MIAMI'S WYNWOOD COMMUNITY

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Text: Mikaela Bautista

Photo credit: Wynwood Walls

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Text: Mikaela Bautista

Photo credit: Wynwood Walls

In the late 1960s, real-estate developer Tony Goldman ventured into New York’s SoHo neighborhood, initially aiming to eradicate graffiti that marred the buildings. However, his perspective on street art took a significant turn in 1984 when he acquired a property at Bowery and Houston, adorned with a remarkable mural by the rising star Keith Haring. Instead of removing it, Goldman chose to preserve and restore the artwork, an act that set the stage for his next ambitious venture: Miami’s Wynwood Walls.

Wynwood was far from its vibrant present when Goldman’s son, Joey, stumbled upon the area in 2005. Recognizing its potential, the family acquired six buildings in 2007 and set out to breathe new life into the desolate warehouse district. Embracing the neighborhood’s essence, Goldman envisioned a transformative project that would turn the area into a town center, centered around street art.

In collaboration with art dealer Jeffrey Deitch, Goldman launched Wynwood Walls during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2009. The venture involved inviting a dozen international street artists, including Futura 2000, Kenny Scharf, and Swoon, to paint murals on the walls surrounding a gravel parking lot. The results were met with critical acclaim, sparking an annual evolution of the project with rotating artists, akin to a dynamic art gallery.

One standout piece is found at Bottled Blonde, a trendy restaurant/bar with an electrifying nightlife scene. The stunning mural showcases two women in striking blue tones, complemented by a neon rose at the center. Spanning an impressive 100 feet by 20 feet high, the larger-than-life faces exude elegance and detail, while vibrant neon pink colors add a captivating touch rarely seen in conventional paint. The surreal clouds of smoke surrounding the faces infuse the artwork with a unique and mesmerizing vibe.

Another remarkable creation emerges from the collaboration between the Need for Speed video game and Puma. For their video release party, they elevated the excitement by incorporating real graffiti on a 100-foot-long wall, showcasing the value and impact of wild-style art.

Wynwood’s streets are a living canvas, inviting exploration and wonder. The art scene has inspired hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and boutique shops to embrace creativity, making the neighborhood a haven for both established and emerging artists. Among the breathtaking artworks stands “Everlasting Bass” by Chor boogie and Trek 6, an evolving masterpiece paying homage to Miami’s iconic music scene. Located off of I-95 between Mana Complex, this Miami BASS-inspired boombox continuously evolves, solidifying its place as a Miami landmark and a symbol of the city’s artistic spirit.

The impact was profound, with graffiti evolving from an eyesore to a powerful attraction. Wynwood Walls played a crucial role in reshaping Miami’s Wynwood community, once a neglected area, into one of the city’s most sought-after public art destinations. The district’s metamorphosis is often credited to Goldman’s visionary approach, seeing an outdoor art museum where others saw only warehouses.

The success of Wynwood Walls didn’t just elevate Miami’s status in the art world; it also served as a model for urban development globally. Other cities have taken inspiration from Wynwood’s transformation, recognizing the potential of street art as a catalyst for community revitalization and cultural enrichment.

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