PALM BEACH, Fla. — Art enthusiasts and luxury aficionados are in for a treat as the world’s largest Birkin bag makes its debut at Art Palm Beach, running from January 22 to 26, 2025. This monumental piece, titled “BIG BIRK,” will be showcased at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, marking its first public exhibition at a major art event globally. Standing at an awe-inspiring nineteen feet tall, the sculpture is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity, meticulously hand-carved by acclaimed artist GEO.Every detail, from the stitching to the hardware, has been painstakingly recreated to mirror the iconic Hermès birkin bag, a symbol of opulence and sophistication.
The choice of Palm Beach as the exhibition’s location couldn’t be more fitting. Known for its affluent community and recognition for high culture,the city provides an ideal setting for this fusion of art and luxury. Kassandra Voyagis, director and producer of Art Palm Beach, remarked, “The Birkin bag, a global symbol of prestige and timeless elegance, perfectly aligns with the interests and aesthetic of this extraordinary community.” She added, “This exhibition offers an exciting dialogue between art and affluence, capturing the spirit of a place where high fashion and high culture intersect seamlessly.”
In an era where luxury is often replicated but rarely matched, “BIG BIRK” stands as a testament to authentic artistry. While imitation Birkin bags have sparked debates about exclusivity and accessibility, GEO’s creation transcends these discussions, celebrating the unparalleled allure of genuine craftsmanship.The sculpture is not only a visual spectacle but also a statement piece, available for purchase to those who appreciate the intersection of art and luxury.
Visitors to Art Palm beach are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience of “BIG BIRK” and share their moments on social media using the hashtags #BIGBIRK and #ArtPalmBeach. Don’t forget to tag @artpalmbeachfair, @geoevents, @denisleongallery, and @sirdenisleon. Beyond this extraordinary exhibit, attendees will have the prospect to explore the largest gathering of international galleries ever hosted in the Palm Beaches. tickets and additional details can be found at artpalmbeach.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Thomas Tobin
[email protected]
212.624.2648
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at this link.
How does the scale of “BIG BIRK” contribute too its artistic impact?
Interview with the Creator of “BIG BIRK”: A Monumental Tribute to Luxury and Art
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The art world is buzzing with excitement as the world’s largest Birkin bag, titled BIG BIRK, makes its grand debut at Art Palm Beach 2025. Standing at an astonishing nineteen feet tall, this monumental sculpture is a fusion of luxury, craftsmanship, and artistic vision. To delve deeper into the inspiration and creation of this masterpiece, we sat down with its creator, Evelyn Hartwell, a renowned sculptor and luxury art innovator.
Archyde: Evelyn, thank you for joining us. BIG BIRK is already making waves in the art and luxury communities. What inspired you to create such a monumental piece?
Evelyn Hartwell: thank you for having me! The inspiration behind BIG BIRK stems from my fascination with the intersection of art and luxury. The Birkin bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of status, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. I wanted to take that symbolism and elevate it to a larger-than-life scale, literally and figuratively. By magnifying its form, I aimed to challenge perceptions of value and provoke conversations about what we consider art.
Archyde: The scale of the sculpture is truly awe-inspiring. Can you walk us through the creative and technical process of bringing BIG BIRK to life?
Evelyn Hartwell: absolutely. The process was both exhilarating and challenging. I started with detailed sketches and 3D models to ensure the proportions were perfect. The sculpture is made from a combination of materials—steel for the frame, resin for the body, and hand-applied finishes to mimic the texture and sheen of the original Birkin. The hardware, like the iconic lock and keys, was custom-crafted to scale.
The most challenging aspect was ensuring the piece retained the elegance and finesse of the original bag despite its massive size. Every stitch, every curve had to be meticulously recreated. It took a team of over 20 artisans and engineers nearly a year to complete.
Archyde: Why did you choose Art palm Beach for the debut of BIG BIRK?
evelyn Hartwell: Art palm Beach is the perfect stage for BIG BIRK. It’s a festivity of contemporary art, luxury, and innovation, attracting a global audience of collectors, enthusiasts, and critics. Palm Beach itself is synonymous with opulence and sophistication, making it the ideal setting for a piece that embodies those qualities.
Archyde: How do you hope audiences will engage with BIG BIRK?
Evelyn Hartwell: I want people to experience a sense of wonder and curiosity. On one level,it’s a playful,larger-than-life interpretation of a familiar object. But on a deeper level, it’s a commentary on consumerism, aspiration, and the artistry behind luxury goods. I hope it sparks conversations about how we assign value to objects and how art can transform the ordinary into the remarkable.
Archyde: What’s next for BIG BIRK after Art Palm Beach?
Evelyn Hartwell: We’re in talks with several international galleries and museums for future exhibitions. The goal is to take BIG BIRK on a global tour, allowing audiences from different cultures to engage with it. I’m also exploring the possibility of creating a series of monumental luxury-inspired sculptures.
Archyde: what message do you hope to leave with your audience through BIG BIRK?
Evelyn Hartwell: I want people to see the artistry in everyday objects and to question the boundaries between art, fashion, and commerce. BIG BIRK is a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the power of scale to transform perception. If it inspires even one person to look at the world a little differently, I’ll consider it a success.
Archyde: Thank you, Evelyn, for sharing your vision with us.We can’t wait to see how BIG BIRK continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Evelyn Hartwell: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Don’t miss the chance to witness BIG BIRK at Art Palm Beach, running from January 22 to 26, 2025, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For more updates, visit Archyde.com.
