UPDATE: Jeffrey Deitch’s highly anticipated annual Miami pop-up, titled That Was Then, This Is Now, just launched in the heart of the Miami Design District. This compelling exhibition showcases the work of 25 emerging artists and runs through January 2, 2026.
This year’s exhibition is generating significant buzz, positioning itself as one of the most notable off-site events during Art Basel Miami Beach. Located in the sleek, two-story former John Elliott storefront at 119 NE 41 Street, the show highlights the future of contemporary art by featuring an exciting cohort of under-35 artists.
The exhibition is organized by American Art Projects and includes notable names such as Matt McCormick, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr., Hannah Taurins, Mario Ayala, and Zoe Blue M. Curator William Croghan, who also serves as associate director at Deitch, describes this group as “the most special and important young group of artists working today.”
In addition to the stunning visual artworks, the exhibition offers a curated selection of books, garments, and smaller editions that are priced to attract new collectors. The aim is to foster a vibrant community around emerging talent, encouraging young patrons to engage with contemporary art at a “reasonable entry point.”
The idea for this innovative exhibition was conceived during the 2024 Art Basel Swiss fair, where Croghan and Benno Tubbesing, former director of Ruttkowski;68 New York, collaborated with Sam Robins, son of Design District developer Craig Robins. Their initial project, America Unframed, received overwhelming support, paving the way for Deitch to pass the organizational responsibility to American Art Projects for this Miami showcase.
Attendees at the opening, including renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, expressed excitement over the energy of the exhibition, emphasizing the collaborative spirit among the featured artists. “These artists are in strong community with one another,” Croghan noted. “That’s just how these guys move.”
As the exhibition unfolds, it is expected to draw considerable attention from art enthusiasts and collectors alike, marking a vital moment in the evolution of American visual culture. The connection and camaraderie among the artists add an emotional layer to the exhibition, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art.
What’s Next: Art lovers and collectors should plan to visit That Was Then, This Is Now before it closes on January 2, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to engage with the next generation of artistic talent in Miami’s vibrant Design District.
For a full gallery view, click here to visit Hypebeast.
