By: Ruth Davis, CEO & Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC (RDC)
The year’s Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center was home to not just traditional presentations of artistry; it was the stage for an epic flash mob that continues to stir conversations around the globe. The mastermind behind this creative spectacle was none other than the globally acclaimed conceptual artist and painter, Tomer Peretz. Despite encountering unexpected hurdles, he and a dedicated team of volunteers transformed the convention center into a blank canvas—one capturing a powerful narrative of hope, love, and unity.
The tragic events of the October 7th massacre in Israel motivated Peretz and his team to conceptualize this flash mob. As a volunteer with Zaka, Israel’s rescue and recovery organization, he witnessed the reality of the disaster first-hand, and was therefore compelled to make a resounding, peaceful statement to honor the lives lost. Despite facing opposition from Art Basel personnel and having purchased tickets for volunteers that were subsequently cancelled, Peretz and 50 volunteers managed to carry out the ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob regardless.
Footage from this unexpected Art Basel event shows volunteers singing and swaying together, expressing a sense of unity, and then abruptly halting and collapsing. This symbolic gesture sent ripples across the world and drew attention to the tragic incident. As Peretz said, they aptly made Art Basel their canvas for their powerful message, carrying the hashtag #WhenTheMusicStopped.
Indeed, preparing for this meaningful and affecting ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob involved strategic planning and teamwork, involving a long list of dedicated individuals. Peretz extends his gratitude to these teammates for translating his vision into reality, who include: Producer Michael Mike Cannon; Videographer and Editor/Producers: Karin Lang, Oren Lang, Idan Vaknin, Adee Drory, Bar Arviv, Michael Mike Cannon, Lexi, Rachel Weiss, and Sivan Rouben; Photographers: Michael Mike Cannon; Videographer and Editor of Peretz Headshot: Sarah Orbanic; Footage from Art Basel: Amit Regev, Melanie Lencovski, and Violeta Palombo Levy.
In the world of conceptual art, Peretz is known for his bold and multifaceted approach. His works, created using mediums such as oil, acrylic, and photography, are filled with narratives and meanings. Peretz emphasizes how his work often portrays hope through shades of darkness and primarily cares about the subject-matter and the story that his work tells.
Beyond his individual achievements, Peretz has successfully collaborated with several renowned individuals in the entertainment industry. His artwork, which splendidly combines realism and surrealism, has earned him impressive accolades like the Arthur Szyk Prize for ‘Disruptive Thought,’ at the Bruce Lurie Gallery (Culver City, CA), ‘It’s Halloween at Very Venice Art and Design Gallery’ (Oct. 2011), ‘For the Love of Art’ at Tokyo Ice (Dec. 2009), ‘Amit Apel Design Studio Gallery Opening’ in Los Angeles (May 2009), Beit Haitonaim Benefit Partnership for Children with Cancer (proceeds donated to the charity), and more. Beyond art exhibits, Peretz is also heralded for his artwork commissioned by industry icons, including: Val Kilmer, Jonathan Davis (Korn), Gene Simmons (KISS), Ziv Koren (photographer), Karim Rashid (designer), Tsahi Halevi (Israeli actor), Ninet Tayeb (musician), Alon Abutbul (Israeli actor in Hollywood), Itzik Cohen (Israeli actor), Alejandro Edda (narcos), Dots To Lines (tattoo artist), Noa Kirel (Israeli musician), Rami Fortis (Israeli singer), and more.at the Bruce Lurie Gallery (Culver City, CA), ‘It’s Halloween at Very Venice Art and Design Gallery’ (Oct. 2011), ‘For the Love of Art’ at Tokyo Ice (Dec. 2009), ‘Amit Apel Design Studio Gallery Opening’ in Los Angeles (May 2009), Beit Haitonaim Benefit Partnership for Children with Cancer (proceeds donated to the charity), and more.
The transformative power of art, capable of capturing emotions and raising awareness, inspires Peretz. He has also turned this inspiration into philanthropic efforts, launching The Peretz Foundation, which provides art therapy for trauma and post-trauma victims.
All in all, Tomer Peretz is not just a traditional artist. As the ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob at Art Basel reflects, for him art is more than a visual creation—it is an expressive language, a platform for sharing narratives and stirring conversations. Despite meeting obstacles, he chose to voice his message through the Live Art Flash mob, transcending the boundaries enforced by mainstream art.
You can explore more about Peretz’s artistry, fashion, and his upcoming endeavors on his official website: tomerperetz.com and also watch the ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob Video from Art Basel.
