{"id":107265,"date":"2026-01-06T05:31:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T05:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/107265\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T05:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T05:31:25","slug":"highlights-from-miami-art-week-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/107265\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights from Miami Art Week 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year\u2019s standouts included modern takes on heritage craft, whimsical, surrealist installations and deeply personal artworks<\/p>\n

\"251201_tuleste_dm2149\"Artworks by Miranda Makaroff, Lucia Neamtu, Ian Alistair Cochran, and Merve Kahraman, Courtesy of Tuleste Factory<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s Art Week<\/a>\u00a0was as eclectic and thriving as ever, full of playfulness, politics and beautifully conceived individual projects. Here\u2019s a shortlist of exhibitions, installations and works that are still on our minds a month later.<\/p>\n

\"EsArtwork by Es Devlin, Photo by Giulio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Es Devlin\u2019 s Library of Us at Faena Beach Hotel<\/p>\n

Acclaimed artist and stage designer Es Devlin<\/a> brought to Miami\u2019s beach a public installation, Library of Us, filled with over 2,000 books she considers inspirational. Visitors could stop by and read the books as the installation\u2019s seats rotated with the main piece, while a voice read powerful and motivational passages. Inspired by Devlin\u2019s previous work at Milan Design Week<\/a> but fully site-specific for Miami, the 50-foot-tall revolving library resembled a giant sundial surrounded by water\u2014a representation of floods and climate change, as she explained in a conference at Miami Design. On that same occasion, Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation, announced that Devlin will be Artistic Director of next year\u2019s not-to-be-missed Homo Faber Biennale<\/a> in Venice. At the end of Miami Art Week, all books were donated to libraries, except the recently banned volumes, explained Devlin, directing attention to these hard times for culture and freedom of expression. It was a perfect example of thoughtful art for everyone, and an act for the community.<\/p>\n

\"Marco\u00a9 Marco Brambilla, Courtesy of Wolfsonian Museum and Research Center<\/p>\n

Marco Brambilla\u2019s After Utopia at Wolfsonian Museum<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s Art Week is not only about temporary fairs; it also highlights major institutions such as the Wolfsonian Museum and Research Center<\/a>. It currently hosts After Utopia, a surreal AI composition of iconic elements and data from 18 world expositions, from Paris 1889 to Osaka 2025. The three-screen installation layers ascending, hyper-detailed visuals representing the utopian ambitions of expos and their enduring belief in \u201cbetter living through technology.\u201d Marco Brambilla<\/a>\u2019s work can be seen until March 2026, alongside Wolfsonian archive masterpieces from past world fairs, including the fascinating Art Deco<\/a> visuals of Chicago\u2019s 1933 Expo.<\/p>\n

\"TulesteCourtesy of Tuleste Factory <\/p>\n

Tuleste Factory at Design Miami<\/p>\n

New York\u2013based gallery Tuleste Factory<\/a> presented one of the most artistically curated and conceptually rich stands at the Design Miami <\/a>fair. Embracing optimism, joyful playfulness and a bold palette, it unveiled an entire room composed of works by a dozen diverse artists, including Marina Abramovi\u0107<\/a>, Pilar Zeta<\/a> and Ian Alistair Cochran<\/a>. The result was a convincingly immersive and cohesive experience. \u201cWelcome to\u00a0Keep It Curious\u2014a world where imagination meets refinement,\u201d read their statement. The presentation lived up to that message, especially in Facture<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Wake Desk, Mirror, and Side Table, made of solid resin and wood with a sinuous, undulating pattern.<\/p>\n

\"AArtwork by Stephen Burks Man Made with ALPI, Courtesy of Stephen Burks Man Made<\/p>\n

Stephen Burks Man Made with ALPI\u2019s The Lost Cloth Object at Design Miami<\/p>\n

Reconstituted wood decorative surfaces pioneer ALPI<\/a> gave voice to the creativity of the artistically nomadic and dynamic duo Stephen Burks Man Made<\/a> for three pieces of striking and fascinating craftmanship of the highest level. The Lost Cloth Object offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Kuba, a centuries-old textile art form originating from Congo. Renowned for its intricate geometry and masterful handwork, Kuba cloth finds renewed expression in wood through ALPI\u2019s Legacy collection. Here, the ancestral patterns are transposed onto timber surfaces, imbuing new vitality into the natural grain, hue and texture of once \u201clost\u201d or endangered species such as ebony, teak and rosewood. The mesmerizing creation comes from authentic cultural respect, and deep material and technical research developed by Malika Leiper and Stephen Burks<\/a> with contemporary Kuba artisans in Congo-Kinshasa.<\/p>\n

\"TerumiArtwork by Terumi Saito, Photo by Piergiorgio Sorgetti<\/p>\n

Terumi Saito\u2019s Interweaving \u2013 Fiber and Clay at Alcova Project<\/p>\n

The highly inspirational Alcova<\/a> itinerant platform play on a smaller scale in Miami than in Milan, but they do it with the same intrepid spirit. This year, again with a total takeover of the city\u2019s oldest hotel, the River Inn<\/a>, steps away from the vibrant Little Havana<\/a> area\u2014an elegant, old-fashioned haven amid the chaos of Miami Art Week. Alcova Miami<\/a> presented young and upcoming designers. Most notably among them all, was Terumi Saito<\/a>\u2019s Interweaving \u2013 Fiber and Clay, perfectly balancing the authentic spirit of Japan\u2019s respectful cultural memory and adventurous contemporary craft and art. The same unexpected balance was found in her choice of materials, juxtaposing fabric threads with clay modeled according to ceramic traditions. The New York<\/a>\u2013based Japanese artist focused on backstrap weaving, a millenary-old weaving technique that has been found in several civilizations, a thread uniting people through cultural diversity and creative ingenuity.<\/p>\n

\"AArtwork by Anne Samat, Photo by Guilio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Anne Samat\u2019s The Unbreakable Love\u2026Family Portrait at Art Basel Miami Beach<\/p>\n

At Art Basel Miami Beach<\/a>\u2019s Meridians section, dedicated to large-scale artworks, stood this monumental installation by Malaysian artist Anne Samat<\/a>, dedicated to women and family ties. Samat mixes very diverse household materials with extremely complex traditional weaving techniques from her country of origin. A piece worth displaying in a contemporary art museum, The Unbreakable Love\u2026 Family Portrait features anthropomorphic shapes that foster a conversation about the strength provided by familial support. A feast for the eyes, both at a distance and in its smallest details.<\/p>\n

\"RenataArtwork by Renata Petersen, Photo by Giulio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Renata Petersen at Art Basel Miami Beach<\/p>\n

Within the NOVA section at Art Basel Miami<\/a>, Pequod Gallery<\/a> presented a solo booth for Mexican artist Renata Petersen<\/a>. She operates inspired by childhood memories of her mother\u2019s anthropological fieldwork, which shaped her curiosity about cults and religious movements. The artist grew open to understanding, not judging, always asking questions, and adding her own sense of irony and political and social satire. The presentation featured three distinct and apparently disconnected works: murals made from tiles, covered with slogans and representations of generational icons; ceramic vases with refined decorations; and blown glass. The latter are a perfect example of the artist\u2019s background and point of view: anthropological studies (the reference to Buddhist monuments) and irony (their shape being similar to sex toys). According to director Bridget Finn, \u201cPetersen\u2019s work is so elevated in terms of ideas and references. Art in the past may have disregarded certain materials and histories of cultures. Renata brings these new elements together in an intellectual conversation through her subjects and materials, and that is exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BethanArtwork by Bethan Laura Wood, Photo by Giulio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Bethan Laura Wood with 1882Ltd\u2019s Pickle Tower at Design Miami<\/p>\n

Bethan Laura Wood<\/a> is an abstract painter based in Ottawa, known for her intuitive, gestural oil paintings rich with bold colors and compositions. She herself is a joyous and colorful manifestation of her own artwork. In a tight collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent ceramic studio 1882Ltd<\/a>, she presented a playful, whimsical 4.5-foot ceramic totem, shaped like stacked vinegary pickles\u2014a nod to trompe l\u2019\u0153il<\/a> traditions enthusiastically received at Design Miami. The artist herself expressed her gratitude and satisfaction at being paired with a very talented artisan at 1882Ltd, developing a joined work of perfect synthesis between art and craft.<\/p>\n

\"JorgeArtwork by Jorge Lizarazo, Photo by Mia Cruz<\/p>\n

Jorge Lizarazo\u2019s Japanese Sunrise at Design Miami<\/p>\n

Jorge Lizarazo<\/a>\u2019s stunning wall hanging, Japanese Sunrise, received the Best Contemporary Work award at Design Miami<\/a>. The piece drew visitors in with its delicate, luminous composition\u2014a coppery tapestry inspired by a sunrise the artist witnessed near Fukuoka, Japan<\/a>, captured at precisely 5:55 a.m. The Colombian artist, who leads the atelier Hechizoo Textiles<\/a>, worked with fibers as fine as a baby\u2019s hair, weaving copper threads that both filter and reflect light. The work combines poetry, technical mastery and architectural sophistication.<\/p>\n

\"IvanArtwork by Ivan Franco, Photo by Giulio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Ivan Franco\u2019s Swimmer at NADA<\/p>\n

NADA<\/a>, the fair of the New Art Dealers Association<\/a>, focuses mainly on painting and emerging art, with a radiant, energetic atmosphere featuring young artists and forward-looking galleries from thirty countries. The enthusiasm is palpable and the quality level is remarkable. Sometimes the cleanest, most direct paintings are the ones to catch the eye of collectors and art lovers. For example, Spanish artist Ivan Franco<\/a>\u2019s crayon technique reproduces Polaroid portraits on canvas with detailed, non-digital, handcrafted hyperrealism. He presented works with attention to chromatic details, investigating both his subjects\u2019 identity and the viewer\u2019s emotional response. But if interested in one of his pieces, prepare to join a long waiting list at Alzueta Gallery<\/a> in Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"AArtwork by Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun, Courtesy of Hunter PR<\/p>\n

Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun at Nobu Hotel<\/p>\n

Among the luxury hotels on Collins Avenue contributing installations to Miami\u2019s lively art week, Nobu<\/a> hosted the minimal but striking exhibit of Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun<\/a>, a Florida-based papercut artist from Kyoto<\/a>. Her three-dimensional pieces are made of large, thin paper sheets cut with modern sensibility while reflecting Japanese tradition, exceptional precision and innovation. The exhibition was in partnership with Delray Beach\u2019s Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens<\/a>, a 16-acre site reflecting Japan\u2019s evolving landscape traditions.<\/p>\n

\"HouArtwork by Hou Guan Ting, Photo by Giulio Mazzoleni<\/p>\n

Hou Guan Ting\u2019s ? at Scope<\/p>\n

Visiting Scope<\/a> by the beach offers chances to discover emerging artists amid critiques of its commercial leanings. It is gratifying to find a quiet gem like the artwork of young Taiwanese fiber artist Hou Guan Ting<\/a> (aka White Chicken), represented by The Camp Gallery<\/a>. Mixing cotton, linen, pigment ink, beads and meticulous embroidery, the artist poses questions about the fragility of vulnerable beings facing discrimination, uncertainty and stereotyped gender labels. The curled posture of an animal\u2019s body shaped like a question mark suggests both self-protection and exposed vulnerability. Grotesque yet delicate, gentle but combative.<\/p>\n

Highlights from Miami Art Week 2025<\/p>\n

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