Beyond the Stadium: Opening Reception

Football becomes a starting point for exploring identity, memory and global connection in a World Cup-inspired exhibition by Colombian artist Franco Ponce. The opening reception for Beyond the Stadium takes place Tuesday, June 9, at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Presented by Liberty City-based Gato Gordo Gallery through its partnership with the hotel, the exhibition brings contemporary art into a hospitality setting during the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ponce’s paintings look beyond the stadium to consider soccer as a shared cultural language. Set within fictional and symbolic landscapes, the works bring together references from different parts of the world, using the sport’s global reach to reflect on belonging, collective memory and the emotional ties that connect people across borders.

The reception offers an opportunity to view the exhibition and meet around its themes of art, sport and cultural exchange. Complimentary drinks will be available during the evening.