A Garden of Earthly Delights
On May 10th, Faena Art hosted its Annual Art Gala. A night where art and community convened in the Faena Forum for the “Garden of Earthly Delights,” an evening of creative expression, art installations, top chefs, and musical performances.
ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN FAENA JOURNAL ISSUE #57 • SUMMER 2024
More than 500 people donned in ‘Funktastique’ attire attended the fundraising gala whose proceeds support the local and international artistic community through free and open-to-the-public annual programming in the Faena District.
“There is so much imagination in our community,” noted Alan Faena. “We’re so proud to be a platform for such outstanding creativity.”
A cadre of world-class artists were tapped to create unique site-specific installations in the Faena Forum.
The night started off with a fantastic photo moment at a backdrop by artist Miranda Makaroff, and guests were ushered into the Faena Forum to immerse themselves in works by assume vivid astro focus (avaf), Pilar Zeta, Cornelius Tulloch, Kelly Breez, and Cielo Tejido, an all-female artisan collective from Mexico who draped the walls in colorful hand-crocheted hexagons woven together using traditional techniques. The main hall was transformed into a roller-dancing rink by the artistic collective avaf, offering guests a lively roller-disco experience. Skating performances by the Griffin Brothers encouraged everyone to join in on the dance floor.
Musical guests kept the beat going all night, including DJ Tony Kurtz, Sabina Sciubba from the Grammy-nominated electronica band Brazilian Girls with percussionist Gisela, and DJ Amanda Portillo. Famed Argentine grill master Francis Mallmann served up wood-fired gourmet bites, while chef Paul Qui prepared sashimi, handrolls, and donburi bowls from a 500-pound blue tuna. Sweet treats in the remarkable food installation were presented by pastry chef Frédéric Monnet.
Over the weekend on May 11th and May 12th, Faena Art invited the local community to strap on skates and spend the afternoon roller-dancing on avaf’s vibrant rink installation to a roster of local DJ talent curated by production duo Paperwater. The free, public activation is part of Faena Art’s way of engaging and celebrating the diverse communities of South Florida.
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