Design Miami 2020: Edgy as Ever

Reporting on Design Miami 2020 brought to mind the theme of the old British cockney musical comedy “Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be.”

Yes, the December event was very different than in years past, but kudos to the organizers who created a new version, both real and virtual, of this important international design fair. Almost all other art and design events in 2020, including Art Basel and some Miami Art Week shows, bit the dust.

Returning the physical venue to the historic Moore Building in the Design District where the fair began 15 years ago was a good move. Instead of the busyness of the vast tent facing the Miami Beach Convention Center, the atmosphere was much more intimate and agreeable, ideal for viewing displays on four floors overlooking the atrium.

Two Miami galleries – Mindy Solomon and Tile Blush – plus Ponce Berga from West Palm Beach, were among the 11 international design galleries exhibiting. First-timer Carbonell Design Studio from Miami was one of the three “Curio” presentations – smaller, more-focused exhibitions with studio designers – alongside a roster of satellite and partner collaborations. The new Design Miami Podium expanded on the theme of “America(s)” for its curated selling exhibition. More than 140 prehistoric (yes, two authentic dinosaur skeletons were on hand) to contemporary pieces from some 50 designers were available for purchase in person or online.

Attendance at the fair, which ran from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6, was carefully orchestrated, with visitors having to book time slots in advance and follow all necessary distancing protocols. Although the usual crowds were absent, thousands of collectible design enthusiasts from around the world accessed Design Miami’s first virtual edition. Features included a real-time interactive experience with curatorial director Aric Chen leading a guided tour and a 3-D interactive tour where collectors could navigate the show, see details and connect with gallerists for online purchases. More than 9,400 people logged in to the Design Talks forum, with more than 71 speakers presenting across the 10-day event.

“Caribbean Modern” designs from 1920-1980 were among the many interesting exhibitions. It focused on a relatively unexplored market for collectible design, showcasing little-known Jamaican furniture makers and studios working in a modernist style during this period.

As an in-person visitor, I wanted to know what brought galleries to Miami at this critical time. The feeling overall was that Design Miami was the only global fair happening and it was brave, if not smart, to present it in a new format. The Design District location also drew praise for hosting a smaller, friendlier event. There were a number of remarkable sales, indicating that collectible design across the historic and contemporary markets is very much alive and well.

Brazilian gallery Mercado Moderno returned to Miami after exhibiting successfully last year. Gallerist Marta Micheli said they were seeing local people seriously shopping for original pieces for their homes. The gallery sold a number of midcentury modern and contemporary pieces from leading Brazilian designers.

Ashlee Harrison, director of Carpenters Workshop Gallery, a long-time exhibitor (with galleries in New York, San Francisco, London and Paris),  recognized Design Miami‘s importance to the design community.

“We wanted to support the fair and connect with their clientele,” she said. “We’ve found the environment safe and the atmosphere optimistic, even joyful.”

Philadelphia’s Moderne Gallery, which has been exhibiting at Design Miami since the early days, returned to support the fair in an unusual year. It brought sought-after works by designers such as George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Toshiko Takaezu to “Podium: America(s).”

Mindy Solomon, whose Miami gallery is practically a neighbor to the Design District, was happy to celebrate the fair’s presence and was eager to be a part of the event: “It’s important to be in the conversation.” 

Helen Hill is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, design and lifestyle topics. Please send relevant news items to her at  hhwrites@comcast.net.