Renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson will showcase his powerful art at the Point Comfort Art Fair + Show during Soul Basel/Miami Art Week, taking place from December 5-8, 2024, at the Historic Ward Rooming House and Gardens in Overtown.
The event, a key highlight of Miami Art Week, celebrates African-American culture and resilience, set against the backdrop of the Ward Rooming House—a historic site once a sanctuary for Black travelers during segregation. This year’s theme, “Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are,” emphasizes unity and shared humanity, and Watson’s dynamic sculptures will be a focal point, reflecting the interconnectedness of life and community.
Basil Watson has designed public sculptures and monuments across the world including statues of Martin Luther King Jr, Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Merlene Ottey, among others. One of his most recent works is a statue honoring civil rights hero and US Congressman John Lewis, which was unveiled in Atlanta in August.
Point Comfort will also feature a diverse array of artists, including Solomon Adufah, Tasanee Durrett, and Chris Clark, with exhibits set under a 80×40-foot outdoor tent in the Gardens. Watson’s art, celebrated globally for its emotive forms and narratives, perfectly aligns with this year’s theme and is expected to captivate visitors throughout the event.
Special highlights include Greg Clark’s “I Played Here: One Night Stand!” a photographic tribute to Overtown’s soul music scene in the 1960s and 70s, as well as installations by Adonis Parker and a James Baldwin Centennial display. The Indaba Lounge Series will feature artist talks, jazz performances, and live music, while the Dr. Samella Lewis Awards will honor artist Bisa Butler on December 8.
The Historic Ward Rooming House, restored by Hampton Art Lovers, will serve as the central venue, with additional cultural spaces such as the Lois Mailou Jones Patio & Gardens further enhancing the event’s celebration of Black art and history.
Event Details:
Dates: December 5-8, 2024
Location: Historic Ward Rooming House and Gardens, 249 NW 9th St, Miami, FL 33136
Opening Reception: Thursday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
For more details, visit hamptonartlovers.com.
