For the 20th edition of Design Miami, Curatorial Director Glenn Adamson chose the theme of Blue Sky. The call to participating galleries, staged curios and partner installations was to present bold design and celebrate risk taking in the context of optimism. As a seasoned veteran attendee of many of the past nearly two dozen DM fairs over the years, I’ve seen fair evolve and test many directions. For 2024, the theme and reality on the show floor felt quite separate for collectible design.
In years past, the tent featured technology processes like 3D printing in gel, performance pieces and immersive installations taking inspiration from icebergs to Lego. For 2024 however Design Miami felt like it was in full sales mode. Whether it’s a result of economic conditions or galleries trying to finish the year with a strong balance sheet, the majority of what was on exhibit was clearly more transactional than experimental.
Overall, there was quite a lot of vintage furniture and the blob aesthetic seemed to still be going strong. Even the stand designs were pretty pared back. Most galleries opted to show quite a lot of pieces and just stick to paint to finish off their booths. There were a few standouts that caught my eye however.
Alexis Cogul Lleonart presented some design concepts including a planter inspired by bridges. The sculptural design of the booth featured a platform that peeled away from the surrounding walls to feature a sleek metal chair.
Los Angles-based design agency NUOVA created a 2024 vision of a 1971 living room. The wood paneled interior space had the vibes of a minimalist 70s den. All of the furniture is low to the floor and a stealthy audio system in encased in a matte aluminum box.
Speaking of audio systems, it was hard to miss Hommemade’s take on the ultimate home media system. This was my favorite piece in the entire show for just how over the top it is. The rolling trio of cabinets incorporates bits of PC modding culture, retro electronics and maximalist design. Contained with it are magnetic tape decks, a VHS player, vinyl turntable, microphone, video projector and multiple monitors. The six foot tall unit is flanked by twin massive speakers faced and backed by thick blue plexiglass. Hommemade’s entire stand was interesting with the pair of Tom Sachs-esq satellites and skyscraper pillows. But the media system is a real prize for any tech obsessed collector.
Photos and Text: Dave Pinter
