Tastemakers were in full force at the first EBONY FWD presented by Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar, held at The Temple House in South Beach for Art Basel 2023. The iconic refreshment company and brand of Black Excellence merged to present the work of 11 artists over a two-day immersive experience in art, food and music.
Art exhibitions at EBONY FWD inside The Temple House for Art Basel Miami 2023. Image: De’Angelo McNair for EBONY.
The EBONY FWD presentation filled the venue’s walls and the ceiling with a stimulating combination of physical and digital art. The two-day immersive experience highlighted the work of Charly Palmer, Krista Clark, Michi Meko, Khalilah Birdsong, Hasani Sahlehe and more artists from around the globe.
Jason Carter and Wonder Mbambo at EBONY FWD inside The Temple House for Art Basel Miami 2023. Image: De’Angelo McNair for EBONY.
South African artist Wonder Buhle Mbambo flew from his home country to sit down with moderator Jason Carter and share his thoughts on art and his creative journey. “It’s a beautiful experience to come here and see everything blend together.” Mbambo’s work, You can’t curse me, was displayed for guests to experience firsthand.
You can’t curse me, Wonder Bhule Mbambo, 2022. Image: De’Angelo McNair for EBONY.
“It’s a portrait of my younger brother. It’s about each generation becoming better in terms of access to education, jobs and opportunities,” he told EBONY. “We inspire a younger generation to become better, even better than us.”
Presenter Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar at EBONY FWD inside The Temple House for Art Basel Miami 2023. Image: De’Angelo McNair for EBONY.
The arresting piece is featured in an innovative Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar video that recreated the portrait for its production. “My brother and I flew to [the country of]Georgia and they animated him,” the artist declared. “He wore the outfit, they put in the flowers, and the painting was brought to life.”
Mariah the Scientist at EBONY FWD inside The Temple House for Art Basel Miami 2023. Image: De’Angelo McNair for EBONY.
EBONY FWD also featured standing-room-only performances by Chance the Rapper and Mariah the Scientist, DJ sets Kitty Cash from and refreshingly light bites infused withCoca-Cola® Zero Sugar from Miami-based Chef Amaris Jones, making it one of the hottest events to debut at Art Basel Miami 2023.
