On December 2nd, Miami’s art scene was ablaze as Gloria and Emilio Estefan joined a stellar guest list to celebrate the VIP preview of Star Compass, a groundbreaking series of public art installations by The ReefLine, Elephant Family, and Art&Newport. Sponsored by Xerjoff, this awe-inspiring event was curated by Ximena Caminos and Dodie Kazanjian to highlight the vital interconnectedness of land and ocean through innovative artistic expressions.
The celebration kicked off at the Peréz Art Museum (PAMM) with Voile/Toile – Toile/Voile by renowned artist Daniel Buren. This spectacular regatta featured sailboats adorned with Buren’s iconic striped designs, raced by Olympic sailors and Miami artists. Guests then transitioned to a breathtaking beachside cocktail reception at sunset, where art and ambiance merged beautifully.
The Artworks: A Celebration of Connection
The evening showcased three monumental pieces:
The Great Elephant Migration, composed of 100 life-sized Indian elephants crafted from the invasive weed Lantana camara, symbolizing coexistence and biodiversity.
Miami Reef Star, a stunning 60-ft sculpture by Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre made of 3D-printed star modules, previewing The ReefLine’s future underwater sculpture park.
Voile/Toile – Toile/Voile, a vibrant regatta brought to life by Daniel Buren’s striking visuals.
The installations captivated an audience that included Ximena Caminos, Sergio Momo of Xerjoff, Ruth Ganesh, Carlos Betancourt, Stefania Bortolami, and more. The cocktail hour featured music by DJ Henri Bergmann and a sensory pop-up experience of Xerjoff’s CoExistence fragrance, crafted to support elephant conservation.
A Toast to Art and Conservation
Sergio Momo delighted guests with custom cocktails inspired by CoExistence. Evelyn’s mixologists from Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale elevated the experience with their own signature creations. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the night culminated in an intimate dinner at Casa Faena, blending artistry, philanthropy, and celebration.
A Vision of Regeneration
Ximena Caminos expressed her aspirations for The ReefLine: “Our marine acupuncture approach merges art and blue technology to restore vital ocean ecosystems and combat climate change.” Fiona Humphrey, a Trustee of Elephant Family USA, shared a heartfelt message, noting, “These majestic elephants remind us of the beauty of wild animals and the importance of coexistence in our urban world.”
The evening was a triumph of artistry, collaboration, and purpose. For those who missed it, select elephants from The Great Elephant Migration will soon grace the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach from December 13 through mid-March.
This unforgettable event underscored the power of art to inspire change and foster global connections, leaving guests with a renewed sense of wonder and responsibility for our planet.
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