From ‘Patria y Vida’ sculpture to an orb at the Betsy Hotel, Miami Beach hotels showcase art

Known as some of the most art-centric hotels in the country and, in fact, the world, visitors and locals to Miami Beach will discover that, at any given time of the year, the hotels of Miami Beach excel in displays of original works of art.

Going another step further in their status as destinations for art, the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Center (MBVCA) are, for the third year, partnering with hotels for “No Vacancy, Miami Beach,” a collection of site-specific works by 12 local artists paired with 12 of the most storied hotels on Miami Beach.

The third edition of “No Vacancy, Miami Beach,” on view through Thursday, Dec. 8, is the largest since the juried art competition’s first edition in 2020, according to the organizers from the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee, Cultural Arts Council (CAC) and MBVCA.

“It’s an opportunity for the hotels,” says Deborah Plutzik-Briggs, vice president, arts at The Betsy Hotel, South Beach, (1400 Ocean Drive). The hotel was paired with Hollywood, Fla., artist Sri Prabha for the installation “Cosmic Occupancy,” which will have a selection of three separate video projections on The Betsy’s Orb.

According to the artist, video projections on and around The Orb are meant to create a dynamic and contemplative space to reflect upon an individual’s place in the universe. The Orb, a spectacle in itself, is a work of public art, connecting the Betsy Hotel and the Carlton Hotel across an alleyway (14th Place and Ocean Court).

“The projections onto The Orb and into the alley illuminate the entire outdoor space. It enables The Betsy to bring the arts outside and invites the community to come inside to see what else is going on,” says Briggs.

Artists were selected from a call for submission and selected by representatives from the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee, Cultural Arts Council (CAC) and the MBVCA. Artists received $10,000 to facilitate the creation of the artwork and are paired with the hotel location that would show the work.

The works on view also give the public a chance to voice their opinion and vote for their favorite. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is awarding $10,000 to one of the artists for its Public Prize and anyone can cast their vote at mbartsandculture.org.

An additional $25,000 Juried Prize will be awarded to a “No Vacancy, Miami Beach” artist and selected by a jury of local art professionals. Winners will be announced on Dec. 8, 2022.

“This is our third go around with “No Vacancy” and what’s been great is the [selection committee’s] ability to match us with artists that understand who we are — not every artist fits in every hotel space. Every hotel is different just like every artist is different. Hotels have a soul, and they have an aesthetic and sensibility that I believe can amplify an artist’s work,” says Briggs.

At the Faena Hotel Miami Beach (3201 Collins Ave.), the work is “Patria y Vida” by Antonia Wright and Rubén Millares, a large light sculpture using 18 metal barricades with LED lights bound together and arranged in a chaotic formation. The artists describe the site-specific installation as a celebration of people’s right to peacefully protest. The barricades are part of a series by the pair where they ponder the familiar barricade focusing on it as a symbol of resistance.

“For us within ‘No Vacancy,’ it is important to collaborate with the City of Miami Beach. They are doing beautiful programs and supporting artists, which is very much in line with what the mission of Faena Art is,” says Nicole Comotti, executive director of Faena Art. Comotti comments on how vital it is that work by local artists be seen and funded in programs such as “No Vacancy, Miami Beach” especially during Miami Art Week.

Comotti says “No Vacancy, Miami Beach” brings a “tone of unexpectedness and access” to visitors.

“Rather than just renting a hotel room, you’re learning about and being exposed to artists in the local community, and you’re being given access to something that you wouldn’t necessarily have,” says Comotti. “The hotel is not only a place for you to come and stay, but is a place for you to enjoy, to educate yourself in art and culture and entertainment. It is also a place that supports the community.”

See the works of art created by local artists at these hotels, free and open to the public.

The 12 Miami Beach hotels

Avalon Hotel (700 Ocean Drive): “In Your Eyes, I Come Alive,” Jessy Nite, outdoor site-specific typography installation.

Betsy Hotel (1400 Ocean Drive): “Cosmic Occupancy,” Sri Prabha, video projections.

Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club (3925 Collins Ave.): “Liguus,” Brookhart Jonquil, site-specific sculpture.

Catalina Hotel and Beach Club (1732 Collins Ave.): “Maxi-Building on the Baroque, Charo Oquet, site-specific sculptural installation.

Esme Miami Beach (1438 Washington Ave.): “Carcass,” Beatriz Chachamovits, hand-built ceramic installation.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach (3201 Collins Ave.): “Patria y Vida,” Antonia Wright and Ruben Millares, large scale light sculpture.

Fontainebleau (4441 Collins Ave.): “HYPER!,” Bas Fisher Invitational (BFI) presents Esben Weile Kjaer, Copenhagen, sculpture, performance piece.

Hotel Croydon (3720 Collins Ave.): “Sea Show,” Claudio Marcotulli, multi-media light and video installation.

The International Inn on the Bay (2301 Normandy Drive): “Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS),” Justin Long, site specific installation using an upturned sailboat suspended 10 feet in the air.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel (1601 Collins Ave.): “Reflections of Florida Wild,” Magnus Sodamin, outdoor vinyl mural.

Riviera Suites South Beach (318 20th St.): “Submersion in Blue,” Maritza Caneca, multimedia installation.

Royal Palm South Beach (1545 Collins Ave.): “Treading Water,” Michelle Weinberg, drawings, carbon paper between folded sheets of mulberry paper.

If you go

WHAT: “No Vacancy, Miami Beach”

WHERE: 12 hotels throughout the City of Miami Beach

WHEN: Through Thursday, Dec. 8.

COST: Free

INFORMATION: mbartsandculture.org. Cast a vote for the Public Prize winner at mbartsandculture.org beginning Nov. 17.

For Art Week Miami events and programs visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com

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