Miami Art Week is known for showcasing jaw-dropping installations, each reflecting unique creativity. The exhibits of this event surpass every boundary of art and design. This weeklong convergence of fairs, activities, and parties transforms the Magic City into a global art hub. At the Miami Art Week 2024, Galerie specifically identified eight standout design moments that left an indelible impression on the visitors.
1. Roham Shamekh’s Tribute to Pharrell Williams at Design Miami
Dubai-based designer Roham Shamekh has brought a deeply personal touch to his exhibition at Design Miami. Inspired by Pharrell Williams, Shamekh’s series of ethereal white resin chairs combined torso-shaped forms with sculptural angels and wings. Pharrell became his muse and “guardian angel” during a crucial moment in Shamekh’s life. “We’re all interconnected,” Shamekh reflected. “We all have the capacity to play a pivotal role in each other’s lives.” This heavenly collection added a poetic layer to Design Miami, blending storytelling with art.
2. Kohler Marks 50 Years of Artistic Legacy
Celebrating five decades of its Arts/ Industry program, Kohler presented an eclectic exhibition in the Miami Design District. Curated by Michelle Grabner, the showcase highlighted works by fellows who explored new creative frontiers during their residencies. Standouts included Lily Cox-Richard’s brass chandelier crafted from plumbing components and Ann Agee’s cobalt-blue ceramic toilet, adorned with everyday scenes.
3. The Chubb Collector’s Lounge
Amid Art Basel’s frenetic energy, the Chubb Collector’s Lounge offered a tranquil, design-forward escape. Envisioned by interior designer Sasha Bikoff, the space showcased an audacious mix of patterns and colors inspired by Miami Beach’s vibrant aesthetic. Anchored by a semi-transparent domed pendant created with Studio M Lighting, the lounge featured Memphis-inspired furniture by Bikoff and Stark’s custom rugs. Works by Chubb Fellowship artists complemented the interior, merging art with luxury.
4. Blunk Space at Design Miami
Mariah Nielson, director of JB Blunk’s estate, brought her father’s legacy to life at Design Miami with “Blunk Space.” The exhibition juxtaposed JB Blunk’s wood furniture with works by emerging artists inspired by his resourcefulness. Highlights included salvaged redwood shelves by Rio Kobayashi and shell-metal jewelry by Alana Burns, blending contemporary artistry with Blunk’s timeless aesthetic. The booth celebrated craftsmanship and sustainable design, winning Best Curio Presentation.
5. Maison Perrier-Jouët and Formafantasma’s Biodiversity Banquet
Blending art, nature, and gastronomy, Maison Perrier-Jouët teamed with design duo Formafantasma to present biodiversity in viticulture. Miami attendees were treated to a sensory experience featuring terracotta totems and a panel discussion with figures like Pierre Gagnaire, a three-Michelin-star chef. The evening culminated with a locust-inspired eco-acoustic composition by David Monacchi, transporting guests to the vineyard’s ecosystem.
6. Ralph Pucci: Modern Mysticism
Design pioneer Ralph Pucci unveiled his first standalone in-house furniture collection in over a decade. Drawing on influences from iconic artists like Giacometti and Brâncuși, the collection featured sand-blasted finishes and rough-hewn textures. The eight-foot-tall Visage lighting sculpture emerged as a centerpiece, showcasing Pucci’s mastery over blending innovation with tradition.
7. Invento Spirit: Collective Experiments in Adaptive Creativity
“Invento Spirit,” hosted in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, celebrated the Cuban ethos of resourcefulness. Organized by Havana-born designer Daniela Friedman, the exhibition showcased works crafted from salvaged materials. Designers Lex Pott and Chris Wolston collaborated in a ten-day workshop, producing pieces that balanced ingenuity and sustainability. Jean Lee of Ladies & Gentlemen Studio explained that the show was “a counter-balance to the excess of the contemporary Western design world.”
8. Panerai’s Submersible Elux LAB-ID
Luxury watchmaker Panerai pushed the boundaries of functionality and aesthetics with its Submersible Elux LAB-ID. This advanced limited edition timepiece, with only 150 pieces, features electroluminescent panels powered by a microgenerator, allowing deep-sea divers to illuminate their dials underwater. The watch is encased in lightweight titanium and boasts a striking blue finish achieved through plasma electrolytic oxidation.
Unforgettable Exhibits
Miami Art Week 2024 captured the spirit of boundless art with unique design concepts reflected through its exhibits. From furniture inspired by artistic legends to wearable innovations and adaptive creativity, it highlighted the convergence of artistry, sustainability, and cultural narrative.
