By: Inna Rhett
In a city as visually extravagant as Miami, standing out requires something truly special, and Devora Otuonie, or simply Debby, has managed to do just that. A Ukrainian-born artist of Nigerian descent, Debby is helping to redefine what it means to blend aesthetics with authenticity, offering not just beauty but what many describe as a visceral emotional experience through her work.
Devora’s journey began far from the tropics of Florida, in the quiet corners of a Ukrainian childhood where her love for art was first encouraged. That early passion led her to earn degrees in fashion and photography at two of Kyiv’s highly regarded creative universities. Yet, it wasn’t until her move to the U.S. that her creative expression seemed to reach a new scale—one that now weaves through the luxury homes of Miami and the event stages of global brands.
What sets Devora apart in the competitive art and design world may be her deep commitment to realism, not just as a visual technique but as a way to communicate the often-overlooked subtleties of life: grief, tenderness, and everyday joy. Her emotionally charged portraits are not just images; they can feel like preserved memories.
Her transition into floral design came almost naturally. “Each floral arrangement is like a living sculpture,” she explains. “I paint with color and form, using flowers instead of brushes.” At Ode à la Rose, where she has served as lead designer since 2023, Devora’s work often goes beyond decor. Her designs have helped shape events for Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma, and Creed into immersive brand experiences that explore scent, identity, and atmosphere.
At Birch Event, where she leads luxury-scale private and celebrity projects, Devora’s artistry takes on added depth. While NDAs prevent her from naming names, she has designed and decorated homes for several world-renowned public figures, turning their private spaces into what many might call emotional sanctuaries.
Her aesthetic—a fusion of subtle European elegance and Miami’s bold sensuality—has become instantly recognizable. “Miami gives me light, rhythm, and daring,” she says. “Europe gave me sensitivity and restraint. Together, they influence every project I touch.”
Devora’s work has been featured at Les Couleurs Gallery, White’s Art Gallery, Milander Center, and Florida International University. She has garnered international recognition through accolades like Golden Talent London (2023 and 2024), The Best Artist “Travel to Art,” and Alley of Stars. Her awards are not only milestones but also reflections of her mission—to create art that heals and connects.
In parallel with her commercial practice, Devora is known to support charitable causes. She contributes to fundraising art shows benefiting displaced families, women, and children. In 2024, she launched a new series of art therapy events, combining mindfulness, floral arrangement, and portraiture as tools of recovery and expression.
Looking ahead, Devora is preparing for participation in Art Basel Miami 2025, where she aims to present an immersive, multi-sensory installation that speaks to identity in diaspora. “My voice as an artist feels louder than ever,” she reflects. “But it’s also never been more rooted.”
In a world saturated with aesthetics, Devora strives to bring substance. She suggests that beauty isn’t just an accessory—it’s a language. One that, when crafted carefully, can hold pain, joy, history, and hope—all at once.
Published by Jeremy S.
