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Miami is world-renowned as a cultural and artistic hub, especially during the celebrated Miami Art Week. Every December, thousands flock to the city’s glitzy streets and sandy beaches to experience the energy of Art Week, where more than 20 art fairs showcase the works of thousands of artists and galleries. Among these events, the SCOPE Art Show stands out as one of the premier highlights. This year, internationally acclaimed artists Formento & Formento are set to bring their unique vision to this iconic event.
The SCOPE Art Show is a dynamic contemporary showcase, featuring emerging galleries and artists from around the world. Running from December 3rd to December 8th on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, the show is set against the stunning backdrop of the South Florida coast. Among the many major artists displaying their work this year, Formento & Formento will present a selection of their acclaimed photography.
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Formento & Formento, the husband-and-wife team of Richeille and BJ Formento, are known for their unique blend of fashion and photography. In their creative process, Richeille directs and styles each scene, while BJ creates the lighting and photography, creating works with a cinematic feel. Their photographic series span a variety of themes, from World War II-era espionage to nostalgic Americana, each piece showcasing their mastery of mood and storytelling.
Their photography delves into themes of love, loss, longing, and memory, with staged scenes in muted tones that evoke a haunting sensuality, blurring fiction and reality. Fascinated by mood and texture, they create atmospheric works where place acts as a silent character, adding an introspective glamour.
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BJ Formento was born in Hawaii, grew up in the Philippines, and then moved to San Francisco when he was a teenager. He trained under renowned photographers in New York after studying at the Academy of Art University in California. Richeille Formento, born in London, graduated with honors from Central St. Martins College of Art and worked as an art director. The two met in 2005 while working in South Beach, Miami, and married in New York City three months later.
Being a couple adds a unique dimension to their work. “Our photographic series start with dialogues during afternoon walks, from late evening bed talks to waking moments of the morning. Most of our work is done on location, so there is tons of research that takes place in the studio here in Connecticut,” says BJ. “We normally spend two to three years on a series and pretty much do everything ourselves. We like this control from beginning to end. We start with the idea and try to show what is unphotographable—feelings, emotions, spiritual, psychological, and the erotic.”
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At SCOPE, they will showcase five pieces from their Hysteria series, created between 2015–2017, set in post-World War II America. Through a cinematic lens, Hysteria reflects America at the height of its power while also teetering on uncertainty—a tension still relevant today.
Hysteria is one of several series that focus on historical moments and themes. Their first major series, Circumstance: America Down on Bruised Knees, was launched in 2008, in the wake of the financial crisis. Traveling the U.S. in an Airstream trailer, the couple photographed women they encountered, creating a collection that was ultimately published as a book. This project established their reputation and set the tone for their future work.
Travel remains central to their art. Since their inception, Formento & Formento have taken their photography to new levels, capturing the cultural essence of locations across Japan, India, Cuba, Thailand, and Mexico. Thus far, they have completed eight series, with their next—”Gunslinger,” their homage to the beloved cowgirl and the magnificent American West—currently in production. They will be living on the road in their Airstream come spring of 2025.
The couple’s background in commercial fashion and design made them uniquely suited for the cinematic style for which they’re known. The 2008 financial crisis, while disruptive, catalyzed their transition into fine art, leading to global recognition and gallery exhibitions around the world, including permanent collections in ICP New York, Currier Museum NH, Paris Musee Des Art Decoratif, Boca Raton Museum, Bryce Museum CT, and Lewben Museum.
With Miami Art Week approaching, the SCOPE Art Show promises a dazzling experience for art enthusiasts. Formento & Formento’s work will be a compelling part of this celebration, and those interested can learn more about their art at formento2.com.
