Over four decades, David LaChapelle established a name for his hyper-real and iconoclastic photographs. Visu Contemporary co-owners Blake Pearson and Dr. Bruce Halpryn enticed LaChapelle to hold his first Miami Beach exhibition at their gallery. Pearson opened Visu contemporary adjacent to The Bass Museum of Art a year ago, a project actualizing his 20-year-long investment in Visu Artists, which focuses on connecting artists with commercial opportunities via brands and agencies. A former art and photography student, Pearson's love of contemporary art merges with ambitions to grow artists' careers through programming and collaboration, and in 2023 he invited Dr. Halpryn to partner with Visu Contemporary. Miami Magazine speaks to Pearson about his valiant ambitions.
What distinguishes Visu Contemporary’s program?
Visu Contemporary shows established and emerging artists from various backgrounds, cultures and perspectives who push the limits of art and creativity. We love painting, sculpture, photography, digital art and performance, which makes for a dynamic and evolving program. We support artists through exhibitions, talks and networking within the art community. The gallery is a giant stretch toward a dream and from the beginning, it has seemed like a mission from God, in that Blues Brothers kind of way.
What does shared ownership mean for the gallery?
My business partner, Dr. Bruce Halpryn, has been a collector and supporter of the arts for over 40 years. He was a Board President of the art biannual FotoFocus and is a shareholder of the Cincinnati Art Museum where he spearheads it’s Friends of Photography. His participation strengthens our ability to bring incredible art to Miami Beach year-round.
What was the reception to David LaChapelle’s work? Astounding! Nearly 600 visitors came through the gallery between our VIP events and opening night, and hundreds attended our two artist talks with David. People flew in from New York, L.A. and even Wisconsin!
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