More than the fairs: Public art installations to see during Art Basel, Miami Art Week

Ahead of one of the busiest weeks in the 305, Boa Mistura, the internationally recognized artists from Madrid, painted a large-scale mural at the Laundromat Art Space.

• Onlookers watched as the artists carefully filled in each letter etched on the walls of the gallery to spell EPHEMERAL.
• Inside, a fragmented version of the completed mural — composed of 30 original paintings — is displayed.

State of play: The group, known for involving the community when it transforms blank walls into art that often provides commentary on its environment, is designing  "RE-ACT," an exhibition to be constructed throughout Art Week. 

• The group partnered with O, Miami in 2023 to transform two water tanks at Miami Beach Senior High School. The tanks featured a student's poem.  
• RE-ACT is in partnership with the Doral Contemporary Art Museum and the PONCE+ROBLES Gallery in Madrid.

The intrigue: The mural's future is dependent on the collectors, residents and individuals who purchase sections as original, framed paintings. 

• Sections of the mural that aren't purchased will be destroyed in a live performance Saturday. 

Between the lines: The project underscores Miami's ever-changing landscape, marked by new developments and the loss of cultural landmarks.  

• It highlights the impermanent nature of art and public spaces and prompts residents to ponder what's worth saving as the city evolves. 
• Also, it highlights the impact of individual action. 

What they're saying: "The starting point for us is when the [mural] is finished," said Pablo Ferriero, of Boa Mistura told Axios Sunday. "Not knowing how it's going to end is very exciting."

The big picture: The project is among several public art displays popping up this week for Art Basel and Art Week, organized by local and international artists. 

• Here are a few installations that caught our attention. 

📱 The Underline is debuting its first augmented reality art installation by Bony Ramirez on Dec. 3. The piece, which highlights migration and identity, invites visitors to engage with it through their devices. 

✨ Lumen by Daniel Popper is a 30-foot sculpture cultured in cracked tile mosaic that will be on display at Society Wynwood. 

• Unveiling event: Wednesday, 7pm. Light show every 15 minutes. Free. 

🌎 Lincoln Road debuted two new sculptures last month. 

🎨 Murals On 27th is an open-air gallery that invites viewers to watch artists paint murals in real time along Calle 8. 

🖼️ The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami and DMINTI are debuting  "The Kaleidoscope (...Bigger) House" by Laurie Simmons and Peter Wheelwright, a "participatory sculpture with AI-driven features," per the museum.

• It will be on display in the Design District (3900 NE 2nd Ave) through March 31.
• The museum is also debuting new exhibits tomorrow: Presentations for rising abstract painter Lucy Bull and influential pop artist Keiichi Tanaami; a showcase by Rubem Valentim, a key figure in Afro-diasporic art; and a new immersive installation by Marguerite Humeau, an interdisciplinary artist. 

Are there any art installations you're planning to see? Hit reply to let us know! We may add it to the list.