The Balfour Hotel Presents "Lost at Sea" by Gustavo Oviedo During Miami Art Week
The Balfour Hotel, a charming, historic art deco property in Miami’s South of Fifth neighborhood, is partnering with local Miami artist Gustavo Oviedo, to host a free Miami Art Week event on Wednesday, December 6, at 7 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will debut Oviedo’s compelling art collection “Lost At Sea,” and marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between The Balfour and Oviedo.
In celebration of its visionary future - in which Oviedo will re-imagine the hotel with permanent installations - the immersive experience will include passed bites artistically curated by Chef Antony Awak, complimentary beverages, and live entertainment by guest DJs Pat Boogie and Hilal. Guests will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive moments with Oviedo himself and get "Lost at Sea." To RSVP, register on Eventbrite.
Tying it all together, Balfour's brand partner, Piper & Skye, recognized for responsibly-made oceanic leather accessories, will showcase their sustainable luxury handbags. Piper & Skye holds the prestigious Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury and are winners of the 2023 Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards for Best Sustainable Accessory. Their handcrafted bags exemplify ethical practices and sustainability, incorporating skins from aquatic species like pirarucu and alligator.
“Lost At Sea” is a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into underwater discovery, coastal documentation and debris analysis. These works exemplify Gustavo Oviedo’s artistic style with large-scale paintings of organic forms straight from the depths of the ocean’s cosmic consciousness. Reflective surfaces and multisensory installations invite attendees on a transformative journey, encouraging introspection and connection to the vast ocean.
“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 locale,” said General Manager Skylar Siminovsky. “We are 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 will also serve as an artistic ode to the ethereal symphony of the ocean."
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. In a subtle nod to the tropical deco movement ingrained in the hotel’s DNA, the sculpture features two circular portholes reminiscent of this iconic style. 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 “Reflective Thoughts” lures guests into an intimate sanctuary, offering an immersive installation experience. Oviedo’s collaged walls composed of paint and reflective and prismatic vinyls will 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 all wanderers, which will be on display through the holiday season and into the New Year.
Crafted from buoys sourced from the secluded islands of Biscayne National Park, the sculpture "Low Tide Shopping" integrates these weathered 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 an interactive piece in which the audience will be invited to participate by adding their own individual contributions while being educated about coral bleaching and its negative effects on our coral reefs.
“I am thrilled to announce my partnership with The Balfour Hotel, marking a pivotal step towards the visionary transformation of the Balfour's cultural and art-infused landscape,” said Oviedo. “My exhibit at The Balfour 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 about the possibilities of nature's lucid dreams.”
The Balfour Hotel’s Miami Art Week programming will also feature Gustavo’s Lost at Sea video and art book release with a book signing to showcase real-life documentation of his discoveries for his various art pieces. The hotel’s carefully crafted Art Week menu will be available for guests to savor throughout the week. Additional Art Week activations will include a bubbles and pinch pot pottery class hosted by Sarah Glass Ceramics on Sunday, December 10, at 11 a.m. in the hotel’s courtyard. Tickets can be purchased at sarahglassceramics.com.
The Balfour Hotel is located at 350 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. For more information on the hotel’s Miami Art Week programming, follow @balfourhotel on Instagram. For more information on the property, visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com.