Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road District, one of the country’s most beloved destinations for al fresco shopping, dining, and entertainment, has supercharged its arts and culture experience by showcasing 12 giant, electrifying sculptures by renowned French artist Richard Orlinski. The open-air activation coming to Lincoln Road this winter will feature iconic pieces from Orlinski’s recent Avenue des Champs Elysée exhibition in Paris. Timed with the premier art show of the Americas, Art Basel Miami Beach, the exhibit will run from November 2022 to March 2023.
Driven by the desire to make art accessible to the masses, Orlinski exhibits his work, often of spectacular dimensions, in the great outdoors. As he redefined contemporary art codes, elements in nature became his signature and forte. Known for his iconic bright red resin crocodile, Orlinski’s work is inspired by pop culture artists such as Jeff Koons and Robert Indiana, and uses industrial materials to develop large geometric sculptures that symbolize freedom, power, and passion.
“Dedicated to bringing one-of-a-kind artistic experiences to the Lincoln Road District, we are thrilled to bring Orlinski’s esteemed outdoor exhibit of colorful, eye-popping sculptures from Paris to Lincoln Road,” said Mindy Mcllroy, Vice President of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), and President of Terranova Corporation. “We are continuously investing in public art installations and cultural programming to ensure Lincoln Road remains a place where locals and visitors can enjoy enriching cultural experiences.”
From the majestic pink lion that will be showcased across the Apple Store to the red crocodile near the Nike Store and the standing white bear on Washington Avenue, the community will encounter bright, life-size animal statues while strolling the pedestrian promenade. Wild Kong, a signature piece from the Champs Elysée exhibition, will be located on Michigan Ave across from Finnegan’s Road. The sculptures are crossing the seas and coming from France. During the exhibit, the artist will also open a pop-up store at 801 Lincoln Road.
As the cultural and civic hub for the community, the Lincoln Road District has also partnered with AEA Consulting, a global firm setting the standard in strategy and planning for the cultural and creative industries, to further activate the district with collaborations that advance and promote arts and culture. With activations from Abu Dhabi to New York and London, AEA has engaged with the American Symphony Orchestra, Perez Art Museum, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, among others, delivering more than 1,200 assignments in 42 countries.
“Partnering with AEA Consulting to realize vital arts and culture projects will help further enhance our offerings in the Lincoln Road District, providing residents and visitors with year-round programming that bolsters their quality of life,” said Lyle Stern, President of the Lincoln Road BID and President of Koniver Stern Group. “From activating Lincoln Road with spectacular sculptures by famed artist Orlinksi to ushering in the South Beach Jazz Festival and a series of memorable musical performances by Nu Deco Ensemble, we are expanding the district’s cultural programming that will keep residents and visitors returning to Lincoln Road.”
The Lincoln Road District is one of Miami’s premier retail, lifestyle and cultural destination that is home to more than 250 restaurants and shops, entertainment, arts and cultural offerings. Lincoln Road ranks as the most-visited open-air destination in South Florida with over 8 million visits in 2021, according to Placer.ai data and featured in AFAR as one of the 10 best pedestrian streets around the world.
Richard Orlinski
Images via Lincoln Road