Five of the Best Installations at Alcova Miami 2024

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As a seasoned gamer of the design world, having traversed the virtual landscapes of Milan Design Week and Design Miami for years, I can confidently say that this year’s Alcova exhibition is a game-changer. The immersive installations at the historic Miami River Inn are not just visually stunning, but they also invite interaction in ways that make you feel like you’ve leveled up to an entirely new dimension.

Previously, Alcova had a triumphant first appearance at Design Miami in an Art Deco motel along Biscayne Boulevard last year. Now, Alcova has assumed control over the Miami River Inn, which is 116 years old, and for their 2024 showcase, they will display the eye-catching designs of over 40 exhibitors within this historic hospitality space in East Little Havana’s Heritage District.

The strong juxtaposition is an appropriate contrast for the group exhibition that occurs annually during Milan Design Week, occupying unique venues varying from an abandoned manufacturing compound in 2023 and the ruins of a nun-lead military hospital in 2022.

Since 2018, Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grimahave been showcasing independent designers worldwide who push the boundaries of design, expanding aesthetic possibilities for future living. Alcova’s collection of installations from its designer roster, galleries, institutions, and schools has made it a must-visit spot during Milan Design Week and now attracts the lively crowds of Design Miami.

Read on for our highlights.

Panorammma
An Introverted Extrovert’s Guide to Indoor Camping”

Located in Mexico City, design studio Panorammma established by Maika Palazuelos, designs objects that blend practicality with aesthetics, frequently utilizing native Mexican materials such as onyx and stones to create otherworldly pieces. These captivating home items, including the Chainmail Cobweb Chandelier and XCV2 “listening stone” speaker, are not only visually striking but also designed for interaction – they can be touched, lived with, and even listened to. For its inaugural Miami exhibition, Panorammma transforms a section of the River Inn into a miniature wilderness, showcasing their new Chainmail Camping Stools as the focal point of a serene tableau.

Between Realms: The Known and Untold
Studio Tooj

Studio TOOJ, co-founded by Johan Wilén and Ashley Chong, unveils their latest creation – a 3D-printed sand table in a vibrant blue shade. This debut is also accompanied by a partnership with Reishi™ by MycoWorks, a unique material derived from mycelium. In the exhibition titled “Between Realms: The Known and Untold“, the designers from Stockholm blend their advanced manufacturing methods into enchanting and practical designs, breaking conventional boundaries of craftsmanship with groundbreaking techniques.

Nice Cock…
Kevin Quale

In Kevin Quale’s artwork titled “Nice Cock…“, the NYC-artist creatively redefines traditional Delftware pottery with modern queer symbols. The ceramic vases, adorned in white and cobalt, are arranged like a 17th-century Dutch still life, but they’re accompanied by peculiar items such as chicken nuggets and club-related accessories. Upon careful examination, it becomes clear that the numerous spouts supporting the floral stems are shaped like phallic forms. The artist describes this tableau as “the chaotic beauty left after a wild gay party in a Miami hotel room.

Factotum
Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, Joan Vellvé Rafecas

At the heart of the Alcova location, artist Lucas Muñoz Muñoz has designed a unique installation incorporating an assortment of items such as seats and loud audio systems. Further developments by the designer will add to this setup with comfortable seating made from locally obtained materials like plywood scraps and metal sheets. Known worldwide for his commitment to eco-friendly practices, the philosophy “Working with Available Sources (W.A.S)” is emblematic of Factotum, reflecting the broader scope of his work.

Aluminum Veneer Series
Bureau Parso

Based in Eindhoven, Bureau Parso unveils the newest addition to its Aluminum Veneer Series – a collection that includes silver benches, chairs, and side tables. By employing a precise metal casting process on 100% recycled aluminum, the textured grain of scrap wood is replicated, merging the unique styles of designers Teo Rhe and Shyang Li seamlessly. Additionally, Li’s innovative exploration in aluminum production techniques can be seen in his solo installation titled “Elemental Patchwork,” where he blends aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, and steel to create organic furniture pieces.

Alcova is on show during Design Miami until December 8.

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2024-12-06 00:26