Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) proudly welcomes two new sculptures by Miami-based artist Daniel Ochoa into its permanent collection, acquired through the 2025 SCOPE Art Show PAMM Prize. Now in its third year, this annual acquisition provides PAMM curators to highlight and add compelling works to the museum’s permanent collection, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to Miami’s community.  

This year, PAMM Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator José Carlos Diaz selected two works by Miami-based artist Daniel Ochoa—Inside Your Body, There is a Light That Never Goes Out (2025) and Biophoton (2025)—presented by the Miami gallery Quiet Hours. Created specifically for his SCOPE presentation, the sculptures explore the human body as both an inspiration and instrument. Crafted from wood, leather, and other natural materials, the works blur the line between object and organism, inviting viewers into intimate, immersive experiences that merge spiritual, sensory, and sculptural exploration. 

Born and based in Miami, Ochoa draws on his Cuban and Colombian heritage, blending ancestral techniques with contemporary design. His practice fuses traditional woodworking and textiles with innovative approaches, exploring identity, life cycles, and the interplay between contrasting materials and ideas. His work celebrates the enduring relevance of handmade artistry while pushing the boundaries of craft, art, and design. 

“This acquisition is especially meaningful because Ochoa is local to our vibrant art community, which continues to grow stronger year after year,” said José Carlos Diaz. “His work, which blends sculpture and design and draws on his Latin American roots, will be installed alongside other works by Miami artists, fostering an inspiring dialogue.” The inclusion of Ochoa’s sculptures aligns directly with PAMM’s mission to support Miami’s artistic ecosystem while connecting to global perspectives. 

These acquisitions expand PAMM’s collection of Miami-based artists, fostering dialogue about culture, identity, and creative innovation. The SCOPE Art Show PAMM Prize supported by SCOPE continues to be a vital platform for the museum to connect with artists and affirms its mission to elevate local voices and highlight the unique contributions of artists shaping the region’s cultural landscape.