Controversy Surrounds Graffiti Art on 100 Biscayne Building
The 100 Biscayne building in downtown Miami has become a battleground for local debate ever since a group of international artists used its walls as a canvas during Art Basel last year. What started as a vibrant display of colorful, bold graffiti has ignited a larger discussion about preservation, the evolution of the city, and the fleeting nature of art.
As the building, slated for demolition, stands in a state of decay, the graffiti adorning its surface has become an unexpected focal point. To some, it’s a symbol of Miami’s ever-evolving urban landscape, while others see it as an irreplaceable piece of modern graffiti art — a relic that could soon be lost to time.
A Divided Opinion
Locals are split on what should happen to the building. Some believe the building’s demolition should be halted or at least delayed in recognition of the unique artwork now displayed on its walls. They argue that the vibrant graffiti serves as an important cultural marker, highlighting the city’s connection to global art movements and its burgeoning reputation as a hub for contemporary street art.
“I think it’s a masterpiece,” said Juan Carlos, a longtime resident of Miami who has been following the art scene closely. “It’s not just graffiti, it’s history in the making. We need to save it before it disappears forever.”
On the other side of the debate are those who accept that the building’s demolition is inevitable. For them, the graffiti is just another part of the city’s temporary and transient nature. Miami is known for its rapid transformation, with new developments springing up in place of old ones, and for many, the loss of the building is simply a part of that process.
“The building’s time has come,” said Maria Torres, a local business owner. “This is Miami — things change fast, and that’s part of the beauty of the city. The art will live on in photos and memories, but the city must continue moving forward.”
Artists’ Perspective
While the fate of the building hangs in the balance, it’s important to recognize the role of the artists who contributed to the graffiti. Most of them understand that their work, while powerful and meaningful in the moment, is always transient. Graffiti, by nature, is often ephemeral — painted over, weathered by time, or destroyed as buildings are torn down.
“I think the artists knew what they were getting into when they chose the 100 Biscayne building,” said local artist and art curator Luis Fernandez. “Graffiti is not meant to last forever. It’s about capturing the moment, about creating something that speaks to people right now.”
A Final Farewell to 100 Biscayne
Whether the building is ultimately saved or demolished, one thing is clear: the graffiti art on 100 Biscayne will remain an iconic part of Miami’s contemporary art history. It stands as a testament to the city’s creative spirit, the global impact of Art Basel, and the role that street art plays in shaping urban identity.
As the countdown to demolition continues, Miamians will be left to debate what should happen to the building. But for those who have experienced the artwork firsthand, the message is simple: the loss of 100 Biscayne is not just the loss of a building, but the loss of a piece of modern graffiti art that helped define the city’s cultural landscape.
No matter the outcome, the graffiti will remain in the hearts of those who witnessed it — a fleeting but unforgettable moment in the city’s constantly shifting artistic story.
