Iconic ‘80s rock star just had his first art show in Miami. He had some unlikely help
Bryan Adams had a good reason to put down his guitar for a minute.
The iconic rocker teamed up with Save the Chimps sanctuary to create his very first art collection, which debuted at Spectrum Miami Wednesday night at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
The 150-acre facility in Fort Pierce, Florida, houses more than 200 chimpanzees retired from laboratories, show business and the exotic pet trade. Many of the animals live out their golden years much like humans do, dabbling in creative endeavors.
For the 36 acrylic-on-canvas works currently on display through Sunday, the “Cuts Like a Knife” singer chose the basecoats and color combinations; his chimp buddies added the brushstrokes, using their fingers, lips or even tongues.
“When people realize some chimpanzees have artistic impulses, respect for these intelligent individuals can only deepen,” said the Grammy winner of the project.
Prices for Adams’ collaborative pieces — which carry his initials and are titled after his songs or lyrics — range from $1,000 to $10,000, with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit. With your purchase, you always get an invitation to the private sanctuary to meet some of the residents.
Adams unfortunately did not make it to South Florida for the show, nor did the chimps, which is probably a good thing.
Back during Miami Art Week In 2022, after pop star Pink paid $5,000 at auction for a Save the Chimps painting, the sanctuary’s director Dan Mathews told Miami.com that the talent is “often unpredictable around crowds.”
BRYAN ADAMS’ SAVE THE CHIMPS COLLECTION
Where: Spectrum Miami, Mana Wynwood Convention Center, 318 NW 23rd St, Miami,
When: Through Sunday
Info: 305-573-0371; www.manawynwood.com
Tickets: General admission one-day pass is $50.
