Miami Beach, FL – December 5, 2013 – During Art Basel Miami Beach, the Mondrian pool transformed into the end of the rainbow, thanks to Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, better known as FriendsWithYou. Using jewel-toned spheres that changed hues with the light, the pool became a spectrum of color and human emotion done in the whimsical way only FriendsWithYou can. Called “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” the installation was an instant hit with pool-goers, who, whether they realized it or not, were getting a big dose of happiness and self-healing via the artwork. That’s what FriendsWithYou does. The now L.A.-based fine art collaborative  spreads positive messages of “Magic, Luck and Friendship” through its work. In past years, FriendsWithYou has transformed Art Basel Miami Beach’s public spaces into wonderlands of oversized characters heavily influenced by Murakami, Arturo Herrera and Yayoi Kusama’s work. And like previous years, the team considers its work a spiritual movement with the ability to bring joy to the lives of those who interact with it. Many of its works reference toys, which yield an element of play and interaction. Often dubbed “experimental art,” FriendsWithYou’s goal is simple, to become friends with you. Here, the team behind the movement explains how this year’s Art Basel was a chance to give Miami a giant hug.

Where did the idea for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” come from?

We wanted to make a sight-specific installation that played with the idea that you were transported to the place where the rainbow ended and that is where you would find peace of mind in the form of oversized jewels representing the spectrum of colors, as well as the spectrum of human emotions. Like most of our experiences, we want to give people the ability to create their own adventure, whether it be playful or meditative. We want to foster an experience the will impact and transcend your life to a more happy and healing state.

Why did FriendsWithYou take a Basel break? And what made you return this year?

We had just made a great transition to L.A. last year. It was a super mission that left us without a second to create or even think of doing something for Miami. However, we are so happy to do it this year.

How did it feel to be back?

Amazing. We love this city and all the incredible people that we still consider family in Miami. The street may be a little jacked up and it seems like a funny joke, but we love it even with all its bumps and bruises.

Which color/emotion did you most identify with?

The idea is to put it all out there for the people and let them find their own experience. We deal with each color, which varies in how it affects each person. Also the idea that these were created trough translucent material let us play with the sunlight, which also changed the feelings throughout the day. It was an incredible success—not once did it look the same.

Why did you choose the Mondrian pool as home base for the piece? 

We were commissioned by the amazing people at Morgans Hotel Group. And we began the concept with this location in mind. Playing with the sun setting was at the forefront of our experimentation.

How long did it take to build it?

About a month and a half, but like 24 hours a day—so really three months kind of.

What was your favorite interaction with the piece that you heard/saw during Basel?

The response was just overwhelming. Seeing so many people interacting in completely different ways and hearing about if from strangers I think is always the biggest compliment.  

What will become of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” now that Basel is over?

It will continue to bring smiles poolside at the Mondrian until January 15. After that, hopefully somewhere just as special.

What’s next for FWY?

We are really working on many ideas that mix philanthropy and art. We want to use our work to really change and heal the world. We continue to work on our mission to redesign spirituality and have many projects to look forward to doing this. We have really grown a lot in this year. And we can’t wait to keep learning and spreading love across the globe, going deeper into the psyche for the purpose of healing and expansion of consciousness worldwide. We love you.

GALLERY SLIDER