Cultured by Design 2010

Each December as flocks of international art lovers, gallery owners, celebrities, critics and both budding and established artists make their way to the winter warmth of Miami in celebration of Art Basel, many descend directly upon the glittery happenings on South Beach, rarely catching a glimpse of what goes on just over the bridge in Miami’s decadent Design District.

Along its perfectly manicured streets, the Design District is lined with the fashionable boutiques, influential design showrooms, chic furniture shops and exclusive galleries that give it an alluring sophistication on par with Bal Harbour or Rodeo Drive. It is in this posh environment that in conjunction with the programming of Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami, the Miami Design District hosts CULTURED, a series of art exhibitions and special events that highlight “the international artists whose work encourages reflection on the many ideas of beauty and reality in contemporary art.”

Creating a buzz within this elite design hub, CULTURED embraces the excitement of Art Basel with a week of unique offerings, VIP events and special installations in retail outlets and galleries throughout the District. From December 1-5, the event offered a selection of memorable experiences that included inflatable pop-art sculptures, an installation inspired solely by a Salvador Dali portrait, a collection of opulent rugs by late designer Alexander McQueen and a vintage “Casino Royale” night complete with gambling pit, black tie staff, and a built-in movie theater at renown London-based men’s shop, Duncan Quinn.

Friends with You “Rainbow City”

Created in 2002 by two young artists on a mission to spread the idea of magic, luck and friendship, Friends with You is described as a resource center for all things creative. Miami-based artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo “Tury” Sandoval set out to establish an art collective that incorporates out-of-the-box ideas and distinct artistic style while encouraging playfulness and introspection. Rainbow City, the duo’s whimsical installation of inflatable sculptures and pop art collectibles was one of the visual treats of 2010’s CULTURED. The two artists shared their vision of creativity and the understanding that art is interactive with the viewer and works as a means to achieve greater self-awareness while enhancing joy or simply allowing the opportunity to escape into imagination.

The installation of colossal, colorful shapes and blown-up, smiling faces was reminiscent of a surreal child’s playground, or akin to being inside a living, breathing Anime cartoon, taking anyone who participated instantly into a land of imagination that allows visitors the opportunity to create their own story among the artists’ works.

De La Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space

What could be more inspiring than an original work by a great artist such as Salvador Dali? This is possibly the question that came to mind when the De La Cruz Collection embarked to create a new exhibition centered exclusively around one such item: a 1955 portrait by the legendary painter of Dolores Suero Falla, mother of the collection’s owner, Carlos de la Cruz. The De La Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space officially opened in December 2009 during Art Basel. Their new space is an extension to the home of Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz, where their collection remains available for public viewing. Their 2010/2011 exhibition was inspired entirely by the Dali painting—the centerpiece of a dazzling and unconventional display of works anchored in surrealism and covering a broad range of styles.

The Rug Company

Late visionary fashion designer Alexander McQueen knew just how to create the precise combination of style and edge. This quality is also apparent in his luxury rug collection currently available at the Design District’s, The Rug Company. The mercurial designer’s enthusiasm for baroque esthetic is not at all lost on the brilliantly embroidered fabrics found in the collection that also includes a line of cushions. Originally approached by The Rug Company in 2006, the designer joins a roster of innovative designers that have lent their talents to the prestigious rug outlet. Paul Smith, Vivienne Westood, Dian Von Furstenberg and Alice Temperley are among the celebrated lot who have designed interior collections for the artistically inclined rug dealer, and are a testament to the company’s commitment to taste and beauty.

Duncan Quinn

Mod British men’s designer Duncan Quinn recently opened his namesake shop in Miami’s Design District to raves and kudos from gentlemen who prefer bespoke dressing to off-the-rack and who admire a tongue-in-cheek approach to fashion. Cured on the Savile Row suits his father brought him as a teen, Quinn has created a brand that speaks to the inner James Bond in every man, showcasing finely crafted suits and accessories befitting an international jet setter with a penchant for danger and armed with boundless sex appeal. Bringing his sartorial magic to this year’s CULTURED, Duncan Quinn celebrated with a vintage-style fête inspired by Casino Royale, a soirée that included a real gambling pit and mini-movie theater playing classic Michael Caine films. Continuing his tradition of placing a mod vehicle in the store’s window, a 1962 Maserati 3500 GT once owned by famed racecar driver Peter Revson, made its debut during the event.

Other Highlights

Other highlights from this year's CULTURED included:

• Capellini: The Italian design firm presented Tron-inspired armchairs in collaboration with Walt Disney.
• United Nude: The avant-garde shoe-maker made its debut in Miami with a photo exhibit featuring many of today’s most revered Chinese photographers and featured its exclusive line of architecturally designed footwear.
• The Craig Robins Collection of Art and Design: Currently one of the top collections in the country, the exhibit features a wide spectrum of artistic perspectives that encompass the disciplines of design, architecture, film and dance.

Article By contributing journalist Susy Ferrer