With just two World Cup matches left at Miami Stadium, hundreds of global visitors descending on South Florida, and plenty of activities and soccer-themed installations like Miami Beach’s inflatable ball scavenger hunt, we’ve still got football on the brain. Bal Harbour Village is no exception, with a quirky new sculpture finding its way onto the sand at 96th Street.
Taking inspiration from one of sport’s most universal symbols — a classic soccer ball — while giving it a dose of human imperfection, British artist and football designer Jon-Paul Wheatley is behind the “Badly Drawn Ball” series piece. Best known for his handle @jonpaulsballs and founding the studio 12 Pentagons, he has amassed over 1 million followers for his one-of-one footballs that blur the boundaries between sporting equipment, collectible design and contemporary sculpture.
The installation is based on hand-drawn, imperfect soccer ball sketches submitted by people from around the world to celebrate creativity and individuality.
Additionally, the public is invited to participate in the “Badly Drawn Ball” contest, where they are challenged to draw a perfect ball from memory (it’s a lot harder than you think) for a chance to win a stay at a Hoxton hotel and exclusive merchandise.
⚽️ Where to see it
After making its debut over at Bal Harbour Shops in June, the soccer ball sculpture can be viewed on 96th Street at Bal Harbour Village Beach through July 27. It coincides with the Village’s 80th anniversary.
Alongside the waterfront piece, Wheatley is exhibiting his handcrafted soccer ball sculptures in the lobbies of The Hoxton hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland.
