As always, Miami Art Week was a total whirlwind of fairs, exhibitions, events, and late nights. So we’re taking some time (after catching up on sleep) to reflect on some of the best moments of Miami.
First up we heard from Dr. Jan Ehrhardt, a Munich-based collector, who focuses on established artists. His collection features large-scale original works by Robert Longo, Adam Pendleton, Tracey Emin, among others.
Best Events
Courtesy of Dr. Jan Ehrhardt.
The BMW x Kith event at the Lincoln Road parking garage, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, was a highlight of the week. The iconic space, with its striking architecture, set the perfect stage for this collaboration. Ronnie Fieg, Kith’s founder and a lifelong BMW fan, brought a level of authenticity that made the partnership feel natural and compelling. The mix of fashion, art, and car culture captured the essence of Miami in a way that was both stylish and memorable.
Best Show
Courtesy of Dr. Jan Ehrhardt.
While not a traditional exhibition, the Soho Beach House Beach Tent remains one of the most memorable settings during Art Week. Its open, breezy layout and stunning ocean views create an ideal atmosphere for meaningful art conversations and casual networking. I attended a compelling talk about African artist Esther Mahlangu, featuring Hans Ulrich Obrist, artists Billie Zangewa, Thomas Girst, and curator Azu Nwagbogu. The event was intimate, with notable figures like Klaus Biesenbach and Larry Warsh in attendance, adding depth to the discussions.
Best Moment
Untitled Art.
Riding a Vespa from Untitled to Art Basel in just six minutes was pure freedom during a week where you easily spend 2 hours in traffic to get from the beach to the Rubell’s. That said, the traffic around the fairs remains an issue that affects the overall experience. It’s surprising that, after all these years, no better solutions have been put in place. Miami’s art scene deserves smoother logistics to match its creative energy.
Best Surprise
Courtesy of Dr. Jan Ehrhardt.
The Art Basel Shop, curated by Sarah Andelman, co-founder of Colette, was an unexpected treat. Known for redefining retail in Paris, Sarah brought her signature touch to the Basel shop, combining art, fashion, and design into something truly special. The shop felt like a perfect extension of the fair—a space where collectors, artists, and visitors could take home a piece of the experience in a fresh, accessible way. It was also a delight to see my friend Magnus Resch’s bestselling books featured there.
Best Vibe
SCAD at Miami, Fall 2024. DESIGN MIAMI Alumni Booth. Anya Molyviatis, BFA Fibers (FIBR) 2021; Eny Lee Parker, MFA Furniture Design (FURN) 2018, MA Furniture Design (FURN) 2016, BFA Interior Design (INDS) 2011 – Miami, FL – Photography. Courtesy of SCAD.
Design Miami had an incredible energy this year under the new leadership of Jesse Lee and his digital vision with Basic.Space. The fair was beautifully curated, striking a perfect balance between innovative design and thoughtful presentation. It provided a much-needed counterpoint to the intensity of Art Basel, offering a more intimate and considered experience. Bravo to the team for putting together such a smart and elegant show—this was Design Miami at its best.
Best Discovery
Emily Xie, “Material Histories,” Hand embroidered stretched canvas, 48 x 36 in. (#1-2) or 20 x 15 in. (#3-6) with solid handmade oak wood float frame, signed on verso; © Emily Xie 2024, courtesy of the artist.
In my personal collection, I focus on more established artists, with large-scale original works by Robert Longo, Adam Pendleton, Tracey Emin and others. However, I’ve always had a keen interest in digital art and continue to closely observe the developments in this dynamic space. While this year saw much less focus on digital art, two events stood out. Tender Gallery from NYC showcased exceptional work by artists like Gretchen Andrew and Emily Xie, whose innovative approaches pushed the boundaries of the medium. Another highlight was the Digital Art Symposium, hosted by Jehan Chu and Jeannie Vu, which brought together some of the best minds in the digital art world. The discussions and insights shared during the symposium made it a must-attend for anyone passionate about the intersection of art and technology.
