REVIEW. ON THE EDGE OF CONTEMPORARY ART.

A group of nearly 20 BMW i Pure Impulse members joined thousands of art aficionados in South Florida in early December for an event centred around one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs, Art Basel Miami Beach.

Guests arrived at the landmark SLS South Beach Hotel – the tallest Art Déco building in South Beach – on Tuesday, 1 December in time for a welcome reception. They then moved on to Soho Beach House, where the first BMW Art Journey winner, Hong Kong artist Samson Young, spoke about his project and the opportunity to find creative inspiration on five different continents. The evening continued during a rooftop reception over drinks, finger food and live music.

The first item on the next day’s itinerary was a special sightseeing tour. Guides explained the vibrant, multicultural history of the city with the aid of culinary treats – stops included Peruvian and Cuban restaurants, a Venezuelan bakery and an artisan ice-cream shop. Some of these insider tips were unknown even to local BMW i Pure Impulse members.

Highlight of the event was the exclusive private viewing of Art Basel Miami Beach, where leading galleries worldwide showcase their best work from established as well as emerging artists. Tickets also included access to the VIP Art Collectors Lounge, where one of the exhibits was a colourful BMW 730i ‘Art Car’ designed by Spanish artist César Manrique in 1990. Other visitors included musician Lenny Kravitz and Berlin artistic couple EVA & ADELE.

Later, members were taken to a cocktail reception hosted by BMW at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, one of the hottest tickets in town for the evening. A dinner at the stylish penthouse suite at the SLS hotel, designed by Lenny Kravitz, was an ideal conclusion for the evening. President and CEO of BMW of North America, Ludwig Willisch and his wife, who also attended the cocktail reception, joined the group as special guests.

Guests left the event inspired, having seen so many different facets of the ever-popular beach destination.