Let me set the scene for you, the developer Miami Spaces donated a 1000 sq. ft bay at 2605 North Miami Avenue for the launch event of I'M IN MIAMI BITCH! The space was three long white walls with a huge bay window in the front. How was I going to fill the space? What could I install in the space to make the event unique and interesting? The idea came to me, I would install the entire color proof of the book as an exhibition. Guests could come in and see the book in it's entirety. It would be an easy browse and give a really big picture.
Even before that the Miami chapter of the AIGA(American Institute of Graphic Artists) had offered to hold the event with me as part of their Parallel Series of discussions. So now I have a venue and an audience.
In addition I would install a shelf with all of the elements to the project. There would of course be the book, a lithograph, a silk screen, the stickers, t-shirts and most importantly the hand made edition of the book and it's sister the boxed edition. So there would be all of the components to the project and a chance for people to see it up close and personal.
Earlier in the week I enlisted a friend Noah to help me install the exhibit and he even embellished the banner that would fly on the front facade of the building. It was a good time. Wynwood Brewing even donated some beer for the event.
The invites had been going out for the last few weeks via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and email. The day finally arrived and the first one there was my father who had owned property in the area in the 80's and couldn't believe the transformation the neighborhood had undergone. He couldn't believe that people were actually walking on the street on North Miami Avenue. To be honest his memories of the 80's in Wynwood are of the riots and endless break-ins that his business suffered.
The guests arrived and after a quick sign in and HELLO! I'm In Miami Bitch! name tag were viewing the installation. Before too long the venue was buzzing with discussion of street art and Wynwood. As the venue filled it was time to begin the slide show presentation of the project and it's direction. I spoke of my inspiration for the project, how I conceived of the idea, what direction and experiences I had on the streets of Wynwood and the ideas for artist collaboration and such as a result of spending time on the project. Soon after the slide show and lecture was the artist panel Q&A which included MARMER, CITE, CYST and TUBS. The audience was engaged and had a lot of interesting questions, Ms. Nina wanted to know what was required to get into a graffiti crew. The audience instantly laughed.
The crowd at the IIMB! launch.
After that there were books being signed by me and the artists who were featured in the project. It was a great time and one I will not soon forget. Thank you everyone who attended and BIG UP to the artists involved.
So, if you want a copy of the book and are here in South Florida it is available at all Books & Books locations(Coral Gables, Lincoln Road and Bal Harbour) plus it's available in Wynwood at Frangipani.
Peace,
AK FOTO
