I had the pleasure of being a “snowbird” and escaping the cold to fly south for the winter to Miami, Florida. Originally invited for a family wedding, my husband and I used the time away from home as an excuse to explore the lesser known places in the 305. Everyone knows about the beaches, but what about the art?
Miami is having a contemporary, cultural renaissance! The constantly shifting roster of visual arts organizations in the coastal town provides tons of vacation stimulation. It’s not just the historic, Deco District anymore. I recommend visiting the Rubell Family Collection, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at North Miami, de la Cruz Collection, PAMM | Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Lowe Art Museum.
My favorite neighborhood and cultural space is The Wynwood Art District. This warehouse laden landscape is home to over 70 galleries, museums and collections. Originally part of a textile manufacturing region, the area is flurried with abandoned factories and lofts turned exhibition spaces. The paved streets are still packed with garbage bins, discarded signs, and broken windows but that only adds to the character. In this way, the neighborhood reminds me of SoHo’s gentrification cycle.
The outdoor, expansive murals are vivid, vibrant and awe-inspiring. This is where graffiti masterpieces go on display. Conceived in 2009, a special area known as Wynwood Walls has brought the world’s greatest artists working in the graffiti and street art genre to Miami. While I was visiting, I was lucky enough to see some artists in action. It’s not rare to see walls fenced off so that a new mural can pop up over the course of a few days!
A lot of the art is inside buildings, and hidden just beyond unmarked doors, but most of it can be seen from the car, or by walking through the district – smack-dab on the wall themselves. For example, I discovered these hidden sewer Ninja Turtles just by looking downward! Sometimes the art is even on rooftops. It’s like a giant I Spy. You can treat yourself to the works of Kashink, Chor Boogie, Trek6, Os Gemeos, How & Nosm, FAILE, Invader, Liqen, Nunca, Shepard Fairey, and Miss Van.
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The color is traditionally associated with cleanliness, purity and brightness. White is the color of milk, pearls, clouds, eggshells, chalk, salt and now your home! However, be prepared to spot-clean often and to not have young children!
