When most of us think about art galleries, we envision rows of paintings and an ambience of elegance. Plant the Future, a boutique gallery in Wynwood, delivers on the second count, but surprises the average gallery-hopper on the first.
Instead of paintings, Paloma Teppa -- an Argentine artist trained in industrial design -- exhibits remarkable plant designs and floral arrangements throughout the gallery. These living sculptures both draw the eye and serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. An artistic statement if there ever was one.
Plant the Future came about after Teppa had been working at home for
some time. "We spotted an opportunity to open a shop in Wynwood as one
of the first retailers in a new block right in front of Joey's
Restaurant. We have been in the area for over 5 years and really believe
in the area," said YairMarcoschamer, Teppa's husband and a co-owner of
the gallery.
Tellingly, he believes that the gallery's biggest challenge is bringing
people to the area. (Miami residents, take note! We have some great
galleries in town, and they need our support!) But despite that, he
claims, "The art scene in Miami is developing more and more...I think we
can already consider ourselves a good destination for art lovers,
especially during Art Basel week."
Marcoschamer may have a point. The gallery is popular, and many of their
pieces can be found throughout the city, both at other stores and in
private homes. Teppa's innovative designs work because they infuse
nature into art - this is the key to the gallery's success. While some
people enjoy her pieces simply for their aesthetic sensibilities, the
conceptually-minded among us can appreciate the thematic importance of
her work.
As noted, Paloma Teppa designs and creates the artwork in the gallery,
but she also works with other local designers and artists, including her
sister ChuTeppa, as well artists Natasha Duwin and Nina Surrel.
Recently, the gallery participated in a month-long project called the
Inventory Series 1 Objects of Desire, a collaboration of 11
designers/artists curated by Thais Fontenelle. Local artist Aymee
Cruzalegui, a local producer/filmmaker, also took part in a video
collaboration with the gallery during a recent WynwoodArt Walk.
--Nidya Sarria
Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.
