Find Your Calm in the Creative Storm
Embracing Tranquility in a Bustling Environment
Art Basel Miami is known for its vibrant energy, a constant flow of events, exhibitions, and social gatherings. While exhilarating, this intensity can lead to sensory overload. Casa AnKan recognized this need for calm and presented “OASIS,” an exhibition designed to be a peaceful retreat. Founded in 2023 by Angelo Garrido and Ana Curiel, Casa AnKan transforms exhibition spaces into immersive, sensory journeys where the atmosphere is as important as the objects displayed. For “OASIS,” they curated pieces from seven distinct designers and artists, each contributing to the exhibition’s tranquil and grounding essence.
Reflective Forms and Natural Textures
Amorph, a Los Angeles-based studio, contributed the Saba Mirror, a piece that subtly plays with asymmetry and balance using handcrafted walnut. Their Nuvia Cabinet further highlights wood’s expressive potential through layered designs and colored paper inlays. These works encourage contemplation on reflection and the organic movement found in natural materials.
Sculptural Exploration of Tactility and Perception
Sanaa Design unveiled “No Stranger II” specifically for “OASIS.” This abstract sculpture, crafted from gypsum, acrylic, and wool, invites viewers to engage with its layered textures and nuanced forms, revealing its intricacies through close observation. The piece underscores the power of tactile experiences in art.
Sustainable Craftsmanship and Artistic Innovation
Esther Knopfler, in partnership with Marbrerie Provençale, showcased the Strata Stool. This sculptural seat reimagines discarded marble offcuts, transforming them into a unique object that champions purposeful sustainability and poetic design. It’s a testament to finding beauty and value in repurposed materials.
Contemporary Lighting with a Nostalgic Echo
Alia Vitæ presented the Dora Lamps, a modern take on 1970s sculptural lighting. Each lamp, handmade from fiberglass and coated with marble and quartz powder, emits a magical, stone-like glow, creating an otherworldly and atmospheric light source that enhances the exhibition’s serene mood.
Luminous Glass and Textile Artistry
From the Czech Republic, ELOA Unique Lights contributed “Constellation,” a series of mouth-blown glass pendants. These pieces evoke luminous soap bubbles, displaying vibrant colors by day and a calming glow by night. Additionally, Jt. Pfeiffer’s Torino Rug, hand-tufted from New Zealand wool, elevates Indian craftsmanship by transforming color and texture into a soft, sculptural surface.
Minimalist Forms in Stone and Metal
Monolith’s M_001 Chair, carved from a single block of San Luis Onyx, exemplifies minimalist geometry where material and form are in perfect harmony. Their M_014 Lamp, made from cast aluminum, follows a similar principle, diffusing light through circular caps. Both pieces demonstrate a restrained aesthetic that highlights their function and their intrinsic value as collectible objects.
An Experiential Approach to Collectible Design
“OASIS” ultimately reinforced Casa AnKan’s belief that collectible design transcends mere aesthetics. By meticulously crafting an atmosphere and highlighting the inherent qualities of materials, the exhibition fostered an environment where each object resonated deeply, creating an emotional and experiential journey for every visito