Finestra A Sud
Artist Alessandro Florio, born in Taormina, Sicily, initially immersed himself in the artistic environment through the world of tattoos, a passion that deeply resonates with him.
ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN FAENA JOURNAL ISSUE #55 • SPRING 2024
“Every year we search for an artist who we believe to have the same spirit and ethos of GITANO: bohemian, free, open-minded, and elegant,” said founder James Gardner. The search led him to Alessandro Florio, a Sicilian painter from the Italian town of Taormina, whose cobblestone streets and turquoise waters were made famous by the second season of White Lotus, an award-winning Netflix series. “We were impressed by his lifestyle and his work, which we thought to be colossal, mythical, and moving,” explained Gardner.
Florio is a professional tattoo artist turned painter known for a vivid style. His oil-on-canvas paintings weave motifs echoing his Sicilian roots to create a rich tapestry of color, form, and identity. “With his use of pinks and greens, tropical palms and animals, as well as Faena reds and gold, we immediately fell in love,” Gardner said. The evolution of Florio’s art can be traced back to a moment that occurred during a visit to the Louvre in Paris. Witnessing collections painted by the old masters inspired him to move beyond small-scale tattoos to broader canvases that express his deep respect for nature while drawing on inspiration from Oriental art.
During Miami Art Week, Florio was invited to paint an artwork live in Casa Faena’s atrium. Five of his artworks are still on display in Casa Faena as well as GITANO’s Jungle Rooftop Bar, where Miami who’s who sip signature mezcal cocktails under sunset skies. “It’s the perfect addition to our ambiance,” said Gardner.
Related Articles
The Faena Questionnaire Fatboy Slim
The pioneering British DJ, producer, and musician helped shape the “big beat” genre in the 1990s with energetic live performances and chart-topping hits like Praise You and Right Here, Right Now. With a career spanning over three decades, Fatboy Slim continues to influence global dance culture through his innovative sound and dynamic stage presence.
Art, Cultural Excursions and Diverse Perspectives
We enhance and enrich the lives of our members by bringing them the world’s best programming and talent by building true community.
Campo at Casa Faena
Inspired by the essence of fresh countryside living and dining, Campo emerges as a beacon of sustainability and culinary artistry. Chef Antonio Maldonado, Campo’s Executive Chef, brings Alan Faena’s philosophy to life, presenting a dining experience rooted in regenerative practices and local, sustainably sourced ingredients.
The Faena Questionnaire Tony Kelly
Our rendition of the Proust Questionnaire is a unique take on the famous parlor game that gained popularity, although it was not originally created by Marcel Proust, the renowned French essayist and novelist.
A Ball on the Beach
Each year, Faena elevates the holiday season with a lavish party with an avant-garde twist, making it one of the most sought-after destinations to ring in the New Year.
From Flame to Plate
Every weekend, Los Fuegos pairs a menu of special entrées with a distinctive cocktail selection that diners can sip while enjoying high-caliber entertainment in The Living Room lounge.
Sound On
New technology is being used to optimize workouts while a variety of healing retreats are the perfect way to conclude or start the year.
A Timeless Tale
Carmen is a new production brought to life by Quixotic at Faena Theater—and it delivers on every level.
Sirens with Soul
As high season begins, The Living Room will feature a roster of stalwart female vocalists whose latenight performances will be backed by the Black Hat Band and burlesque performers led by Elena Lee.
Faena Unveils A New Cultural District In Miami
Faena is expanding its unique vision from Miami Beach to the heart of Miami through a multi-phase cultural district, set within the only 14-acre private park along the Miami River.