Renowned French Artist Richard Orlinski's Iconic Sculptures Take Over Lincoln Road In Time For Miami Art Week

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.

Images via Lincoln Road

Pura Vida, Harry's Pizza And The Salty Coming To Miami Beach's Iconic Lincoln Road Despite Pandemic

As the retail industry worldwide continues to struggle amid the pandemic, Lincoln Road is once again demonstrating its resiliency. By putting all of its efforts towards ushering in a health and economic recovery at the onset of COVID-19, including creating unique and socially distant programming and aligning with brands that enjoy a local cult-like following, the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District is seeing a surge in foot traffic and new brands that want to establish a brick-and-mortar presence in the iconic shopping and entertainment district.

The latest dining concepts coming to Lincoln Road are Pura Vida, a fixture in Miami’s health-conscious dining scene, and The Salty, the artisan donut shop with one-of-a-kind flavors. Also opening on The Road are fine-art gallery Kush Fine Art, which has locations in Nevada, California and Hawaii; CBD experts Alter Native; heralded local optometrist Eyes Desire created by Dr. David Roth and Dr. Ashley Roth; and Kumpan Electric, purveyors of all things electric scooters.

In addition to these exciting new retailers, visitors can look forward to the previously announced restaurants and retailers coming soon to Lincoln Road, including Harry’s Pizzeria by James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz; Amazon’s Flagship 4-Star Store; Yoyoso, the fashion and lifestyle brand hailing from China; and the first U.S. outpost of Colombian restaurant Andres Carne de Res, a unique concept that will mix delicious food with lively music, entertainment, and tableside theater.

“The Lincoln Road BID is incredibly excited and optimistic about the future of retail on Lincoln Road,” said Tim Schmand, executive director of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID). “The District is overflowing with new, unique concepts that have enhanced the outdoor experience for visitors as you shop, dine, stroll, and celebrate along Lincoln Road. Alongside collaborations with our district’s acclaimed performing arts institutions, our cafes and restaurants, our retail pop-ups, and our newly unveiled eight-block long botanic garden partnership with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, these new retailers will help us continue ushering in a new, modern chapter for Lincoln Road.”