Among local treasures like Vizcaya, Matheson Hammock, Dwyane Wade, Stiltsville, and Joe's Stone Crab ranks Agustina Woodgate.
The artist responsible for those memorable holographic billboards and bus stop shelters that peppered Miami in 2011, Woodgate, who arrived from Buenos Aires in 2004, is leaving her mark on our city by making its spaces her sandbox. Whether placing rectangular rainbow magic by the side of a causeway, sewing poetry into thrift store clothing for buyers to discover later, or confronting viewers with unusual materials like human hair and skinned stuffed animals, she says her work aims to create "exchanges between people, rather than encounters between a viewer and object."
That's bound to happen Thursday night, when she reveals a collaborative installation created with British indie rock band Bloc Party at the Absolut X Miami party at Soho Studios. Alongside local mixology hero John Lermayer, they'll be transforming the space into a masquerade ball with interactive installations, performances, and, of course, cocktails. After the party's over, Woodgate's installation will be donated and fixed in a selected public space thanks to the non-profit Architecture for Humanity.
But why wait to check it out? Join the ball tonight by RSVPing to ABSOLUT X now.
Who are you:
I am Agustina Woodgate.
Years in Miami:
9
Current neighborhood:
Surfside
What's your idea of a perfect day in Miami?
A sky covered in heavy black clouds and then a massive aggressive electric storm over the water.
Favorite 'Only in Miami' moment?
A Cuban, a Venezuelan, an Argentinian and a Colombian sharing una colada.
What misconception about Miami are you most tired of fighting?
Miami is not only Art Basel.
Favorite place to enjoy art in Miami?
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Locust Projects and Spinello Projects.
Site specificity is very important to your work. Is there a space in Miami you dream of using?
Coral Castle.
You've learned to sew, sand, felt human hair, and more. What's your favorite skill you've learned as a result of your work?
Meditation.
Can you give us a hint of what you have planned for the Absolut Miami party Thursday night?
A landscape.
Prefer 395 or 195?
195 no doubts.
Where do you take out-of-towners?
Shuckers
What's next for you?
A public commission for Lincoln Road.
Why do you love Miami?
Because it’s my home away from home.
Why do you hate Miami?
Because there is no public transportation.
In a word or two or three, Miami is...
A playground.
