The three styles within Art Deco
Classical Style Art Deco
Art Deco was a product of new ideas and movements born primarily out of early 20th Century European design styles such as Cubism and Expressionism. In broader terms, Art Deco in the 1930s was used to describe some of the modern skyscrapers of the time. The Chrysler building for example in New York comes to my mind, with its side ornaments meant to resemble a car's hub caps. The Miami version of Classical Art Deco often included greater use of ornaments such as fountains and flora to reflect the local climate. There was also an emphasis on futuristic forms and themes as exemplified by the New York World's Fair in the 1930s. These artistic themes also permeated the world of architecture, especially the Art Deco movement.
Features of Classical Art Deco often include a symmetrical layout, uneven rooflines, glass blocks, round windows, smooth, polished flooring, curved edges and corners, elements in groups of three, and neon lighting.
Mediterranean Style Art Deco
The Mediterranean style resembles the European revival designs from the 20s and 30s, featuring decorative columns, arched windows, tile roofs, stucco, wrought iron gates, and centered courtyards. These buildings are more a synergy from differing Mediterranean styles and was prevalent throughout both the East and West Coasts of the US. The Versace mansion in Miami is a prime example of the Mediterranean style.
Features of Mediterranean style Art Deco often include Bell towers, archways, awnings, porches, balconies, carved stonework, rough stucco walls, tiled roofs, and wrought iron fixtures.
Mimo (Miami Modern Style) Art Deco
The Post World War II period gave rise locally to this design that upgraded the earlier Classical style with new features and forms. Features included metal louvers and sun shades, tiled mosaic walls and open balconies and catwalks. A centralized garden in an apartment complex is also a common theme with this style.
Art Museums of Miami
Frost Art Museum
The Frost Art Museum is located within the campus of Florida International University (FIU). The artifacts and works of artists that are presented spans across many cultures. The museum, true to its location within a university campus, has many initiatives collaborating with academia. It is also an affiliate of the Smithsonian. Admission is free. The museum is located here.
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
Founded quite recently in 2014, ICA Miami can boast of a collection that champions leading emerging and established artists from across a multitude of backgrounds that reflects Miami's multi-cultural character. Local and national artists are featured including those with styles that are classified as being experimental. The museum's stated mission is to advance the exchange of art and ideas.
One such features artist is Carlos Alfonzo. Having come to the US as a Cuban refugee during the Mariel boatlift of 1980, his works attempt to synergize Expressionism with Cuban religious, social, and political themes. His works often employ a highly colorful palette as can be seen in one of his works in the gallery below.
The Museum's recent “Fire Figure Fantasy” exhibition revolves around important focal points of ICA Miami’s collection: social justice, newly emerging technologies, and recent global crises that challenge the status quo within the art world. The museum is located here.
Perez Art Museum
The Perez Art Museum represents the best of the newest trends in immersive experiences. Many of its exhibits for example feature chromosaturation, an immersive environment that reimagines color as an embodied experience. Featured artists include Carlos Cruz-Diez. His ideas regarding the dynamic and ephemeral nature of colors made him a key force in the area of Kinetic and Optical art. Through manipulation of light, movement, space, and audience engagement, this movement envisions art being redefined as one which involves active participation. The museum is located here.
Superblue Immersive Art Experience
Superblue represents the best of the newest trends in immersive experiences. Its exhibits involve immersive light, video, and sound manipulation that employs the latest techniques in this latest trend within the art world. You can easily spend 2-3 hours being enthralled by the different rooms, each with their own unique way of engaging your senses. Immersive 3 D art, the beautiful wall of mirrors. the flower and waterfall rooms each are amazing in their own way. The 3D depth room for example changes colors just by optical illusion. You can purchase your tickets here. Superblue is located here.
