During last year’s Original Miami Beach Antique Show (OMBAS), mixed in among the Miami-themed décor and the treasure hunt of exhibitor stands, were large scale sculptures created by celebrated artist, Gino Miles. Working in both monumental and small dimensions since the 1970’s, Gino is primarily inspired by 20th Century European masters such as Moore, Brancusi, Archipenko and Marini. Utilizing a “sparse and contemporary language that embodies tranquility,” his work evokes a sense of harmony between man and nature. Clean, minimalist lines mimic the meandering knotting of morning glory vines with a nod to humanity’s passage through time.
Image courtesy of Gino Miles
As if to illustrate the timelessness of his creative output, the impressively scaled works of art were a harmonious addition to the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center facility, as well as to the antique paintings and vintage bric-à-brac seen throughout the show floor. Though showcased in their own, solitary glory, his pieces were also an exceptional complement to the contemporary art being shown in our recently launched Modern and Contemporary Art Pavilion.
Gino Miles Sculpture visible in the background of a lounge space at OMBAS 2024
Their ability to spark joy from every angle is another intentional characteristic of Gino’s work, “Currently working primarily in fabricated stainless steel and bronze, the curvilinear, often weightless appearance of my pieces creates a visual contradiction with heavy metal materials, challenging the fundamentally static nature of sculpture,” Gino explains in his Artist Statement. “Many of my pieces are kinetic and can be turned, rotated, or even spun, allowing observers to change their viewpoint. Presenting such mass in motion with seemingly effortless fluidity invites a challenge to the viewer’s perception of the sculpture.”
Image courtesy of Gino Miles
Gino first became interested in painting and sculpture while earning his Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado in the 1970’s. He went on to study at Università per I Stranieri in Perugia Italy, as well as the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy. His profound love of teaching led him to establish Italart, a school for American and German students in the Chianti region, and after many years of study and work in Europe, he and his wife returned to the states and settled in Santa Fe, NM to raise their three children whom the artist attests are his greatest works of art.
Gino Miles Sculpture visible in the background of a lounge space at OMBAS 2024
The 2025 edition of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show is taking place January 9-13 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Registration for this open-to-the-public event is now open and anyone wishing to join the ultimate treasure hunt to discover highly sought-after pieces curated by 600+ world-renowned dealers can purchase tickets using this link.
