Jazzin' at the Beach: Tenth Annual Art Deco Weekend
Original exhibition poster, likely a lithograph or high-quality offset print on heavy paper stock. • Attributed to the studio or circle of the Miami Design Preservation League; stylized in the manner of iconic 1980s South Beach graphic illustrators.
Style & Movement
Neo-Art Deco / Postmodern Pop. It blends elements of 1930s Streamline Moderne with 1980s 'Miami Vice' aesthetics, featuring vibrant neon colors and cartoon surrealism.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or offset printing of a work originally created with airbrush, ink, and gouache. Features smooth gradients, glowing 'neon' halo effects, and sharp graphic linework.
Creation Period
1987
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A surrealist, jazz-themed composition featuring an anthropomorphic flute player in a boater hat and a female figure reminiscent of Betty Boop. The background showcases stylized Art Deco architecture of Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, framed by a neon red border. Hands and musical notes float throughout the frame, suggesting a kinetic, lively atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved behind glass, though there is visible light reflecting off the surface suggesting a glossy finish.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (depending on whether it is a signed limited edition versus a standard commercial run).
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD.
Provenance History
Commissioned for the 10th anniversary of the Miami Art Deco Weekend (January 16-18, 1987). Likely acquired at the festival or from a local Miami gallery specializing in architectural preservation ephemera.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a cultural artifact documenting the 1980s revival of Miami's Art Deco District. This period was crucial for the architectural preservation movement led by Barbara Baer Capitman, which saved South Beach from demolition.
Notable Features
Includes specific event typography: 'TENTH ANNUAL ART DECO WEEKEND, OCEAN DRIVE, MIAMI BEACH'. The use of gloved hands as independent characters is a signature motif of 1930s animation used here to evoke nostalgia.
Condition Issues
Possible minor edge wear or light-induced fading (though colors currently look vibrant); reflection in the photo obscures fine details like potential foxing or paper undulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering glass or acrylic to prevent fading of the red and blue pigments. Use acid-free archival matting to prevent 'mat burn' over time.