Nick Cave (b. 1959, Fulton, MO)
A·mal·gam – 2022

Installed at Miami Worldcenter as part of its ambitious Public Art Program, A·mal·gam by Nick Cave is a striking monument to healing, memory, and collective identity. Cave—internationally acclaimed for his genre-defying “Soundsuits” and sculptural works—created A·mal·gam in response to the social reckoning around public monuments in the United States. His sculpture challenges the legacy of Confederate statues and other commemorative works historically used to reinforce white supremacy. Instead, A·mal·gam offers a new kind of monument—one centered on liberation, unity, and joy.

The work features a towering human figure, grounded and expansive, clad in cast bronze floral toile and encircled by ceramic birds—symbols of rebirth, protection, and ancestral memory. Cave describes the sculpture as a “manifestation of the divine spirit,” one that honors history while affirming our shared future. His approach fuses the spiritual with the material, inviting viewers to contemplate identity, difference, and community from a place of empowerment.

Square Edge’s Role

As project manager for the Miami Worldcenter Public Art Program, Square Edge Inc. played a critical role in bringing A·mal·gam to life. Square Edge coordinated across multiple stakeholders—including the artist, curators (Primary Projects and Jeffrey Deitch), fabricators, engineers, and city officials—to ensure the piece’s safe, timely, and precise execution. This involved managing logistical challenges associated with the large-scale transport and installation of the sculpture, securing necessary permits and inspections, and aligning the project with public safety and zoning requirements.

Square Edge also oversaw site preparation and worked closely with the artist’s studio to ensure the integrity of Cave’s vision was preserved during fabrication and placement. With a background in real estate development and construction management, Square Edge translated the artistic intent into technical execution—bridging the gap between creative vision and urban infrastructure.

By serving as the operational backbone of A·mal·gam’s realization, Square Edge reinforced its commitment to supporting transformative public art that reflects the cultural richness of Miami. This sculpture now stands not only as a symbol of resilience and hope—but also as a testament to how public art, when supported by experienced project management, can reshape the built environment and the conversations we have within it.