Sara Fitzmaurice Shares Her Best of Miami Moments
Whitewall caught up with Sara Fitzmaurice, Founder and CEO of FITZ & CO, the cutting-edge, global strategic agency, to reflect on the Best of Miami Art Week.
Installation view of Hew Locke’s “Gilt,” courtesy of Art Basel.
Best of Miami Event: Art Basel Miami Beach
In the whirlwind of Miami Art Week, the undeniable star is Art Basel Miami Beach. My agency, FITZ & CO, has been partnering with Art Basel since the mid-90s, and I’m proud to say I was part of the team that launched the show in 2002. I’ve attended every edition since, and this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach was nothing short of phenomenal!
From the inaugural fair in 2002, Art Basel has consistently set the bar high as a trailblazing contemporary art platform. The 2023 edition featured awe-inspiring curation of artworks across from emerging young talent to the blue chip. The show’s layout was on another level, featuring five dynamic plazas strategically designed by Vincenzo de Bellis, Director of Fairs and Exhibition Platforms, and his exceptional team. Kudos to CEO Noah Horowitz and the entire Art Basel team for delivering an unforgettable experience!
Installation view of Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.’s “Your Ad Here” (2021), in front of “24HR NAILS,” and “El Chavalon Barbería” (2023); courtesy of the Rubell Museum in Miami.
Best of Miami Show: “Singular Views: Los Angeles” at the Rubell Museum
As an LA veteran, the Rubell Museum‘s latest exhibit, “Singular Views: Los Angeles“, is an absolute must-see, running until October 20, 2024. This showcase is a testament to the Rubells’ unwavering dedication to unearth, amass, and showcase the artistic gems of Los Angeles.
Dive into the visual tapestry of LA through the eyes of 16 exceptional artists spanning sculpture, painting, and video, all honing in on the internal and external realms of the city. This exhibition brilliantly captures the myriad emotions and physical spaces that define the City of Angels.
Among the standout talents are Patrick Martinez, Lauren Halsey, Nehemiah Cisneros, and Alfonso Gonzalez Jr. Prepare to be immersed in the essence of LA’s diverse faces and spaces—a visual journey that transcends the ordinary.
Installation view of “Maze: Journey Through the Algorithmic Self” (2023) on Faena Beach; photo by Oriol Tarridas, courtesy of the artist and Faena Art.
Sara Fitzmaurice’s Best Miami Moment: Getting lost in Sebastian Errazuriz’s “Maze” presented by Faena Art
Venturing into Sebastian Errazuriz’s site-specific installation, “Maze: Journey Through the Algorithmic Self,” at Faena Beach was like stepping into a realm where art meets artificial intelligence (AI). Crafted using cutting-edge AI platforms Midjourney and DALLE2, Errazuriz’s monolithic creation transcends traditional boundaries—it wasn’t just an art piece; it served as a magnetic hub for performances and community engagement throughout Miami Art Week.
“Maze” wasn’t merely a visual spectacle; it was a profound invitation. A call to navigate the labyrinth of AI’s influence on our world, prompting visitors to pause and ponder the profound implications. Amidst the digital intricacies, the installation sparked a dialogue on the pressing need for genuine human connections in an era dominated by algorithms. Errazuriz ingeniously blended technology and humanity, leaving attendees with an indelible imprint of the intersection between artificial intelligence and our shared human experience.
Snowfro, Sara Fitzmaurice, Sam Spratt, and RedBeard in Kusama’s “Narcissus Garden”; courtesy of the Rubell Museum.
Best of Miami Surprise: WEB3 MEETS ART: A Game-Changing Fusion
This year’s revelation? The convergence of Web3 arts leaders diving headfirst into the traditional art scene. The excitement is real as new collectors and web3 artists bridge the gap between digital and traditional worlds, forging genuine connections.
Anticipation is high for the coast-to-coast collaborations of pioneers like collectors Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile and Desiree Casoni, and Red Beard; Toledo Museum Director Adam Levine; artists Nygilia, Operator, Osinachi, Andres Reisinger, Sam Spratt, and ThankYouX; artist and curator Lady Cactoid; artist and founder SnowFro; artist residency and collector community Wildxyz and so many more. Their groundbreaking work is reshaping the art landscape.
A standout moment: Alex Israel‘s “REMEMBR” installation at Art Basel, using BMW‘s i5 tech for a unique stroll down memory lane through visitors’ camera rolls. It’s proof that the fusion of digital and traditional art sparks innovation.
For more exclusive insights and highlights, follow me on X! @sarafitzmaurice #ArtInnovation #Web3ArtRevolution
Ximena Caminos and Sara Fitzmaurice; courtesy of ReefLine.
Sara Fitzmaurice‘s Best Vibe: ReefLine’s Miami Art Week Dinner
Hosted by Ximena Caminos, Founder and Artistic Director and Shelby Thomas, Executive Director, the ReefLine Dinner was a standout Miami Art Week moment. Celebrating Beeple’s presentation with Reefline and Faena Art and unveiling phase 1 of The ReefLine’s plans for an underwater sculpture park, it was an intimate affair with a purpose.
The ReefLine’s mission is awe-inspiring: merging art and science to protect Miami Beach’s coastline and spotlight climate change through art. Collaborating with visionary artists like Carlos Betancourt and Leandro Erlich, they’re creating sustainable underwater artworks to revive coral reefs.
The night was a fusion of art, science, and mingling with leading experts. A powerful testament to collaboration and environmental stewardship. Cheers to The ReefLine for an unforgettable evening! #ReefLineMagic #ArtandScienceUnite
Installation view of Rachel Lee Hovnanian’s “Perception”; courtesy of the artist.
Best Discovery: Rachel Lee Hovnanian’s Pop-Up Installation, “Perception”
The ultimate find at Miami Art Week? Rediscovering the brilliance of an old friend, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, and her installation, “Perception.” In collaboration with curator Bakul Patki, they crafted a multi-room exhibition that delves into our notions of beauty, youth, aging, values, and beyond. This is not just art; it’s a conversation starter. Hovnanian’s fresh perspective and thought-provoking installation redefine the boundaries of artistic exploration. A true gem in the realm of perception and creativity!
