Sensory Symphony: A Unique Artistic Feast at Miami Art Week with Kelly Dabbah
Miami Art Week witnessed a culinary and artistic spectacle as Marriott Bonvoy and American Express seamlessly blended flavors, artistry, and music in a celebration featuring "Dinner with Chef Kwame Onwuachi," the visionary artistry of Kelly Dabbah, and music by DJ D-Nice. Hosted from December 8-9, 2023, at the W South Beach Miami, the exclusive event unfolded into an extraordinary tapestry of immersive experiences, masterfully directed by Natalie Choy and Allison Masters.
The fusion of culinary genius and maximalist art began on December 8th, with Marriott Bonvoy and American Express hosting an exclusive dinner at W South Beach. Renowned Chef Kwame of NYC’s Tatiana crafted a multi-course meal, setting the stage for the main event.
Kelly Dabbah, celebrated as "the art world's rising queen of kitsch" and recognized by Forbes as "just getting started,” curated an art experience that challenged norms during the main event. The curated experience featured captivating elements, including two mesmerizing video cube installations made of 2,500 independent collages, a live activation with a large circular mirror showcasing Dabbah's digital art on fabrics, an outside lobby drinks stand, and a mural photo booth moment.
The unique photo booth moment and video cube installations transported guests through a visual journey of NYC's dynamic landscape, tigers, predators, delicate touches of butterflies, and flowers. Chef Kwame Onwuachi's life journey, born in the Bronx with Nigerian roots, was artfully woven into each piece by Dabbah, creating a transcendent experience that celebrated the dream and hustle symbolized by the chef.
About Kelly Dabbah:
Kelly Dabbah is a Swiss Middle Eastern artist renowned for her maximalist style that challenges norms and reinterprets feminine tropes and symbolism. Her work explores themes of gender, sexuality, identity, and race, navigating the realms of art, music, design, and fashion with finesse.
Dabbah has collaborated with musicians, restaurants, and notable brands including Anna Sui, Moleskin, Hampton Surf Company, YellowPop, Bala, and Cami & Jax. She has launched her own line of skateboards and bucket hats with NTWRK, created video work highlighting racial injustice that was screened on a billboard in Times Square. Some of her collectors include musicians Anderson Paak, Grammy award winning mixing engineer “MixedByAli” Derek Ali, Grammy award winning musician ThunderCat, who has worked with Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, and more. Most recently, her collage animations were displayed throughout the streets of downtown Cairo, Egypt and Seoul, Korea.
Dabbah’s forthcoming fashion line unveils a distinctive fusion of maximalist digital artistry, challenging fashion norms and reinterpreting feminine tropes with intricate patterns, bold aesthetics, and a touch of Middle Eastern heritage. Dabbah expresses, “Growing up surrounded by the strength and grace of four remarkable women has been my greatest inspiration. I find profound beauty in every woman, and my mission is to enhance their natural allure, empowering them to feel even more beautiful and confident in their own skin.”