Aqua Art Miami 2024: A Boutique Art Experience at Miami Beach

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach at 1530 Collins Avenue, Aqua Art Miami has once again solidified its reputation as a unique and intimate art fair during Miami Art Week 2024. Known for its boutique feel amidst the sprawling events of Art Basel, Aqua Miami offered a curated selection of works by young, emerging, and mid-career artists, all within the charming setting of the Aqua Hotel.

The Setting: A Historic Backdrop

The choice of the Aqua Hotel, with its Art Deco architecture, sets the stage for an art experience that feels both contemporary and nostalgic. The hotel’s intimate spaces, including its courtyard and exhibition rooms, provide a perfect backdrop for art that invites close inspection and personal engagement. This year, the fair ran from December 5th to 8th, offering attendees a relaxed yet energetic vibe, true to Aqua’s ethos.

Aqua’s Unique Charm

Aqua Art Miami distinguishes itself with its focus on smaller galleries and artists who are often on the cusp of major breakthroughs. The fair’s intimate setting allows for deeper connections between artists, galleries, and collectors, fostering an environment where art is not just seen but experienced.

• Curatorial Vision: This year’s fair was curated with an eye for diversity, showcasing a range of media from painting and sculpture to digital art and performance. The theme revolved around “Transience and Transformation,” capturing the fleeting moments of our world through art.

Highlighted Galleries and Artists at Aqua Art Miami 2024

Maremi Andreozzi (Gallery 14C) is a contemporary artist from Winston-Salem, now based in Alexandria, Virginia. She earned her BFA from Cornell University and MFA from Clemson University. Andreozzi is known for her “History Adorned” series, which features symbolic portraits of historical women. Her work delves into feminism, women’s history, and social justice. She has gained national and international recognition for her unique approach to art.

Teague Smith (Gallery 14c) is a Jersey City, NJ-based multidisciplinary artist known for his paintings and illustrations that capture humanity with a unique perspective. His work can be dark and macabre yet soulful, emotional, and humorously distinctive, serving as an archive of thought or a moment in time. With vivid colors, his art has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions across the U.S., Australia, and Paris. He honed his craft at the School for the Visual Arts in New York, NY.

Alisa Sokolov is an Israeli artist celebrated for her thought-provoking works that champion diversity and equality. Her art boldly protests gender oppression while challenging societal norms, sparking meaningful conversations. With a unique ability to blend aesthetics and activism, Sokolov’s creations inspire reflection and action. She continues to use her platform to celebrate inclusivity and drive cultural change.

Andrea Guzzetta is a Los Angeles-based artist known for her vibrant, pastel-inspired works that blend classical painting techniques with modern aesthetics. Originally from the Midwest, she has worked as a muralist, stained glass painter, and art teacher, and was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A former stand-up comedian and co-host of Cult Podcast, she now focuses on fine art and hosts Podvant Garde, an art history podcast. Described as “Lisa Frank without her Xanax,” Andrea’s art explores themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and the hidden magic of small moments.

Sarah Shinhyo Kim is a Korean-American artist whose work uses pop imagery to explore existential and societal questions. Her Eggspression series, presented at Aqua Art Miami, features acrylic and resin paintings of fried eggs humanized with emojis. Inspired by the changing form of egg whites during breakfast preparation, Kim reflects on the complexity and mutability of human emotions. Through her art, she symbolizes nourishment and interconnectedness, highlighting shared experiences and the intricate relationships that shape our identities.

Erol Gündüz is an interdisciplinary artist and educator known for his playful sculptures that activate spaces and spark imagination. Drawing inspiration from the childlike spirit within us all, he creates fantastical beings that captivate audiences. With a background in visual effects and teaching, Gündüz is now reclaiming his art practice by incorporating concrete to make his works more scalable and accessible. His art continues to explore creativity and the boundless potential of human imagination.

Final Notes about Aqua Art Miami Beach

Aqua Art Miami 2024 was more than an art fair; it was a celebration of creativity in a setting that encourages closeness and connection. The event’s intimate scale allowed for a personal touch in art appreciation, where every piece had a story, and every visitor could become a part of the narrative.

As Miami Art Week grows, Aqua Miami stands out for its commitment to showcasing art that might not yet be in the spotlight but is undoubtedly on its way there, offering a glimpse into the future of the art world.