No ordinary chairs: Take a look at the cool furnishings and art at Design Miami\

With the theme of “Where We Stand,” Design Miami celebrates its 19th year with an invitation to view objects from around the world as a means to share information about culture, celebrate our differences, and unite us in our common humanity. The annual design fair in the big white tents across from the Miami Beach Convention Center includes works from more than 40 galleries and artists from every continent except Antarctica.

Design Miami Curatorial Director Anna Carnick chose the theme of Where We Stand while referencing novelist Elif Shafak, who wrote, “Stories bring us together. Untold stories keep us apart.” And through storytelling, we delve into one another’s humanity, Carnick explained.

‘The most important place in the art world’: Miami Art Week kicks off with big openings

The theme she chose also evokes Nelson Mandela’s famous observation, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”

Take a look at some of the furnishings, art, performances and creativity at this year’s VIP opening, which includes plenty of unique chairs.

Who’s the fairest of them all? You choose. Here’s where to find the Miami Art Week fairs

North Miami resident Robert Lorie, 41, sits on “Tapestry Sofa” by Harry Nuriev during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
North Miami resident Robert Lorie, 41, sits on “Tapestry Sofa” by Harry Nuriev during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
The Galerie Mélissa Paul/ London exhibit during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
The Galerie Mélissa Paul/ London exhibit during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
“Creek Chair” by Frieda Escobedo during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
“Creek Chair” by Frieda Escobedo during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
“En Tus Brazos” by Reynald Rodriguez during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The artwork is a singular piece of mahogany.
“En Tus Brazos” by Reynald Rodriguez during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The artwork is a singular piece of mahogany.
“Exlpoded Chair” by Joyce Lin during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
“Exlpoded Chair” by Joyce Lin during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Two woman discuss a piece of artwork at the David Gill Gallery during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Two woman discuss a piece of artwork at the David Gill Gallery during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Artwork on display at the J. Lohman Gallery during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Artwork on display at the J. Lohman Gallery during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Guests wander around during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Guests wander around during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Art team member Alyssa Tang, 27, interacts with the Maison Perrier-Jouët exhibit highlighting Mexican artist Fernando Laposse and his artwork titled ‘‘The Pollination Dance”, inspired by the flower. The piece was on display at Design Miami in Miami Beach.
Art team member Alyssa Tang, 27, interacts with the Maison Perrier-Jouët exhibit highlighting Mexican artist Fernando Laposse and his artwork titled ‘‘The Pollination Dance”, inspired by the flower. The piece was on display at Design Miami in Miami Beach.
A man sits and stares at “Reflections On Place” artwork by Anna Carnick, representing the 2023 Curatorial Theme of Where We Stand, during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
A man sits and stares at “Reflections On Place” artwork by Anna Carnick, representing the 2023 Curatorial Theme of Where We Stand, during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
An exterior view of the Design Miami tent for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The artwork displayed on the lawn is titled Minna, 2022 by Jaume Plensa.
An exterior view of the Design Miami tent for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The artwork displayed on the lawn is titled Minna, 2022 by Jaume Plensa.
A look at the Birkenstock exhibit during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
A look at the Birkenstock exhibit during the VIP opening of Design Miami for Art Basel in Miami Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.