Rehberger: a lighthouse for Miami Beach

Unveiled during Miami Art Basel, a giant iconic sculpture by the German artist greeted the visitors to the city in early December.

The latest public art purchase by Miami Beach is a piece by the German artist Tobias Rehberger, who unveiled his Ostinate Lighthouse during Miami Art Basel at the beginning of December. In December 2008, the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places (AiPP) Committee was given direction by the mayor and city council to announce an open call to artists with project budget of $500,000, for an iconic, large format work within the context of South Pointe Park, Miami Beach, at the entrance to the Port of Miami and Biscayne Bay.

The committee reviewed the public projects of 45 artists and unanimously agreed to request advanced proposals from four artists: Jim Drain, Mark Handforth, Tobias Rehberger and Gary Webb. The committee met and unanimously recommended Rehberger's lighthouse and the mayor and city council approved the project a year ago.

The <i>Obstinate Lighthouse</i>, about 17-metres high, is made of steel, aluminum, acrylic concrete and LED lights — The *Obstinate Lighthouse*, about 17-metres high, is made of steel, aluminum, acrylic concrete and LED lights

From a historical perspective there have been lighthouses at the entrances to ports or bodies of water; therefore the Committee felt this project was ideal for the location. The art work exemplifies the image of the community of Miami Beach because it is colourful, represents great design, and is at the same time playful.

Rehberger conceived a special gateway to Miami Beach at its most southern point. His 55-foot Obstinate Lighthouse is created as an accumulation of nineteen staggered parts, topped by an installation of moving lights at its peak.

Rehberger's lighthouse is created as an accumulation of nineteen staggered parts, topped by an installation of moving lights at its peak

According to the artist, "the sculpture is a modern and playful interpretation of a beacon. However, rather than guiding ships, the light functions to greet all city visitors and locals with a choreographed light display that references the lively spirit of Miami Beach". The lights at the top simulate disco lights behind frosted acrylic, as if there's a party going on inside the lantern of the lighthouse.

Courtesy: City of Miami Beach & neugerriemschneider gallery, Berlin

Rather than guiding ships, the light functions to greet all city visitors and locals with a choreographed light display that references the lively spirit of Miami Beach

The lights at the top simulate Disco lights behind frosted acrylic

Rehberger: a lighthouse for Miami Beach

Unveiled during Miami Art Basel, a giant iconic sculpture by the German artist greeted the visitors to the city in early December.

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