4 mins
Nail art mastery in Miami
Immerse in the diverse range of designs featured at The Nail Art Exhibition in Miami: a colourful celebration of industry talent & imagination
HELENA BIGGS REPORTS
Kleopatra Tsompani
Miami has long been a hub for creativity, fashion and vibrant cultural expression, and on 8 December 2024, as part of the Art Basel annual art fair, it hosted The Nail Art Exhibition. Curated by celebrity nail artist, Kleopatra Tsompani, and powered by Booksy, it featured work by 16 nail pros from across the globe and celebrated their creations as art forms.
“I’ve always believed that the nail industry deserves more recognition and visibility, and have envisioned nail art being displayed in museums and galleries,” shares
Kleopatra. “This inspired me to create The Nail Art Exhibition, and I approached beauty booking and software company, Booksy, to sponsor. The support of the team ensured my vision was executed flawlessly.”
This vision was to show the world that nail art is limitless and deserves to be seen as a true art form. Kleopatra sought to feature nail stylists – both established and up-and-coming – who would present different nail styles. “I focused on gathering innovative and creative looks: from Japanese nail art to highly detailed, eccentric designs,” she continues. “Artists were challenged to create something new and immerse in techniques they had not tried before, while staying true to their signature styles. The exhibition featured everything from sculptures to canvases, using materials that people wouldn’t typically associate with nail art. It was about pushing boundaries, telling stories and showing that nail art can be more than part of a manicure.”
Kleopatra, who works as a self-employed nail artist between Miami and LA, spent two months gathering content for the exhibition and organising the displays. It was held in Les Couleurs, a contemporary art gallery in Downtown Miami, and blended beauty with artistry. This aligned with Art Basel’s celebration of creativity and diverse artistic expression.
A showcase of styles
The Nail Art Exhibition welcomed 250 attendees over six hours, who delighted in the designs by Kleopatra and 15 other nail artists. There was an interactive art installation, as well as giveaways and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Chinese nail guards
Celeste Martinez
Mutsa Munyawiri (MEM Nails)
Kleopatra Tsompani
Denise Washington (China Nails)
Featured nail artists
Kleopatra Tsompani (@kleopatra.ts) – Greece, based in LA & Miami.
San Sung Kim (@sansungnails) – South Korea, based in Arkansas.
Kirsty Meakin (@kirstymeakin) – UK.
Victoria Troconis (@vnatural_nails) – Venezuela, based in Miami.
Abigail Jean (@a.jean_nails) – Boston.
Maya Atkins (@swellgelnailz) – Miami.
Mutsa Munyawiri (@memnails) – Zimbabwe, based in the UK.
Denise Washington (@chinanails) – Fort Lauderdale.
Miranda Davila (@midasnailz) – Peru, based in Miami.
Lucia Hernando (@rockyournails__) – Argentina, based in Miami.
Rebekah Pritchard (@rebekahxpritchard) – UK.
Julieta Ramos (@julietaramosnails & @rockyournails__) – Argentina, based in Miami.
Celeste Marquez (@celeste_m_beauty) – Arizona.
Nathalys (@nathalysnailss) – Cuba, based in Miami.
Michelle Soto (@chellys_nails) – Orlando.
Michelle Quiroz (@ohchamomilenails) – Mexico, based in Texas.
“A dedicated nail art wall was designed by theme,” Kleopatra reveals. “A display including ancient Chinese nail guards also featured, giving attendees a deeper understanding that nails are more than just art – they are a lifestyle.”
Two nail artists created designs for guests at express nail stations, with appointments secured via a Booksy QR code. “The space was filled with great music, lively energy and a welcoming atmosphere,” continues Kleopatra. “Drinks and cookies were provided, as well as Booksy goody bags. A raffle took place, and an interactive art table meant that attendees of all ages could create designs on a board using nail art products.
“During the exhibition, I had the pleasure of hosting attendees, sharing the history of nail art and presenting the unique work of each artist. The sense of community was strong amongst the featured nail artists and attendees, and many called the exhibition one of the most interesting shows at Art Basel.”
Kleopatra hopes to host similar events worldwide, following ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback. She comments: “Nail art is a powerful art form that is accessible to everyone, and it deserves greater recognition in both the beauty and art sectors. The Nail Art Exhibition was my way of giving nail artists a platform to showcase their talents, and inspire others to see nails in different contexts. It was an unforgettable experience that blended creativity, connection and community.”
Follow Kleopatra and The Nail Art Exhibition:
@kleopatra.ts
@the.nail.art.exhibition
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Rebekah Pritchard, UK
“I was thrilled to be asked to create a piece for The Nail Art Exhibition and accepted straight away – but then the fear set in about what I would create. Nail art for a large canvas is different to nail art on a person’s nails!
“I chose to play to my strengths, and one of my favourite creations is a white and blue watercolour design. I then thought of Delftware pottery and decided to make a teacup using Home Of Nail Art’s TrueSculpt Fibre Gel. The idea of the fingers holding the cup came next, and I created the flowers to appear as though they are being poured from the the cup. The creation took around 20 hours to complete.
“I loved pushing the boundaries of nail art for this exhibition, and it is great that nail artists are being recognised as ‘real’ artists. After all, we paint tiny pieces of art on people’s nails, which are moving canvases.”
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Kirsty Meakin, UK
“I’m delighted that the work of nail stylists has been recognised in the art world courtesy of The Nail Art Exhibition, as we are artists in our own right. I am positive that other nail techs will appreciate this event and see the elevation our industry is receiving, is well deserved.”