Hello everyone, my name is Brian Velez and I am currently a Senior pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Analytics. My dream is to become a tax attorney and travel the world. Outside of academics, I love expressing myself through music and enjoy working out. I am very excited to learn more about art since my knowledge right now is slim to none.
Art Encounter As Text
“The City”
By Brian Velez of FIU, 18 January 2024
When you first hear about Miami, you might think about its nightlife, long beautiful beaches, and exotic foods. People’s first thought when hearing Miami is never the art or amazing museums that you can find while exploring Miami. I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami when I was four. I was never the artsy type and never really enjoyed drawing or painting until I got into high school. When I was in the 10th grade, I had a field trip to the Frost Museum located downtown and this was the first time that I was introduced to the art scene in Miami. It was amazing and I remember it like it was yesterday because I was so astonished with what was going on around me.
My next experience with art was the Wynwood Walls. These walls which contain such beautiful artwork really opened my eyes to how much art is shown throughout Miami. Walking through the street and just seeing all the walls painted with such beautiful designs was mesmerizing. This encounter with art was what made me decide to go to more museums and look at more pieces of artwork throughout Miami. It really opened my eyes to how much meaning art can have.
Of course, this does not mean that I am an expert in art. It is actually the complete opposite. I enjoy looking at different pieces of artwork because it makes me feel happy but I have never truly understood the meaning of art. I have also never done research into art to understand the background and also see what each piece of artwork truly means. It makes sense that Miami is one of the leading cities in the world for contemporary art but I never knew this. Contemporary art in Miami often reflects the city’s cultural diversity, with influences from Latin American, Caribbean, and other global art movements.
I have decided to take this class after listening to one of my friends speak about their experience in a similar course. Art has always piqued my interest but I have never given it the time it requires to fully understand. I decided that there is no better way to understand art than to take a course where you view art and speak about it with other people who are interested in the same thing. I am very excited to step foot into the world of art and there is no better way to do it than with those around you.
The place that I am most excited about is the Norton Museum located in West Palm Beach. The Norton Museum of Art is known for its extensive collection, featuring American, European, Chinese, and contemporary art. It also has a focus on Chinese artwork which I find very unique because of the colors used and the designs exemplified in the paintings. This museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions that feature works from renowned artists which allow guests like me to experience new pieces that you wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else in Florida.
Norton as Text
“History through Paintings”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 28 January 2024
After visiting the Norton Museum, my perspective on art has completely shifted. The museum, which consists of thousands of pieces of artwork in its permanent collection, has three floors, which all have different meanings to them. We started off the visit on the second floor of the museum by seeing an item that was more than two thousand years old. It was extremely cool because it was preserved to such an extreme amount, making it look like it was from recent times. We also saw pieces of art from Chinese dynasties, including pottery; the most unique piece was a dragon. This dragon displayed with such detail opened my eyes to the idea that art is a way of expression.
After reviewing the history of Chinese dynasties, we continued onto the third floor, where we began to see paintings of Western European artists from the 1300s. This is where the topic of sacrilegious paintings was introduced. Paintings that displayed heavenly beings as humans were seen as bad, but artists did not care and continued to paint them as they believed. As time went on, painters continued to paint heavenly beings as human even to the extent that they used real-life women as the models for these paintings. Even though it was against the bible, the artist found that it was their way of expressing themselves through paintings.
As we continued, I heard a quote that resonated with me. Paintings are supposed to be images that are frozen in time. This made so much sense to me after I heard it because it established why portraits were so popular back in the day and why photographs now are so important to some people. When people lose their phones, the first thing they always think about is their pictures and I have never understood why until now. It is because they want to be able to remember the memories of their loved ones for years to come. This is the same reasoning that kings and people of higher class used in the old days with portraits. They would get portraits created of their wives and themselves in order to preserve their memories when they passed.
Finally, we entered what I found to be the most interesting part of the museum, the special exhibits. This is where we saw the Van Gogh painting titled “Tarascon StageCoach.” When I first saw the painting, I knew exactly what it was because of its beautiful use of detail and masterful strokes. Van Gogh had such a unique way of painting which would leave different impressions on the painting that most artists couldn’t do or understand. Another piece that I found extremely interesting was a statue of Theseus and the Minotaur. What interested me about this statute was the story behind it. Theseus was stabbing the Minotaur in the head as if he was also stabbing himself and it was because it is said that there is a darkness inside all of us which we must defeat. These two pieces plus others that were found in the special exhibit, made my experience at the Norton Museum one to remember.
Margulies/Bakehouse as Text
“Through the Lense of a Artist”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 11 February 2024
The culminating session of the Art in Miami course proved to be a captivating exploration of artistic expression as we ventured into the Margulies Collection and the Bakehouse in Wynwood. Owned by the discerning Mr. Margulies, the Margulies Collection functions akin to an art institution, boasting a diverse array of artistic marvels ranging from minimalist to maximalist compositions, including an eclectic mix of sculptures and paintings that left an indelible mark on the observer. Our personalized tour, led by Mr. Margulies himself, provided an enriching glimpse into the ever-evolving collection within the warehouse, where seasonal changes imbued the space with a dynamic quality.
During the tour, Mr. Margulies shared illuminating insights into his personal background and the motivations behind his significant contributions to the art world. His genuine passion for the realm of art became evident as he discussed his life choices and the philosophy guiding his present endeavors. The stack of paintings emerged as a particularly intriguing piece, offering a poignant portrayal of the artistic process. Comprising discarded canvases, the stack served as a visual narrative of the challenges and discarded attempts encountered by artists in their creative journeys, adorned with elements such as dead sunflowers and rocks, adding more to the effect.
The Margulies Collection featured exhibits of profound significance, notably one by a distinguished European artist addressing the historical trauma of World War II. Two imposing structures within the exhibit symbolized the gas chambers in concentration camps, evoking an array of emotions that defy simple explanations. Another striking exhibit, featuring 21 backs, left room for individual interpretation, providing a nuanced viewing experience. Additionally, an exhibit playfully exploring the concept of aging superheroes at the threshold of life added a touch of humor to the emotional resonance of the art on display.
The next portion of our day took us to the Bakehouse, which was an old bread factory turned into a home for artists where they can have their own studios. The tour of the Bakehouse allowed us to engage directly with artists, exploring their studios and gaining insight into the intricacies of their craft. From the start, there was the interactive piece, Scramble, a linguistic game resembling Scrabble, playable in three different languages, showcasing the intersection of creativity and linguistic diversity. Concluding our visit, we were treated to the generosity of the Bakehouse community, as we perused their library and selected a complimentary book, highlighting their commitment to sharing knowledge and resources despite limitations. I decided to choose a book about coding since it will be extremely beneficial for me and my ISM courses that I am completing this semester.
In retrospect, the overall experience in Wynwood proved to be not only immensely enjoyable but also a transformative journey of artistic enlightenment. Witnessing art from the unique perspectives of the artists themselves served as a reminder that the true essence of artistic expression often lies beyond the curated images prevalent on social media. The studios in Wynwood stand as repositories of untold stories and perspectives waiting to be shared and understood. Embracing this reservoir of creativity requires an open mind, allowing the transformative power of art to shape and redefine our understanding of the world.
Art Wynwood as Text
“Artist’s Perspective”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 3 March 2024
Since the beginning of this class, I have learned so much about art that I never would’ve known before. This specific event was one of my favorites so far. This is because of all the variety of art that we saw and also all the interactions I had with different artists. When I first arrived, I didn’t know what I was even looking at, but after finding my classmates and the professor, I finally understood where I was. We were able to meet with Ramón Cernuda, who is a Cuban art collector. This exhibition was incredible and provided tremendous insight into the mind of Cuban artwork and how it evolved over time. Some of the most interesting pieces that I have seen came from the first exhibition we saw. More specifically, the piece that really caught my attention was titled Another American Dream by Vicente Hernandez. This piece displayed a large amount of people on what seemed to be a flying elongated car. It represents how Cubans began to migrate towards the Americas in search of a new life and how it was portrayed through the eyes of a Cuban. As a person who has a lot of Cuban friends, this piece allowed me to see how perspective can change based on which side of the spectrum you are on.
After the lecture had finished, I had the opportunity to walk around the event, speak to even more artists, and see more pieces of artwork that really spoke to me. The piece of art provided in the photograph was the most astonishing one that I have seen thus far. This piece looks so realistic that as I was walking by it instantly caught my attention and I knew I needed to stop and take a picture. To me, this artwork is more than just a painting, it describes how nature and the outside world can bring color to the objects around it. Notice how the room is black and white but how the flowers and the pen do have color. This shows how the sunlight is providing them with life or in other words color. This expression really spoke to me because it shows that sometimes it is important to disconnect from all the technology that surrounds us now and just take a step outside into the light. I have had to do this before because I tend to get overwhelmed very easily when I have a lot of things going on at once and sometimes just taking a step outside helps me catch my breath and refocus on everything that I must complete.
Art has no limits. You can use anything, like cardboard or plastic, to create your unique pieces. There are no rules in art, giving you total freedom. Even a simple piece of paper could be worth a lot in the future, so why not start painting now? Your story might be told by someone else in a few years. Dreams come true through art, and these artists shared their stories using their own language of creativity.
Rubell/Emerson Dorsch as Text
“Currency”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 17 March 2024
During my recent excursion in Miami, I had the opportunity to explore two notable venues renowned for their artistic offerings: the Emerson Dorsch Gallery and the Rubell Museum. At the Rubell Museum, my immersion into the world of contemporary art facilitated a deeper comprehension of its nuanced expressions, consequently elevating my appreciation for the exhibited works. Notably, a particular painting caught my attention, featuring a hooded figure astride a horse, serving as a poignant metaphor for the malleability of perception and the propensity to challenge established norms. Yet, it was the experiential marvel of Yayoi Kusama’s mirror installations at the Rubell Museum that truly captivated me. Stepping into these mesmerizing spaces, I found myself enveloped in a kaleidoscope of endless reflections, compelling a reconsideration of reality and prompting introspection regarding the nature of perception.
Following my visit to the Rubell Museum, I proceeded to the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, where a conversation with Ibett, the gallery’s director, offered invaluable insights into the operational dynamics of the art world. Ibett’s candid discourse illuminated the logistical challenges inherent in gallery management, including the transportation logistics involved in staging exhibitions. Notably, her anecdote regarding the transportation tribulations surrounding a ceramic horse underscored the meticulous attention to detail requisite for ensuring the proper presentation of artworks. Talking with Ibett made me think about the bigger picture in the art world. I started to realize there’s a big problem with how artists get paid. Even though their art might sell for a lot of money, the artists themselves often don’t see much of it when their work gets resold. It got me thinking about how there should be fairer rules in place to make sure artists get what they deserve for their hard work.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Clapp, who also works for the Emerson Dorsch Gallery. Conversations with him arose more of my curious brain especially when speaking about the black market of art. After asking him a question if such a thing exists, he began to explain how art can sometimes be used as currency. People of high caliber trade art in exchange for houses or even pieces of land. I knew that art can be worth a hefty price but I never expected it to be to the extent of where you can purchase a house with it. It was extremely eye-opening how much art can truly be worth and now I am even thinking of starting my own collection of art because you never know where the money can come from.
To wrap it up, my exploration of Miami’s art scene gave me deep insights into how creativity, business, and cultural value all come together in today’s art world. Whether it was seeing the thought-provoking exhibits at the Rubell Museum or learning about the inner workings of the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, each experience showed me how important art is for making us think, talk, and reflect on society.
PAMM as Text
“Jim Crow Art”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 31 March 2024
Visiting the Perez Art Museum Miami was a journey into a realm of artistry that surpassed my expectations. Initially anticipating a conventional museum experience, I found myself immersed in a surreal exploration of societal issues and human interconnectedness. The exhibit “Public Enemy” by Gary Simmons served as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues ingrained within our education system. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Simmons shed light on the whitewashing of history and the perpetuation of racism. His eraser drawings, meticulously smudged to evoke faded memories, poignantly symbolized the erasure of African American experiences from mainstream narratives. Also, the use of crows within his paintings to display the Jim Crow laws that were used to enforce segregation and racism in the US really stood out and spoke to me in each of his artworks.1
Adjacent to “Public Enemy,” the exhibit “Miseducation” delved deeper into the systemic roots of racism and discrimination in education. White chalkboards symbolizing erasure underscored the marginalization of Black history and experiences, prompting reflection on the inherent biases within our educational institutions. The display of banned books within the museum further highlighted the pervasive influence of white supremacy within the education system. As I navigated through the exhibits, I was particularly drawn to Joaquin Torres Garcia’s “Construccion con dos mascaras,” which celebrated Latin American culture and identity. Garcia’s vibrant use of primary colors and cultural references imbued his work with power and significance, resonating deeply with my appreciation for cultural diversity.
Reflecting on Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit “Love is Calling,” I found myself entranced by her exploration of love, life, and interconnectedness. Kusama’s vibrant colors and signature polka dots symbolized the inherent unity of humanity and the cosmos, evoking profound emotional experiences that lingered long after I left the museum. The accompanying recorded poem, “Residing in a Castle of Shed Tears,” added a poignant layer to the experience, prompting me to contemplate themes of love, loss, and mortality. Participating in the interactive activity of creating zines added a touch of whimsy to the day, capping off the visit on a lighthearted note.
Despite the profound impact of these masterpieces, one of the most enjoyable parts of my visit was the Zine-making activity. Although the Zines may not compare to the scale of museum artworks, they provided a fun and creative outlet for self-expression. It was refreshing to engage in such a hands-on activity and to see the diverse interpretations and creations of my classmates. Reflecting on my experience, I realize that art is not just about admiring masterpieces in a gallery—it’s also about expressing oneself and engaging with thought-provoking ideas. Whether it’s through contemplating the meaning behind a piece of art or creating something new, art has the power to evoke emotions and stimulate conversation.
To wrap it up, my visit to PAMM was not just another trip to a museum but an immersive experience that deepened my appreciation for art even more and showed me how it has the ability to shape our thoughts and emotions. I am excited to return back here in the future and continue exploring the museum to see more immersive and beautiful art.
Oolite/Wolfsonian as Text
“Stories Behind the Art”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 14 April 2024
As I reflect on my recent experience in a unique art class, I am struck by the profound connection between artists and the materials they work with. Throughout the course, there was a distinctive emphasis on the intricate relationship between creativity and the physical properties of mediums. It was a journey that delved deep into the realms of chemistry, formulation, and the inherent volatility of artistic materials.
The first artist we encountered, Alberto, captivated me with his fascination for plaster. His expertise extended from fixing boats to painting houses, but it was his innovative approach to art that truly intrigued me. He crafted molds and even experimented with creating vinyl records from frozen sweat. This exploration of analog mediums highlighted their organic qualities and the unpredictable interactions that occur within them. The vinyl records, born from sweat, were inherently inconsistent, each degrading uniquely over time—a testament to the artist’s belief in the futility of maintaining constancy in artistic endeavors.
Similarly, our encounter with a third artist, Diana, who worked with dyes on silk, revealed the beauty of embracing experimentation and accidental discoveries. She shared how unintended effects often embody artistry and intentionality, leading to profound advancements in art. Despite the unpredictable nature of her medium, she strove to tame the processes and imbue them with meaning and purpose—a sentiment echoed by artists throughout history.
The Oolite Arts visit was a highlight of the course, offering an immersive experience of the diverse creative processes of local artists. From Diana’s meticulous process of making her own dyes from plants and insects for her tapestries to Lee’s sustainable approach to stained glass, every encounter revealed the depth of ingenuity and passion within Miami’s artistic community.
At the Wolfsonian Museum, we delved into Miami’s rich history, examining the evolution of its demographic landscape and the impact of historical events such as the Great Depression and wartime propaganda. Through vintage brochures and artifacts, we gained insights into how the city’s identity was shaped and marketed to different demographics—a fascinating journey through art expression and urban history. We also did an activity where we were divided into groups of five and presented with the task of choosing a painting from various sections of the room. As a group, we embarked on a journey of interpretation, each member contributing 2-3 sentences to craft a narrative about the chosen artwork. What made this exercise truly fascinating was the element of surprise—each person passed their paper to the next, who continued the narrative without prior knowledge of what had been written. This collaborative endeavor served as a powerful reminder of the richness of diverse perspectives. With each contribution, the narrative evolved, revealing layers of meaning and interpretation that we might not have individually considered. For me, this activity was a transformative experience, opening my eyes to the vast array of viewpoints that can emerge from a single piece of art.
In hindsight, this class was more than just an exploration of art—it was a journey of discovery, uncovering the intricate interplay between creativity, materials, and societal influences. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of art and the endless possibilities that arise when artists push the boundaries of convention. As I continue on my own artistic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and the inspiration gleaned from the talented individuals I had the privilege to meet along the way.
Final Reflection as Text
“A Fresh Perspective”
By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 21 April 2024
As I reflect on my recent semester, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the profound and enjoyable experiences I’ve had in my art class. It was truly an impactful journey that seamlessly blended knowledge with fun, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of art and its cultural significance. From the outset, I was enriched with newfound knowledge about art and its multifaceted nature. The class introduced me to a diverse array of artworks, each offering a unique perspective on the world. Highlights of the course included immersing myself in the captivating works of artists like Eliason and Kusama, whose exhibits left me mesmerized and deeply inspired.
One particularly eye-opening experience was visiting the Perez Art Museum (PAMM), where an exhibit on Public Enemy’s message about harmful stereotypes challenged my perceptions of art’s role in society. It provided a new perspective on societal issues and the profound impact of harmful stereotypes, prompting me to reconsider the power of artistic expression. Another experience that I truly enjoyed was Art Wynwood. The concepts of contemporary art that were displayed in this art show really allowed me to view art differently. My perception of art evolved significantly. I began to associate art with more than just aesthetic beauty, but also with the power to convey meaningful messages and provoke thought. Kusama’s polka dots and vibrant colors, for example, now symbolize not only artistic expression but also societal commentary and introspection.
Much of my growth and learning were thanks to Professor Bailly’s dedication and expertise. His guidance and encouragement surpassed my expectations for the class, enriching my understanding of art and its significance in unexpected ways. Exploring art in Miami was a truly unique and fulfilling experience. Each visit to museums, collections, and galleries offered a new perspective and left a lasting impression on me. Miami’s art culture, particularly its contemporary scene, showcased the city’s rich diversity and cultural significance, emphasizing the importance of having an open mind when experiencing art.
Participating in workshops and visiting artist residences, such as the Zine-making session at PAMM, were particularly enjoyable and impactful experiences. They allowed me to connect with artists and gain insights into their creative process, influencing my approach to art and creativity. As the semester drew to a close, our final destination at the Frost Art Museum marked a bittersweet conclusion to our journey. Filled with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and learning opportunities provided by Professor Bailly, I left the class with a deeper appreciation for art and a newfound passion for exploring its complexities.
To wrap it up, my semester-long journey through the world of art has left me profoundly enriched and inspired. Despite my initial reservations as an Accounting and Business Analytics major with little prior art experience, Jordan pushed me into taking this course and the course challenged my assumptions and broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and memories I’ve gained and hopeful that future students will have similar enriching experiences.
Miami in Miami 