The Sagamore Miami Beach Hotel presents an innovative, immersive and educational fine art exhibition. A first of its kind in the region, “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias will be an exhibition entirely dedicated to endangered species and indigenous cultures that is centered on the work of the esteemed French artist and wildlife photographer.

Slated to open in early December 2019 during Art Week, “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias will remain on view through February 2020. The exhibit will open to the public on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 and the Sagamore Hotel will host a VIP Opening Reception at 9 p.m. following the vernissage at the Miami Convention Center.

“I’m Not a Trophy” is titled after the charitable organization founded by Elias dedicated to creating greater awareness for the rapid extinction of endangered species and indigenous cultures around the world through a visually compelling campaign.

Curated by Sebastien Laboureau, the resident art advisor of The Sagamore Hotel, pieces featured in “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias are presented in partnership with Markowicz Fine Art, the exclusive representative of Arno Elias in South Florida. Pieces on display will include iconic African animals, such as lions, elephants, rhinoceros, gorillas, giraffes, cheetahs and the last of wild tigers in India, but also numerous portraits and artefacts from some of the African Tribes whose lives also depend on a fragile ecosystem. Other artworks on display will be from international guest artists who are involved with the cause.

“We are using this exhibition as a way to bring awareness to the increased threat to the very existence of wild animals due to trophy hunting, poaching and habitat loss from human urbanization,” says Arno Elias, artist, photographer and charity founder. “There is an urgency for social and political change on the topic of killing as a sport and we want to contribute by displaying fine art that depicts the species at most risk if we don’t take immediate action.”

The exhibition will also highlight the role that African tribes play within the overall ecosystem of endangered species. These works of art will bring African wilderness to life and involve all the senses through an immersive experience, encompassing music, design, and never before seen video-footage and photos by Elias.

In 2016, model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne posed as the first ambassador for Elias’ “I’m Not a Trophy” project when images of lions, zebras, gorillas and other endangered species were imposed on her body, generating widespread buzz around the world.

Surrounded by the beauty of nature and wild animals, the audience at The Sagamore Hotel will have the opportunity to learn more about the true story of species whose lives are now endangered, predominantly because of human activities such as poaching, trophy hunting and urbanization. This educational and artistic exhibit will raise awareness about the urgency to protect what makes our planet so unique, its biodiversity, indigenous people, and will honor the beauty of wildlife in all its forms.

“When curating this exhibition for The Sagamore Hotel, I was inspired to showcase how fine art can be used to convey a powerful message with the goal of improving the world we live in,” says Sebastien Laboureau, The Sagamore’s visionary resident art advisor. “‘I’m Not a Trophy’ will offer a unique and memorable artistic experience that has a purpose of sparking new ideas, creativity, and conversations among the art community.”

“I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias presented by The Sagamore Hotel will also showcase works of art by guest artists who illustrate the world of endangered species globally. The exhibition will encompass all media, including photographs, videos, paintings, and sculptures and will be displayed in almost every public space of the hotel.

The current programming lineup for Art Week 2019 events at The Sagamore Hotel follows.

The Sagamore Hotel hosts an Immersive Art Event & Opening Reception of

“I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias

Wednesday, December 4; starting at 9 p.m.

The public is invited to The Sagamore Hotel for an immersive art experience and Opening Reception of “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias, an art exhibit presented by #SagamoreisArt dedicated to endangered species and indigenous cultures that is centered on the work of the esteemed French artist and wildlife photographer.

19th Annual Art Week Brunch Hosted by The Sagamore Hotel

Saturday, December 7, 2019; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Sagamore’s iconic Saturday brunch, will welcome Art Basel VIP’s for the 19th consecutive year for a private, invitation-only affair featuring art activations and performances throughout the oceanfront property.

A complete list of featured artists in The Sagamore Hotel’s “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias exhibition, as well as Art Week 2019 related programming and event sponsors will be announced at a later date.

“Miami Beach welcomes hundreds of thousands of people year after year, and we’re thrilled to take a step towards providing a unique Art Week experience with a social purpose,“ says Ronit Neuman, The Sagamore Hotel owner. “We remain committed to being an accessible arts destination in this city and our desire is that this art exhibition will attract and engage visitors from all over the world and inspire them to take action towards this just cause.”

Sagamore ownership is committed to offering a multicultural platform that supports and builds partnerships with local and international organizations, that work together to promote the growth of everything art related. This exhibit not only exudes these goals, but, via Sagamore’s platform and support, is sure to make a splash in the Art Basel community and raise awareness of a very important cause.

The Sagamore Hotel will continue its long-time tradition with Street Art, as two world-acclaimed artists, Sonny (South Africa), and Louis Masai (UK), who are both deeply involved with the conservation of wildlife, have been invited to paint murals in the Sagamore Garden, which will be inaugurated during the iconic Sagamore Brunch.

Most of the artworks displayed in “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias will be available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the “I’m Not a Trophy” charity that helps save endangered species.

For more information about “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias and Art Week 2019 events, hotels offerings, and happenings at The Sagamore Hotel, please contact sagamore@rockorange.com

The Sagamore Hotel is located at 1671 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL. “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias is free and open-to-the-public 24/7 through February 2020 and is made possible in partnership with Markowicz Fine Art Gallery in Miami, Florida.

@SagamoreHotel

#SagamoreisArt

#imnotatrophy

For more information, please Sagamoresouthbeach.com