MIAMI ART WEEK WITH A.LONDON_
GUIDES December 2021
After a long two year wait, our team were pleased to travel back across the pond to attend the famous Miami Art Week. This year’s theme at Miami Art Week, “Human Kind”, explores the relationship between humans, nature and human nature. As part of Accouter Group of Companies, we are actively on a mission to do better for people and the planet, and we are proud to have dedicated teams focused on achieving sustainability and diversity ambitions. As a topic we feel very passionate about, it was great to be inspired by the innovative designs at this year’s event.
We sat down with our Senior Interior Designer, Harriet, to find out what the team saw at this year’s event and what design inspiration she took away with her.
“Taking centre stage in a room filled with one-of-a-kind limited pieces, was the Disco Lounge Chair, which I wanted to take home in my suitcase.”
Can you tell us what Miami Art Week is?
Miami Art Week takes place the first week of December every year. It comprises of exhibitions, installations, and collaborations in and around Miami by some of the top galleries, designers, and both established and emerging artists. So, whether you want to start collecting, expanding your collection or just want some inspiration, Miami Art Week is undoubtably the place to be.
If you manage to fit it all in, I would be amazed and would like to know your schedule. However, a selection of shows that are worth a visit are, Design Miami/, Untitled, Art Basel and Scope.
What really takes Miami Art Week to the next level, as well as all the fabulous shows, hotels, restaurants, and shops across Miami host events and collaborate with artists. The whole city’s a buzz! Last but not least, The Design District and Wynwood are two other places that are a must-see.
Despite being drawn to colourful artwork, I couldn’t help but stop and look at Juan Pablo Eecheverri’s installation in the Untitled Exhibition. He explores the idea of stereotypes and how many tend to think they know what to expect from a person who is dressed in a certain way. With this in mind, he went every day, for 10 years to a photo booth and took a passport photo of himself.
I could also never forget Paola Pivi’s Plastic Dark Pink Faceted Pearls. If it’s pink and it sparkles, I fall in love, so the second I saw this on the wall in the Art Basel exhibition, I knew it was fate.
Which exhibition had the biggest impact on you?
It’s hard to say which one had the biggest impact, as everything I saw was inspiring in its own way. The Future Perfect exhibition showcased a furniture piece that I can’t stop thinking about. Taking centre stage in a room filled with one-of-a-kind limited pieces, was the Disco Lounge Chair, which I wanted to take home in my suitcase. This would be a feature in any home, and as I’ve always said, “every home needs a disco ball.”
I loved viewing the R & Company NYC exhibition, which represents historic and contemporary designers with the most innovative and finely crafted pieces of their time. A particular favourite of mine was The Log Chair, made of wood, acrylic and automotive paint. It is a really fun piece that I could see working in any luxury interior design!
What design inspiration have you taken away from the trip?
Go bold or go home. This year’s trip proved to me more than ever that you shouldn’t hold back, if you have an idea, you should just go with it. I’m already thinking about all the bold features for my next project. Whether this is with bold art, sculptures, paint colours or feature pieces within your interiors. You will only regret not doing it!
Outside of the event, what was your favourite part about visiting Miami?
It’s hungry work taking all this inspiration in, so to keep us going after our 22,000 steps, we visited some of the tastiest restaurants Miami has to offer. Offering the most delicious tacos I have ever tasted, Bodega Taqueria was definitely a favourite within the group, I’m already looking forward to next year’s serving. Of course, it’s no Miami trip without sunset cocktails at Faena, taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and famous Miami beach. If you’re thinking about heading over to Miami, you have to take a look at our ultimate restaurant guide on Instagram for our top recommendations.
Discover Harriet’s best kept interior design secret and more about her inspirations for our incredible award-winning interior designs, here.