Looking forward to an exuberant Miami Art Week, Whitewall casts a dramatic spotlight on 9 of the city’s most forward-thinking collectors: Stefanie Reed, Craig Robins, Andre Sakhai, Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodríguez-Fraile, Mera and Don Rubell, Debra and Dennis Scholl, Jack and Tara Benmeleh, Serge and Ian Krawiecki Gazes, and David Grutman. Each shares thrilling recent acquisitions, as well as critical advice for aspiring collectors just getting started on their journey.
Stefanie Reed
Collector, Patron, and Art Advisor
Stefanie Reed.
The distinguished Miami native Stefanie Reed, alongside her late husband Evan, has stood as a premier art collector, patron, and advisor for more than 30 years. She has been a leading figure of Art Basel Miami Beach from its inception, and currently serves on the Acquisitions Committee of ICA Miami. Evan served as a trustee of ICA Miami, as well as was an esteemed member of the board of MOCA North Miami for more than 20 years. In March of 2023, ICA Miami honored Stefanie and Evan with a gala fundraiser which raised $1.8 million for the pivotal art institution. The family’s momentous link to the arts continues on to their children Rebecca and Andrew, who opened his namesake Andrew Reed Gallery in October 2023 in Miami.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
STEFANIE REED: Evan and I have been following the work of Lucy Bull for several years. We have been supporters of David Kordansky’s program for more than a decade, having acquired work (sometimes multiple works) by Kathryn Andrews, Mai-Thu Perret, Torbjorn Rodland, Evan Holloway, Rashid Johnson, amongst others. Since Evan’s passing, I was able to acquire a magnificent domestically-scaled painting by Lucy. I added Lucy’s work to my collection in large part due to Evan and my long-standard patronage of Kordansky. Further, this feels like a particularly timely opportunity to have done so, as Lucy will open a solo exhibition at the ICA Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
SR: Only buy what you love, can afford and want to live with. Whatever that might be. Do visit museums, art fairs, galleries in order to hone your eye and know what you love.
“Do visit museums, art fairs, and galleries in order to hone your eye and know what you love,”
Stefanie Reed
Craig Robins
CEO & President of DACRA
Portrait courtesy of Craig Robins.
Visionary, Miami-based entrepreneur, real estate developer, and art collector Craig Robins founded DACRA in 1987. The ever-flourishing real estate development company places the growth and well-being of creative communities at its heart, fusing art, design, and architecture to produce bountiful urban oases. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s Robins brilliantly restored a parade of Art Deco landmarks, and in the early 2000’s began to revitalize the Miami Design District. Robins co-founded the revered Design Miami/ in 2005, and is an admired member of the Board of Trustees of the Perez Art Museum Miami, as well as an ardent supporter of ICA Miami.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
CRAIG ROBINS: One of the recent works I’m thrilled about is Smoking Ballerina (2023) by Karon Davis. Karon is a phenomenal artist whose work I’ve been collecting for a few years now and is one of the most exciting sculptors working today. Her Smoking Ballerina is simply a showstopper.
Another acquisition I’m particularly enthusiastic about is Stairs / Nude Descending (2024) by Jill Mulleady. Jill Mulleady is an artist I’m very excited about right now and would like to continue collecting. Her nude self-portrait walking down the stairs is a spin on a historical work by Marcel Duchamp, one of my favorite artists of all time.
Finally, With or Without by Jana Euler. An epic combination of Jana’s technical skill and dry wit, this piece perfectly captures why Jana is one of the most compelling contemporary artists today.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
CR: I’d share advice that has shaped my own journey: take your time to connect with the art. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the late Jack Tilton, a dealer who deeply influenced me, is the importance of slowing down and understanding a piece before committing to it.
I’d recommend looking for pieces that speak to you on a personal level—works you’d love to live with and see every day. Focus on what resonates with you, and allow your collection to grow in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Look at art with your eyes, not your ears.
“Focus on what resonates with you, and allow your collection to grow in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you,”
Craig Robins
Andre Sakhai
Investor, Entrepreneur, and Art Collector
Courtesy of Andre Sakhai.
Andre Sakhai is an investor, entrepreneur, and art collector. Andre takes strategic early-stage investment positions in transformative ventures, from technology to consumer retail companies (including Supreme, Chobani, Tone House, Sinclair Global, Sweetgreen), and real estate development projects in New York and Miami. Passionate about culinary excellence, Andre opened poke restaurants in NYC featuring bespoke menus crafted by Michelin-starred sushi chef Masashi Ito. In Miami, he’s behind the sensational fast-casual fried chicken phenomenon, Soulfly, and will open The Joyce restaurant and the Miami outpost of Milan’s sensational Le Specialità this winter. For decades, Andre has built an extraordinary collection of contemporary artwork. In addition to frequently providing generous exhibition support, works from Andre’s collection have been loaned and donated to museums worldwide, including New York’s MoMA, the Guggenheim Bilbao, LACMA, Hammer, ICA Boston, Dallas Museum of Art, and many others. Since moving his family down to Miami from New York in 2020, Andre has been dedicated to transforming Miami’s cultural landscape and serves as a Trustee of the ICA Miami.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
ANDRE SAKHAI: I’ll share two. Philippe Parreno, Iceman in Reality Park (1995-2019), purchased from Gladstone. This is a snowman sculpted from ice that slowly melts over a Japanese manhole cover. The work is conceptual, a meditation on time. It’s there, and then it disappears, leaving behind just sticks and stones.
Sayre Gomez, Untitled (2024), purchased from François Ghebaly. Sayre’s hyperrealist paintings of Los Angeles are visually striking with an eerie undercurrent. The flawless images reflect the difficulty of deciphering what is real vs. simulated when we’re constantly seeing the world through screens. Many contain challenging and gritty elements of consumerism and urban decline, but somehow they are all luminous.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
AS: Buy with your eyes and not with your ears. If you feel a connection—if you feel it in your gut—go for it.
Serge and Ian Krawiecki Gazes
Collectors
Serge and Ian Krawiecki Gazes.
Serge and Ian Krawiecki Gazes are dedicated art collectors and professionals committed to supporting the arts. Serge, a retired executive from Gazes LLC in New York City, is now a real estate investor focused on transformative projects. Originally from Belgium and now a U.S. citizen, he splits his time between Miami, and East Hampton where he actively participates in the art community as a member of the ICA Miami Acquisition Committee.
Ian, a real estate professional with One Sotheby’s In Miami and a New York attorney, brings strong business acumen and a passion for contemporary art to their joint efforts. As a board member of Fountainhead Residency, he and Serge work together to champion creative communities and curate a personal collection that reflects their global perspective and cultural commitment.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
SERGE AND IAN KRAWIECKI GAXES: Kenny Sharf’s WHAT A MESS! (2023), and Susanne Zagorni’s Gemengelage (2023).
WHITEWALL: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
SKG & IKG: Our advice to an aspiring collector is to immerse yourself in the art world as much as possible. Look, look, look! Visit galleries, museums, and art fairs to experience a wide range of styles and mediums. Pay attention to what resonates with you; what speaks to your personal aesthetic and emotions? Collecting art is a deeply personal journey, and understanding what you are drawn to is the first step in building a meaningful collection. Also read books and watch movies about all the different movements and periods in Art and Artists.
And if you’re still uncertain about a potential acquisition, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the many reputable art advisors or consultants. They can provide valuable insights. However, while their expertise is beneficial, the ultimate decision must come from you. Remember, it’s you who will live with the artwork, so it should genuinely reflect your taste and values.
Finally, be patient. Building a collection takes time and thoughtful consideration. Enjoy the process of discovery, and most importantly, let your passion guide you.
Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodríguez-Fraile
Patrons of RFC Art Collection
Portrait of Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodríguez-Fraile by OuterVision.
The masterful patrons of RFC Art Collection, Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodríguez-Fraile, fiercely support the evolving contemporary digital landscape. Skillful architect and designer Casoni joined forces with forward-thinking investor and mathematician Rodríguez-Fraile in 2011, and the two began collecting intriguing analog pieces. With a keen eye for technology-based masterpieces, the powerful duo has built a meticulously curated collection from luminaries such as Refik Anadol, Beeple, Andrés Reisinger, Quayola, and more. With more than 2,000 works, the RFC Art Collection also nimbly focuses on creative collaborations with the world’s leading artists and institutions in the burgeoning realm of digital arts.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
DESIREE CASONI AND PABLO RODRÍGUEZ-FRAILE: One of the most exciting recent additions to our collection is a group of 50 works by Rafaël Rozendaal, a pioneer in digital and internet-based art. Rafaël’s work is unique in its ability to balance simplicity with depth, creating pieces that are both accessible and thought-provoking. He transforms familiar digital aesthetics—colors, gradients, and patterns—into something enduring and meaningful.
What sets Rafaël apart is his early and consistent exploration of digital art, well before it became widely recognized. His website-based works reimagined how art could be experienced, emphasizing interactivity and accessibility in a way that felt revolutionary. He has been instrumental in shaping how digital art is viewed, not just as a medium but as a vital part of contemporary culture.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Rafaël has been a driving force in the art community, contributing to important conversations and supporting institutions. His current exhibition at MoMA highlights the significant impact of his work and ideas. For us, acquiring this body of work meant more than simply expanding our collection; it represented an opportunity to support an artist whose vision has profoundly influenced digital art.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
DC AND PRF: Begin with curiosity and trust your instincts. Collecting art is a deeply personal and fulfilling journey, meant to bring joy and meaning to your life. It shouldn’t be about chasing trends or focusing on financial returns. Take the time to explore different mediums, attend exhibitions, and connect with artists and others in the art community.
In the digital art space, where innovation is constant and the landscape is still taking shape, it’s important to focus on creators who challenge conventions and bring fresh ideas to the table. Look for those who not only produce visually compelling work but also contribute to the evolution of the medium and the broader conversation around it.
Above all, be patient. A collection grows over time, and building a collection is not a race. Look for works that resonate with you emotionally and intellectually, so that your collection becomes a natural extension of who you are. Each acquisition should feel like a piece of your story, forming a collection that reflects your journey and values.
Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodríguez-Fraile“Look for those who not only produce visually compelling work but also contribute to the evolution of the medium and the broader conversation around it,”
Mera and Don Rubell
Co-Founders of the Rubell Museums
Portrait of Mera and Don and Rubell; Courtesy of Rubell Museum.
The groundbreaking Co-Founders of the Rubell Museums, Mera and Don Rubell, began their iconic voyage of art collecting in 1965 while based in New York. Their son Jason Rubell came aboard the collection in 1982, helping to take it to new, magnificent heights. A move to Miami in 1992 brought about the inclusion of daughter Jennifer in the family’s creative vision for the future, and hotels, an art foundation and museum soon followed. The Rubell’s art collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, uniting over 1,000 creatives and more than 7,400 artworks.The Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Art Foundation in Miami offers the public unparalleled access to a revelatory private collection.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
MERA AND DON RUBELL: We’re excited to show works by our 2024 artist-in-residence, Vanessa Raw, that we’ve acquired over the last year, including the works she created during her residency. We’re also looking forward to presenting works by Shelley Uckotter, February James, and Murjoni Merriweather that are new to our collection.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
MR AND DR: We recently installed a piece by Maurizio Cattelan titled Not afraid of love, so my advice is don’t be afraid to fall in love. Falling in love can be very rewarding.
Debra and Dennis Scholl
Art Patrons and Collectors
Portrait courtesy of Debra and Dennis Scholl.
For more than 47 years, Debra and Dennis Scholl have been consistently building their mesmeric art collection—which now boasts more than 2,000 creations. Since the inaugural Art Basel Miami Beach fair in 2001, the two visionaries have generously opened their home to art lovers from around the world. Debra and Dennis Scholl are cherished patrons of foremost institutions such as Tate Modern, Guggenheim, Perez Art Museum, MOCA Miami, Frost Art Museum, The Met, Nevada Museum of Art and Aspen Art Museum. Recently, the duo received the Order of Australia in profound honor of their championing of the contemporary Aboriginal Artists of Australia.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
DEBRA AND DENNIS SCHOLL: We are always on the acquisition trail, and this year we will be showing a fun new project by Miami-based artist Thomas Bils, in which he agreed to make a drawing a month for us for a year and in return we agreed to pay his car insurance bill each month. He has bartered a bunch of his expenses away using that concept. Most importantly though, his works on paper are great looking.
This year we also have on the walls new works by three artists we have been following for years, Arturo Herrera, Samuel Levi Jones and Elliott Hundley. They are all immensely talented and great conceptual thinkers and makers.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
DS AND DS: The advice we always give to aspiring collectors is to look at 10,000 works before you commit to the first one. Your taste evolves so quickly in the beginning and every time you look at a work it adds context to your decision making. While that might sound like an intimidating task, it is pretty easy to do during Miami Art Week given the plethora of choices out there. It is also equally easy to accomplish by looking online, given how much you can see digitally in a short period of time.
“The advice we always give to aspiring collectors is to look at 10,000 works before you commit to the first one,”
Debra and Dennis Scholl
Jack and Tara Benmeleh
Art Collectors
Portrait courtesy of Jack and Tara Benmeleh.
Jack Benmeleh is the innovative founder of Benmeleh Law, focusing his practice in art and insurance law advising many artists, collectors, galleries and museums on the legal issues concerning the business of art.
In addition he is a skillful DJ, who will be playing at the ICA Miami on Tuesday night for the opening party of Art Week. He also serves on the Acquisitions Committee of ICA Miami.
Tara Benmeleh, the spirited founder of lifestyle brand Espiritútara, creates dazzling jewelry accompanied by holistic and healing rituals.
JACK AND TARA BENMELEH: untitled 2022 by Robert Nava from his first museum show at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid. My 9 year old son Max Aero and I went on a 48 hour trip to Madrid just to see the show and hang out with Robert. It was amazing and a memory we will have forever.
We also were fortunate to acquire an incredible work by Lauren Quin called “Seed Coat” 2024. This work is a kaleidoscopic abstract work with vibrant layers built up in a methodical fashion, creating an infinite universe of colors and marks. It’s one of those works that you can stare at for hours and always find something new and amazing.
JB AND TB: Join a museum and become friends with the museum curators. They’re an invaluable source of information and they are always happy to talk about art.Also read as many art history books as you can. The more you know about the masters and what came before contemporary art; the better equipped you will be to recognize what’s been done before versus what’s new and exciting.
David Grutman
Founder of Groot Hospitality, Entrepreneur, Art Collector
Portrait courtesy of David Grutman.
Luminary David Grutman has made an undeniable impact on The Magic City and the global hospitality industry as the founder of Groot Hospitality, encompassing a vivid parade of successful restaurants and nightclubs. His comprehensive portfolio includes singular ventures such as Miami’s Gekkō, in partnership with Bad Bunny; Casadonna with Tao Group Hospitality; Komodo; Swan, in collaboration with Pharrell Williams, and much more.
WW: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
DAVID GRUTMAN: Fire in the belly, stars in my feet (2023) by Alexandria Smith, and Nicole Wittenberg’s Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace 2 (2024).
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
DG: My advice for aspiring collectors is to always look for quality over quantity—buying one great piece is better than five average pieces. Always try to find the best of the best from that artist.
