Pablo Picasso once called sculpture the “art of intelligence.” From humble blocks of concrete and scrap metal, sculptors have a gift for transforming the mundane into the magnificent. More than just a statue, sculptures are a portal into an artist’s gifts and minds. From towering monuments to interactive installations, the craft is always evolving.
Venture through modern sculptures from late and current artists in your backyard. During your next trip to Aventura Mall, take some time to admire these brilliant creations.
All you need is love. As a leading artist during the vibrant pop art movement, Robert Indiana established a reputation for bold colors and simplistic shapes that captured the American spirit of his time. Of his impressive collection, Indiana is best known for his famous “LOVE” motif.
Originally a print for the Museum of Modern Art’s 1965 Christmas card, the block text was later adapted into a sculpture and was even emblazoned on stamps for United States Postal Service in the early 1970s.
From Philadelphia to Singapore, there are 50 renditions of the LOVE sculpture around the world. Aventura Mall is lucky to be home to one of Indiana’s original sculptures, crafted in 1998. The vibrant red letters, complemented with blue and green accents, bring a message of unity to Aventura Mall. Located next to Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar, the LOVE sculpture is the perfect post-brunch photo backdrop.
Gorillas in the Mist is a sprightly piece of The Arts Aventura Mall Collection that’s teeming with creativity. Crafted by twin brothers and artistic duo Nikolai and Simon Haas, the whimsical fountain doubles as an interactive playground for family fun. The unique sculpture is comprised of three gorillas and four tall trees. Blending the peacefulness and playfulness of nature, the artists created the statue to signify “the roles that certain people can play: a partner, a good friend, and a child.”
Art has always been a family affair for Simon and Nikolai, known collectively as The Haas Brothers. Born into an artistic family, the twins grew up with an opera singer for a mother and a sculptor for a father. The two artists have created furniture and sculptures for a star-studded list of clientele, including Lady Gaga, Tobey Maguire, and Donatella Versace. See their enchanting style up close on the Lower Level in the Outdoor Courtyard.
Fans of Andy Warhol’s can pay homage to the pop art sensation with a trip to Rob Pruitt’s The Andy Monument. The chrome monolith, located on the Upper Level of Center Court, was inspired by the life and work of Warhol. Standing seven feet tall, Pruitt created the piece using the combination of digital scanning of a live model and hand sculpting.
Pruitt, known for his contributions to the contemporary art scene, first created the piece to grace Union Square — once home to the Warhol Factory. “Like so many other artists and performers and people who don’t fit in because they’re gay or otherwise different, Andy moved here to become who he was, to fulfill his dreams and make it big. He still represents that courage and that possibility. That’s why I came to New York, and that’s what my Andy Monument is about,” shares Pruitt.
Sure, a picture speaks a thousand words – but what about a sculpture? We’d argue that Jaume Plensa’s revolutionary art is quite the conversation starter. Born in Barcelona, the Spanish artist is known for his recognizable seated figures, shaped from letters and symbols. The prolific sculptor, who studied at Llotja School of Art and Design and at the Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts, currently tours the world giving lectures and lessons on his unique craft.
Plensa’s recognizable work can be found in Chicago, Houston, Singapore, France, Sweden and, of course, Aventura Mall. As a venerated artist, Plensa is recognized internationally for his thought-provoking sculptures. In Florida’s Soul, located in the Lower Level, letters created from stainless steel form the ‘universal man.’ Seated upon a rock, the man reflects upon the world around him and welcomes viewers to do the same.
Are you ready to experience a day of culture? Stop by Aventura Mall to see the 20+ works from artists around the world!
