Lio Malca was born in 1966 in Cancun, Mexico. As a child of the Riviera Maya, he was surrounded by the rich culture and natural beauty of the region. His parents owned a small gift shop that catered to tourists, filled with handmade crafts and artwork from local artisans. From a young age, Malca took interest in the colorful expressions of folk art for sale in the shop. He was fascinated by the creative process and the stories behind each unique piece.
On family vacations to his father’s hometown of Valladolid, Malca was exposed to traditional Mayan murals and architecture. He marveled at the intricate geometric patterns and spiritual symbols. Through these early experiences, Malca developed an appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship and the vivid artistic heritage of the Yucatan peninsula. His parents nourished his curiosity by bringing him to local galleries and museums whenever they could. Malca was enthralled by the creative talent of his community and knew he wanted to be part of sharing it with the world someday. The seed was planted for what would become a lifelong passion.
Beginning His Art Collection
Lio Malca first became serious about art collecting in the late 1990s. As a young man traveling the world and exposed to different cultures, he became fascinated with art and artists. Though Lio didn’t have much money at the time, he leveraged his connections and networking skills to meet and befriend up-and-coming artists.
Lio took an eclectic approach to collecting right from the start. He didn’t focus on a particular style, era or genre. Rather, he purchased pieces that spoke to him on a personal level. Lio looked for art that evoked an emotional response. His early acquisitions included works by urban and street artists that he discovered in his travels. He also found himself drawn to pop art and contemporary artists pushing the boundaries.
While Lio couldn’t always afford to purchase the original works he wanted, he sought other ways to acquire art. Limited edition prints allowed him to obtain pieces at a lower price point. Lio also bartered and traded pieces to continuously upgrade his collection. He leveraged his social skills and industry connections to gain access to exclusive works. Lio’s passion for art and persistence in pursuing new pieces paid off with an impressive collection.
Amassing an Eclectic Collection
Lio Malca’s art collection grew rapidly as he pursued a wide range of contemporary artists and art movements that piqued his interest. He developed a particular passion for street art and graffiti, amassing major works by pioneers like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His collection expanded to include provocative and controversial pieces, including a large sculpture of a naked woman by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.
Malca also scooped up works by rising stars on the contemporary art scene, displaying an eye for identifying emerging talent and cultivating relationships early on. His broad interests led him to acquire pieces spanning pop art, abstract expressionism, surrealism, and more. As his collection grew into the thousands, it reflected the breadth of his tastes rather than a narrow specialty.
Friends describe Malca’s approach as uniquely intuitive and passion-driven. He pursues the works that speak to him on a personal level, unbound by the conventions of the elite art world. This maverick approach has yielded one of the most eclectic private collections of contemporary art. Through it, Malca captures the vibrancy and provocation that first drew him to these artists’ works.
Opening The Wall Lounge
In 2015, Malca opened The Wall Lounge in the W South Beach hotel, realizing his vision for an art-inspired lounge and eatery. Located in the heart of South Beach, The Wall Lounge features a contemporary interior design with an emphasis on displaying Malca’s renowned art collection.
The lounge boasts rare works by Basquiat, Warhol, Banksy, and Kaws interspersed with graffiti designs and street art. Patrons can admire these works while enjoying cocktails and dining on an eclectic menu. The food and beverage program is designed to complement the artistic environment, with a focus on creativity and innovation.
According to Malca, The Wall Lounge blends “art, alcohol and food – the three things people love.” His goal was to curate an experiential destination where people could view world-class art in an approachable, social setting.
The lounge has become a fixture on the South Beach nightlife scene, attracting locals, celebrities and art aficionados. It represents the pinnacle of Malca’s vision to make art more accessible, while elevating Miami’s reputation as a cultural hub. The Wall Lounge reimagines how art can inspire and intersect with hospitality.
Curating an Experience
Malca’s hotels and restaurants are more than just places to sleep and eat – they provide an immersive, interactive experience with art. At the Wall Lounge in Miami, the space showcases Malca’s personal art collection in larger-than-life installations that transform the restaurant into an experiential art exhibition.
As soon as guests walk in, they are greeted by a 30-foot long tank filled with live corals and tropical fish. Further inside, a wholeorest inset with tropical plants makes diners feel like they are in the jungle. One wall features a rotating selection of contemporary art from Malca’s collection.
Throughout the space, there are unique design elements and furnishings that encourage customers to interact with the art. Sitting areas shaped like lips invite selfies, while swings and circular booths promote an atmosphere of play.
By curating an environment where people can engage with the art, Malca aims to break down the barriers between art and hospitality. His imaginative installations show how art can become an accessible, enjoyable part of everyday life.
Expanding His Art Empire
Over the past decade, Lio Malca has expanded his art empire beyond the Wall Lounge. He has opened several other hospitality venues that double as galleries for his expansive art collection.
In 2012, Malca opened the VNYL restaurant in New York’s Meatpacking District. As with the Wall Lounge, he filled VNYL with art from his own collection, creating a vibrant backdrop for the dining experience. “I curate each of my spaces like I would curate my own home,” Malca explained. “Every piece is thoughtfully placed to create a feeling and evoke emotions.”
VNYL featured works by street artists like Banksy as well as pieces by Basquiat, Warhol, and Haring. The sprawling 5,000 square foot space encapsulated Malca’s vision of blending art, food, and nightlife. It became a hip downtown scene until its closure in 2020.
Malca also owns a penthouse in New York City that doubles as an art gallery and event space. In typical fashion, he has adorned the walls with items from his personal collection. The penthouse has hosted celebrity parties, film screenings, album listening sessions, and more. It represents the epitome of Malca’s inventive approach to experiencing art.
Most recently in 2022, Malca debuted The Ned NoMad hotel in Manhattan. He curated the hotel’s art collection, sourcing many of the 600+ pieces from his personal stash. As always, Malca aimed to make guests feel inspired, emotionally moved, and engaged with the surroundings. For him, art and hospitality go hand in hand.
Giving Back Through Art
Lio Malca has not forgotten his humble beginnings as an artist and feels compelled to give back to the artistic community through philanthropic efforts. He actively seeks out opportunities to mentor and showcase the work of up-and-coming artists who lack the resources and connections to get their art seen.
In 2012, Malca founded The Lio Malca Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging contemporary artists. The foundation provides grants and residencies to help young artists pursue their passions without struggling financially. It also sponsors exhibitions, fairs, and events to highlight these artists.
Malca is particularly passionate about supporting arts education and local artists within his hometown in Puerto Rico. He frequently donates pieces to museums and schools across the island to inspire future generations. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Malca also directed significant foundation resources toward rebuilding damaged arts institutions and getting Puerto Rican artists back on their feet.
Beyond his own foundation, Malca contributes regularly to prominent art charities like the New Museum and The Bass Museum of Art. He serves on the boards of several museums and arts organizations because he wants to affect change and create more inclusive, diverse arts communities.
Lio Malca’s generosity and desire to uplift emerging talent reflects his deep-rooted connection to the arts. Though he has found tremendous individual success, he continues giving back to help other artists get their chance in the spotlight.
Supporting Hometown Artists
As a proud native of Miami, Lio Malca has always sought to give back to the local art community that helped shape him. Though his galleries and lounges attract an international jetset crowd, Malca also uses his platforms to showcase artists and galleries from Miami.
One way Malca promotes the local art scene is by featuring Miami-based artists at his venues. The Wall Lounge in particular rotates works by emerging talent from South Florida, giving them exposure to affluent visitors. Malca’s support has helped launch the careers of many young creatives in the area.
Malca also holds special events at his spaces that put the spotlight squarely on Miami’s creative scene. For instance, every December during Miami’s lively Art Basel festival, Malca hosts lavish parties dedicated to talented regional artists and galleries. These events give hometown heroes a chance to network with wealthy arts patrons and collectors from around the world.
Through his curation and cultural influence, Lio Malca has become an important champion of Miami’s vibrant arts landscape. By sharing local artists with international audiences, he helps foster a thriving, interconnected community. Malca envisions Miami evolving into a global cultural destination, and his ongoing patronage of hometown talent is helping realize that vision.
