Jessica Goldman Srebnick is the co-founder of Goldman Global Arts (GGA) and the CEO of Goldman Properties. Her father—Tony Goldman, a visionary celebrated for his contributions in real estate and public art—founded the latter in 1968. Most notably, the Goldman family is responsible for the Houston Bowery Mural wall in New York and the Wynwood Walls in Miami.
Currently, the Wynwood Walls is celebrating its tenth anniversary with murals by artist Tats Cru, Hush, Futura, and Kenny Sharf, among others. Whitewaller spoke with Goldman Srebnick about the evolution of GGA, how public art changes communities, and what’s on view in Miami now.
Photo by Nick Garcia Courtesy of Jessica Goldman Srebnick.
WHITEWALLER: What does GGA aim to bring to communities?
JESSICA GOLDMAN SREBNICK: GGA creates, curates, and executes transformative experiences by infusing art into life in unexpected ways. Through partnering with brands and artists that share our vision, we ultimately hope to spark thoughtful conversation and leave a positive mark on communities.
Photo by Chop Em Down.
WW: Over the past decade, the Wynwood Walls has transformed Wynwood with a series of six buildings that make up the art space. Tell us how it has evolved since its first mural.
JGS: When my father and brother stumbled upon a stock of warehouse buildings in Wynwood, they saw endless possibilities. In 2009, my father set out to transform the area into a center for cultural exploration—with the help of the world’s most innovative and recognized street artists. Over the years, the Wynwood Walls has earned its reputation by elevating the genre of graffiti and street art through curating dynamic, bright, and larger-than-life murals year-round. Names range from highly coveted to newer names on the street art scene. Art enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the unveiling of new walls during Art Basel in Miami Beach each year. Creating a destination through street art, the Wynwood Walls now welcomes over three million visitors per year. The Wynwood Walls has become one of the most visited destinations in the country and continues to be an outdoor museum that’s free to the public.
Photo by Martha Cooper.
WW: There are also the GGA Galleries, located inside the Wynwood Walls, that feature works by artists who have painted murals on the walls. What will be on view there in December?
JGS: The first is a retrospective group show by the Wynwood Walls family of artists, past and present, featuring new canvas works created especially for the anniversary. In addition, Shepard Fairey will be doing a solo show to celebrate his own milestone of a 30-year career as a game-changing, thought-provoking artistic storyteller. This will be the final stop on his global exhibition “Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent.”
Photo by Martha Cooper.
WW: You recently published a book with Assouline entitled Walls of Change. Can you tell us a bit about what’s inside?
JGS: The book is incredibly special to me and my family. It tells the story of our history; it’s a rediscovery and for some a discovery, filled with inspiration and innovation. It’s the personal stories, memories, and thoughts of the most celebrated street artists in the world as they look back on their own experience with the Wynwood Walls through never-before-seen photography. It’s about having a big idea and following one man’s vision with passion, courage, and superior execution. It is a roadmap that tracks the beginning of an artistic revolution. It is a love letter to my father.
