Vinesh Vora

Last week for Art Basel, American Express created an exclusive lounge in the Design District in Miami to showcase some of the finest art and food.  The pop-up featured a number of incredible and renowned chefs including two-time James Beard award-winning chef, Mashama Bailey.  The event, titled American Express presents SAVOR & SOUL, was an intimate brunch that aimed to feature and discuss the current state of Black art and artists.  The brunch featured a number of delicious soul food items including fried chicken with a delectable hot sauce, waffles, shrimp and grits, and much more.

This pop-up experience also served to feature the latest work by Phillip K. Smith III, titled Garden of Reflections.  This installation is composed of 17 columnar sculptures that collage the light, atmosphere, and movement through folded mirrors and polished steel.  This installation is able to morph the space throughout the day by playing with the natural light as well as the presence of all the guests in the pop-up lounge.  By creating a piece that redefines the perception of reality, it creates a powerful, yet almost modest piece that allows for one to reflect.

Later on in the event, a panel was formed featuring Black artists, curators and collectors, including Artist Sabrena Khadija, Gallerist and Collector Hannah Traore (Hannah Traore Gallery) and Everette Taylor (CEO of Kickstarter and former CMO of Artsy), moderated by Phillip Collins (Founder and Curator of Good Black Art).  This panel of esteemed guests discussed the state of Black art as well as methods to uplift and amplify Black art and artists.  Discussions formed around how to create a network that circulates and promotes Black art as well as how to truly succeed as a Black artist in an industry that has historically underrepresented and under-appreciated Black art.

As the event concluded, it was §  Announced at American Express Presents SAVOR & SOUL™, Artists Adrian Brandon, Sabrena Khadija and Gianni Lee have teamed up with premier live-stream shopping app NTWRK and American Express for an exclusive art drop, which was unveiled during the event. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the three pieces on December 9th at 3pm PT/6pm ET, exclusively on the NTWRK app. Proceeds will be donated by NTWRK to Good Black Art, a global platform centered around the most promising emerging Black artists.