich Mnisi, Zizipho Poswa and Stanislaw Trzebinski. With a focus on nature and three-dimensionality, the works encompass moments of play and quiet reflection, escape and wild release. Stay tuned for their new gallery in L.A. that is slated to open in 2024!
FUMI
Based in the U.K., FUMI drew collectors into their booth with deeply sauturated burgundy walls and outstanding assortment of sculpture, furniture and lighting from artists including Max Lamb, Study O Portable and more. Artist Jeremy Anderson’s pendant and floor lighting sculptures stood out, with their playfully-glazed patterns, 22k gold leafing and details.
MARTA
Marta represented California in the best possible way with a thought-provoking exhibition of functional sculptures by Lagos, Nigeria-based artist and Nifemi Marcus-Bello entitled, Oríkì (Act II): Tales by Moonlight. As the second part of the Oríkì series—the first, Friction Ridge, was presented by the gallery earlier this year—the showcase furthered the conversation around identity, materiality and craft production. For some time, Marcus-Bello has worked to uncover the effects of globalization, production chains and supply-and-demand dynamics after developing a relationship with a group of auto part casters in Lagos who helped him develop this body of work.
WEXLER GALLERY
Every year, Philadelphia’s own Wexler Gallery presents remarkable new pieces from artists, architects and makers. This year, the show featured the work of three artists including Malene Djenaba Barnett, Jomo Tariku, Feyza Kemahlioglu and Andreea Avram Rusu, that told the stories of their heritage. “Each artist brings a unique perspective and artistic voice, allowing us to explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions found around the globe. Through their works, we witness the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to a sense of place,” said Wexler Gallery Co-Founder, Sherri Apter Wexler.
ALCOVA
In it’s first year stateside, Milan-based design fair Alcova took over the historic Gold Dust hotel by filling each room with installations from some of the world’s most innovative artists. From lighting to accessories and furniture made from trophies, several spaces featured work by California-based creatives including Objects for Objects, Jialun Xiong and the captivating group show Uncharted that included artists; Caleb Ferris, Forma Rosa Studio, NJ Roseti, Studio Sam Klemick, Tristan Louis Marsh and Wallpaper Projects.
