More Than 350 Guests Attended the Event, Which Included Complimentary Bites, Drinks, Live Entertainment, Interactive Experiences and More
The Balfour Hotel, a charming, historic art deco property in Miami’s South of Fifth neighborhood managed by Highgate, celebrated the launch of its collaboration with local Miami artist Gustavo Oviedo. For this free Miami Art Week event, Oviedo adorned the hotel with installations to
debut his compelling “Lost At Sea” collection.
Welcoming more than 350 guests, the immersive experience included passed bites artistically curated by Chef Antony Awak, complimentary beverages, and live entertainment by guest DJs Pat Boogie and Hilal. To tie it all together, The Balfour Hotel’s brand partner, Piper & Skye, recognized for its responsibly made leather accessories, showcased its sustainable luxury handbags. Guests also had the opportunity to engage in interactive moments with Oviedo himself and get “lost at sea.”
“The Balfour Hotel’s participation in Miami Art Week is part of the hotel’s transition to becoming the coveted arts and culture hub of the South of Fifth neighborhood,” said General Manager Skylar Siminovsky.
“We were thrilled to animate the hotel through our event, seamlessly integrating Gustavo’s distinguished, intricate artworks and lively designs to captivate the multifaceted and energetic audience frequenting Miami during Art Week. Delicately mirroring the fluidity of Gustavo’s exhibition, our elevated food and beverage experience also served as an artistic ode to the ethereal symphony of the ocean.”
“Lost At Sea” is a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into underwater discovery, coastal documentation and debris analysis. The works exemplify Oviedo’s artistic style with large-scale paintings of organic forms straight from the depths of the ocean. Reflective surfaces and multisensory installations take viewers on a transformative journey, encouraging introspection and connection to the vast ocean. The exhibit marked the beginning of an exciting partnership with the artist and will be on display through March 2024.
“I am thrilled to announce my partnership with The Balfour Hotel, marking a pivotal step toward the visionary transformation of its cultural and art-infused landscape,” said Oviedo. “My exhibit delves into underwater discovery, coastal documentation and debris analysis, all rooted in the sea’s influence. The ocean serves as my constant inspiration, shaping my work and experiences. From sharp-edged shapes to cymatic patterns, my paintings depict biomorphic abstractions that invite viewers to ponder the possibilities of nature’s lucid dreams.”
The exhibition’s centerpiece, the “Sonic Bloom” sculpture, stands as an abstract representation of organic growth through cymatics. Its evolution, guided by positive sound waves, manifests in a shape imbued with a musical quality. The sculpture features two circular portholes in a subtle nod to the tropical deco movement ingrained in the hotel’s DNA. Set to “bloom” on Ocean Drive, it stands at an impressive 5 feet high and 7 feet wide, marking Oviedo’s largest sculpture to date.
The mystery of Oviedo’s “Reflective Thoughts” lures guests into an intimate sanctuary featuring collaged walls composed of paint and reflective and prismatic vinyls. The works surround visitors from the moment they enter, forming abstract, chaotic compositions activated by contemporary artist Miguel Gonzalez’s mesmerizing geometric light sculpture. Marking the inaugural collaboration between these two artists, the amalgamation of these elements assures a transcendent encounter for visitors.
Crafted from buoys sourced from the secluded islands of Biscayne National Park, Oviedo’s sculpture “Low Tide Shopping” integrates these relics into an elegant yet sophisticated cluster. Weathered by years of exposure to saltwater, sun, waves and insects, they have developed a strikingly unique and textured character, symbolizing the ocean’s profound narrative etched upon their surface.
“Interstellar Rhapsody” is another interactive piece where the audience is invited to participate by adding their own contributions while being educated about coral bleaching and its negative effects on coral reefs.