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PAMM’s new soccer exhibit, The World’s Game: Fútbol and Contemporary Art, does more than capitalize on this year’s World Cup, it shows how artists have been influenced by the beautiful sport and created works that run the gamut of hero-worship, its zealous spectacle, the underlying socio-economic implications of its globality and its direct impact on the artist’s life.

Soccer is a complex cult. World Cup fever is real.

An exhibit like this, in a town that has routinely professed its love for the sport but never followed through, is huge. With David Beckham (apparently) finally greasing the right political fingers to make his MLS franchise happen, PAMM’s doing a subtle job with the futbol exhibit—whether they know it or not—to engender a part of the community that might not be fans of the sport, to join ranks in the excitement of it. One need look at Atlanta United FC’s pre-opening day campaign to see how it’s done: engaging the community.

PAMM, Miami, and Soccer

If South Florida has accepted the PAMM as one of its preeminent art institutions; South Florida should be ready to accept futbol as its flagship sport. This exhibit, pooling works from more than 40 artists is deep. It is approachable. It is an open love letter to the sport.

Director Franklin Sirmans and his team have done a wonderful job of packaging the feeling of the sport into a visual aid believers and non-believers of its cult alike can appreciate. Soccer is the greatest sport in the world. And now you’ll love it too.

The World’s Game: Fútbol and Contemporary Art now through September 2 at Perez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd. Admission is $12-$16. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.