The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse
Art advisor Elizabeth Margulies believes in the artists she buys for her clients. So much so that she collects the same names herself, the “artists whose practices and techniques I admire,” she says. Lucky for those already in or heading to Miami, now she’s put her ultra-contemporary acquisitions on display—at the Warehouse in Wynwood. This is the first time the private institution run by Martin Margulies (her father)’s foundation is exhibiting another collection. Included in the exhibition are Barry McGee, Lauren Quin, Gary Simmons, Emily Mae Smith, and Kennedy Yanko.
Margulies recently returned to Florida after living up north in New York where her career in art advising and cultural consulting led her to broker licensing deals of artworks to Showtime, and public art activations of David Salle, Kenny Scarf, and Rob Pruitt, to name a few. Miami, around ABMB, she says, “it’s always about seeing the art and gaining new perspectives.”
We’ve seen Miami explode as a cultural destination because of art and design, and with the 20th anniversary of ABMB, how can art and design transform a city?
I think Miami has always been a cultural destination—that’s why Basel chose Miami for its US outpost. ABMB has become a social event in Miami and a week full of parties that bring people to the city from all over the world. This ultimately has positively affected tourism in Miami over the last 10 years or so, and will hopefully continue to encourage people’s interest in the arts.
What’s the future of the arts/design in Miami?
As Miami continues to thrive as a city, I’m hoping that more and more art-focused endeavors will continue to pop up. Miami has a solid group of private collectors who have exhibition spaces that are open to the public, such as Margulies, Rubell, De La Cruz, etc. I hope they will inspire a new generation of collectors to do the same. These collections include works by mostly blue-chip and established artists, and my exhibition showcases work by mostly emerging and mid-career artists. I’m grateful for the opportunity to show these works within the space of a major private collection, and to be able to give artists that type of exposure.
What challenges does Miami face in terms of the arts?
I wish there was more local media coverage of visual arts organizations, artists, and exhibitions in Miami.
Some cities are hubs for art/design but not the market. What makes Miami ripe for both?
Miami has become an incredibly desirable place to live for many reasons, with high-net-worth individuals relocating from other states and driving up the market. There are lots of financial incentives and benefits to living in Florida, and people need art for their homes.
