Since meeting at university, the collectors Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile have become trendsetting digital art collectors, supporting the work of seemingly every important artist working at technology’s leading edge, from Rafaël Rozendaal and Refik Anadol to Beeple and Pak. The couple are now based in Key Biscayne, and their careers—she is a designer, he is the founder and chairman of the NFT (non-fungible token) platform Aorist—and collecting are thriving. They shared their latest purchases, Miami tips and fantasy acquisitions (both very analogue!) ahead of this week’s fairs.
The Art Newspaper: What was the first work you ever bought?
Desiree Casoni and Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile: A piece by the Spanish artist Guillermo Mora, gifted to Desiree for her first birthday we spent together as a couple in our teenage years. It was a deeply personal start to our journey as collectors, marking the foundation of what has become a shared lifelong passion for art.
On the digital side, it was Pak’s work that truly ignited our love for digital art. Their innovative approach and conceptual depth drew us into a new realm of creativity and possibilities.
Rafaël Rozendaalhas significantly shaped the digital space through his contributions to the community and to institutions, making it deeply rewarding to support him
What was the most recent work you bought?
A set of 50 works by Rafaël Rozendaal. Rafaël is a true pioneer in digital art, creating extraordinary pieces well before tokenisation became part of the conversation. His work is visually stunning, effortlessly pleasing and remarkably approachable, while maintaining a profound impact. Beyond his art, Rafaël has significantly shaped the digital space through his contributions to the community and to institutions, making it deeply rewarding to support him.
What do you regret not buying when you had the chance?
While we’ve been fortunate in our acquisitions, a couple of works stand out as missed opportunities. Refik Anadol’s Machine Hallucinations: Coral Dreams (2021) is one of them. It’s a piece we commissioned and presented during Miami Art Week in 2021, marking a pivotal moment in Refik’s career. This work was the catalyst for his Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) exhibition—seeing its significance grow makes us wish we had kept it in our collection.
Another is Beeple’s The Tree of Knowledge (2024), a kinetic sculpture that blends art and technology in a profound way. Building on the themes first explored in Human One (2021), this piece adds an interactive and dynamic component, toggling between serene and chaotic states. Its storytelling features make it a truly groundbreaking work. Beeple’s ability to push boundaries with narrative and interactivity is unmatched, and this piece would have been a significant addition to our collection.
If you could have any work from any museum in the world, what would it be?
For Desiree, it would be Botticelli’s Primavera (around 1480), in the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence. As a Florentine herself, this iconic masterpiece represents not only Desiree’s heritage but also a deeply personal connection to the Renaissance ideals of beauty, harmony and nature that have profoundly shaped her perspective and continue to inspire her.
For Pablo, it would be Mark Rothko’s No. 5/No. 22 (1949) at MoMA. There’s something about Rothko’s work that has always been deeply captivating and emotionally resonant—its simplicity, depth and ability to evoke profound feelings.
Where do you like to eat and drink in Miami?
For dining, we love the Surf Club. It offers the most beautiful setting, an elegant experience and consistently outstanding meals.
For a special occasion, we appreciate the intimate experience, attention to detail and remarkable culinary journey that Naoe provides. For those who enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, it’s unparalleled.
While we don’t drink, we do love to have a good time at Faena’s The Living Room, where the atmosphere is vibrant and perfect for a night out.
What’s your least favourite thing about art fairs?
The posing! While we firmly believe in breaking down barriers to make the art world more inclusive, we don’t enjoy how fairs have, in many ways, become about social posturing rather than meaningful engagement with the art. We’d love to see more people attending with intention to participate in and contribute to the fascinating world of art.
Where do you go to relax and unwind in Miami?
We love spending time with our daughters, mostly at home and surrounded by the beautiful art that inspires and enriches our lives. We also frequent Superblue quite often—the girls adore the dynamic, interactive cultural experiences, and we all enjoy the energy and creativity of immersive art.
We also like spending time on the water, whether it’s on the boat, at the pool or on the beach—usually around Key Biscayne.
What tip would you give to someone visiting Miami for the first time?
Head south rather than north! Old Cutler Road and the surrounding parks are absolutely stunning, offering a more serene and natural side of Miami. Coconut Grove, with its charm and quieter atmosphere, is in our opinion a far more enjoyable experience than the busier, tourist-heavy areas. And if you have the chance, spend some time on a boat—it’s the best way to truly appreciate Miami’s unique connection to the water.