On Friday, December 3rd, amid Art Week and all of it’s stylish chaos, the spacious Riviera Room was outfitted with luxe, camel-colored leather chairs for the invitation-only audience of a panel discussion with artists Isabelle Albuquerque and Raúl de Nieves, moderated by Independent curator Zoe Lukov and Ben Lee Ritchie Handler, Global Director of Nicodim Gallery. The conversation was spirited and ethereal with both artists deeply rooted in history, technique, and the future of art and life. 

“Artists create channels to the divine, that take us to another level,” said Lukov, in conversation with the panel. Artist Isabelle Albuquerque, a Los Angeles-based sculptor and performer, spoke of “sculpture as a memory,” a vehicle “to remember what an experience feels like.” Raúl de Nieves, a New York-based interdisciplinary artist, performer, and musician, likened art to “a celebratory skin” that provides “something to believe in, to manifest the strength within us.”

The poolside terrace of the Riviera Room served a lavish champagne brunch for attendees, with delicious fare from Donna Mare curated by the chef for the midday soiree. In attendance were Nicodim Gallery owner Mihai Nicodim; Desert X President and Founder Susan Davis; Desert X Artistic Director Neville Wakefield; artists Devin B. Johnson, Alicia Adamerovich, Nicolette Mishkan, Orlando Estrada, and Allison Eden; interior designer and celebrity chef Travis London; gallerist Ana Cristea; art collector Walid Wahab; philanthropist Jenni Coba; and actress and model Celesta Hodge, among others. The iconic Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club was the perfect backdrop for the star-studded afternoon in Miami Beach.