A new exhibition in the Design District signals confidence in the next generation of contemporary art.
A Platform for the Next Creative Class
Jeffrey Deitch’s annual Miami presence returned with That Was Then, This Is Now, an exhibition dedicated to emerging artists and organized by American Art Projects. Staged in a former John Elliott storefront in Miami’s Design District, the pop up gathered twenty five artists under the age of thirty five with the goal of introducing new collectors to the next wave of creative voices.
Community Driven Curation
The exhibition features work by artists including Matt McCormick, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr., Hannah Taurins, Mario Ayala, and Zoe Blue M, many of whom were also part of American Art Projects’ earlier presentation in Berlin. The group is closely connected, often working in dialogue with one another across disciplines. Painting, sculpture, fashion, and furniture coexist throughout the two story space, with additional contributions from Sharif Farrag, Lindsey Lou Howard, Ozzie Juarez, and Sara Yukiko.
Accessible Art With Long Term Vision
Beyond the artworks on display, the exhibition includes books, garments, and smaller editions by participating artists, all priced to remain accessible for younger collectors. The project grew out of conversations at Art Basel in Switzerland in twenty twenty four and gained momentum with support from Deitch, who entrusted American Art Projects with organizing the Miami edition. On view through January two twenty twenty six, That Was Then, This Is Now reflects a belief that meaningful art movements emerge from strong communities, collaboration, and shared momentum.
