Art Basel Miami is an undeniable spectacle, a vibrant maelstrom of creativity that sweeps through the city with an exhilarating, yet often overwhelming, force. Between the dizzying array of fairs, exclusive exhibitions, lavish dinners, and relentless after-hours events, the pace can be breathless, leaving little space for quiet contemplation. Amidst this sensory deluge, Casa AnKan unveiled an experience that many visitors were unknowingly yearning for: a profound pause.
At Alcova, this much-anticipated sanctuary, aptly named OASIS, emerged. Inspired by the serene aesthetic of desert modernism, it offered more than just physical breathing room; it provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with the grounding power of materiality in art and design. It was a deliberate counterpoint, a moment of stillness designed to soothe the senses.
Casa AnKan: Crafting Immersive Experiences
“With OASIS, we wanted to offer a moment of stillness – a place that feels both physical and emotional,” shared Casa AnKan founders Angelo Garrido and Ana Curiel. Established in 2023, Casa AnKan has quickly distinguished itself as an emerging collectible design gallery with a singular vision: exhibition-making as an immersive, sensory journey. For them, the atmosphere surrounding the objects is as crucial as the objects themselves.
For OASIS, the gallery meticulously curated works from seven visionary designers and artists. Their collective contributions weren’t merely displays; they were integral elements that shaped the exhibition’s overarching tone, rhythm, and deep emotional resonance, inviting visitors to engage on a more profound level.
A Journey Through Materiality and Form
Amorph: The Dance of Balance
From Los Angeles, studio Amorph presented pieces that explored the delicate interplay of form and feeling. The Saba Mirror, crafted from hand-shaped walnut, gracefully deviates from perfect symmetry before finding its equilibrium, inviting reflection in both its literal and metaphorical sense. Their Nuvia Cabinet, with its layered wood and embedded sheets of colored paper, conveyed a dynamic sense of movement, celebrating wood as a living, expressive medium.
Sanaa Design: Tactile Narratives
Created exclusively for OASIS, Sanaa Design’s No Stranger II sculpture was a masterclass in tactility and perception. Utilizing gypsum, acrylic, and wool, the piece unfolded its narrative slowly, rewarding those who lingered and engaged with its layered textures and subtle, inviting gestures.
Esther Knopfler: Poetic Sustainability
In collaboration with Marbrerie Provençale, Esther Knopfler’s Strata Stool transformed what might be considered waste into a work of art. Fashioned from discarded marble offcuts, this one-of-a-kind sculptural seat beautifully underscored how sustainability can be both profoundly purposeful and deeply poetic.
Alia Vitæ: Otherworldly Illumination
Alia Vitæ reinterpreted the sculptural lighting spirit of the 1970s through a distinctly contemporary lens with their Dora Lamps. Handcrafted from fiberglass and meticulously coated in marble and quartz powder, each lamp exuded an otherworldly presence – a glowing, stone-like form that cast a magical, atmospheric light.
ELOA Unique Lights: Luminous Constellations
Crafted in the Czech Republic, ELOA Unique Lights’ Constellation series seemed to float effortlessly, like luminous soap bubbles suspended in space. These exquisite mouth-blown glass pendants revealed vibrant hues by day and transitioned into a warm, calming glow as evening descended.
Jt. Pfeiffer: Elevated Craftsmanship
Jt. Pfeiffer’s Torino Rug was presented in a way that elevated it, offering an intimate appreciation of Indian craftsmanship. Hand-tufted from luxurious New Zealand wool, the rug transcended its utilitarian function, transforming color and texture into a soft, sculptural surface.
Monolith: Minimalist Mastery
Monolith showcased a study in minimal geometry and material synergy. The M_001 Chair, carved from a single block of San Luis Onyx, was a testament to how material and form can mutually reinforce one another. Complementing this, the M_014 Lamp applied a similar restraint in cast aluminum. Its diffused light emerged from two circular caps, asserting its function without overshadowing its powerful presence as a collectible object.
The Power of Experience
Ultimately, OASIS served as a powerful affirmation of Casa AnKan’s core philosophy: that collectible design achieves its greatest impact when it is truly experienced, rather than merely observed. By meticulously shaping the exhibition through a masterful interplay of atmosphere and materiality, Casa AnKan succeeded in creating a space where each object resonated not just visually, but emotionally, leaving an indelible impression on all who entered this unexpected desert sanctuary amidst Miami’s art week.
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