Visionaries Dan Lam and Cj Hendry Present New Works for Miami Art Week
On November 24 in Miami, Texas-based artist Dan Lam unveiled an otherworldly sculpture, titled A Subtle Alchemy, at Wynwood Walls, on view through December 10. Part of the museum’s star-studded Miami Art Week 2023 presentation, “The Power of Purpose,” spearheaded by Lead Curator and Goldman Global Arts CEO/Co-Founder Jessica Goldman Srebnick, Lam’s towering and luminous sculpture is an experiential artwork, welcoming visitors to fully explore its hypnotic tones, textures, and enchanting nature. Also debuting in the dynamic Wynwood Arts District is New York-based artist Cj Hendry’s inaugural public art installation: HOOPS Tree. Launching on December 6, the large-scale, architectural feat is an ethereal azure basketball tree fit with cascading hoops, rejoicing in the city’s serene ocean landscape and devotion to basketball.
Cj Hendry, “HOOPS”; courtesy of the artist.
Wynwood Walls Inspires Hope through Art in Miami
“As the lead curator for more than a decade, I scour the world—year after year—to find the most talented, creative, and passionate artists from all corners of the globe to bring their magic to Wynwood for millions to enjoy,” said Goldman Srebnick. “Our goal is that a visit to the Wynwood Walls brings discovery, curiosity, inspiration and hope. In its thirteen years, the Wynwood Walls has helped ignite one of the largest art movements in history, launched careers and changed the paradigm of how people interact with art. We have been deeply committed to being a celebratory platform for artists of all ages, nationalities and genders.”
Installation view of Dan Lam’s “A Subtle Alchemy,” courtesy of the artist.
A Subtle Alchemy Beckons Visitors to Bask in its Celestial Beauty
Inspired artists presenting alongside Lam at the cutting-edge Wynwood Walls this year include The London Police, Leon Keer, Mojo, Ron English, and Shok1. A Subtle Alchemy, which appears as a futuristic, melting canopy, began as a mere 2 inch sculpture, soon evolving into one of the largest projects in the visionary’s dazzling oeuvre. A skillful collaging of styrofoam, metal, and epoxy, the 8.5 ft artwork was embellished with both automotive paint and chameleon pigment, producing a singular, kaleidoscopic effect, beckoning guests to bask in its celestial beauty.
“When I first started working on A Subtle Alchemy, it was a personal challenge to take on a piece so large and experiment with new materials and paints,” explained Lam. “I wanted it to be fully immersive, so that the viewer could walk beneath it to really feel the piece and to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to launching the piece with Wynwood Walls and to join one of Miami’s most anticipated art events.”
Cj Hendry, “HOOPS”; courtesy of the artist.
Cj Hendry Offers Artistry and Playfulness in Wynwood Arts District
Cj Hendry’s HOOPS Tree is an awe-inspiring creation which reaches 20 ft into the air. Enhanced with usable hoops, the bold work immerses visitors of all ages in its artistry and invitation for playfulness. Thrilling accompaniments to the installation opening include a $1 million prize for any person who makes 34 baskets in succession, ongoing from December 6 to 9, as well as an offering to previous collectors of a limited series of six drawings by Hendry, each with 600 editions; one edition holds the golden ticket to an exclusive large-scale drawing.
“It’s been a focus to try my hand at public art,” said Hendry. “I enjoy the intimacy of my drawing practice but there is a part of me which gets frustrated because I want to make larger works. I have been building multi-faceted large scale exhibitions for quite some time but the downside to building a temporary exhibition is that it’s only temporary. This HOOPS concept is my first foray into a permanent public concept. I am so fortunate to be partnering with the Miami City council in such a big capacity. They took a risk on me and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
“Designing HOOPS Tree has been interesting because its scale is enormous and it’s so much heavier than I anticipated. The engineering team helped with the specs to make it safe and sturdy. All these components make for a fascinating combination of practicality and creativity. Having an artwork that will live on in a public space indefinitely is a real honor and I am so excited to see it come to life.”
Cj Hendry, “HOOPS”; courtesy of the artist.
