Hi! My name is Elianyi Pimentel. I am currently a sophomore at Florida International University double majoring in psychology and natural and applied sciences on a pre- pa track. I was born in Dominican Republic but migrated to Miami when I was five years old. Though I have no significant art background, I am looking forward to learning!

ART ENCOUNTER AS TEXT

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on January 18th, 2024, Miami, Florida

Photo by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

Though I was not born in Miami, I have spent the majority of my life within its borders. Growing up I remember my parents, teachers, and peers being impressed with my artwork. However, as soon as I started middle school, I was no longer in an art program which caused me to stop drawing. Consequently, I stopped caring much for art and have regretted not seeking it out, through some form or another, for so many years since. Especially considering how art rich Miami is. Even when you are not actively seeking it out, whether its graffiti or murals, the art seems to find you. I think I began to become more aware of this after witnessing firsthand just how quickly Wynwood was transformed into the Design District it is today from the unassuming, warehouse ridden community it used to be. (Pasols) My dad was a truck driver around the time this change was taking place, and I would accompany him on his routes. Throughout the years, I began to notice how Wynwood in particular was not as desolate as it used to be. 

When I was in elementary school, I remember taking various field trips to different museums throughout Miami. Though I don’t remember being touched by any one piece in particular, I remember thinking that the exhibits we were visiting were just so impoverished that they could not afford a van Gogh. That was the only way my prepubescent mind could explain the unrelatedness of what I would see on these trips to what I was being shown in class. I hope I can say that now I am slightly less dim and can appreciate contemporary art more. According to What is Contemporary Art? By Terry Smith, Contemporary art is “postmodern art” or in other words any art that is being made currently.  (Smith) This definition is very general, and the book spends the rest of its pages trying to explain what it means by this. However, it is a functional enough definition to explain why Miami is an epicenter for contemporary art. Miami is a densely populated city with a mixture of different cultures on every block. It would make sense to assume that the art scene would be vast, powerful, and dynamic to keep up with the times. 

I am most looking forward to going to the Norton Museum of Art and the Rubell Museum. I don’t know much about either of these spots, but they were spoken about highly on the first day of class. Though I am excited to see what each museum contains individually I am also excited to see how they compare to one another. I chose this course because I feel as though I am going to get a more in-depth perspective on the artwork through the class than if I were to go by myself or with friends. As was mentioned in the introductory class, Art is such a big part of history that if you don’t know how to carry a conversation around it you are missing out on many a conversation. 

References

Pasols, Aaliyah. “Gentrification Complete: Will Wynwood’s Progress Be Its Downfall?” Miami New Times, Miami New Times, 7 Oct. 2021, http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/history-wynwood-miami-gentrification-13066720.

Smith, Terry. What Is Contemporary Art? University of Chicago Press, 2009. 

Norton as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on January 28th, 2024, Miami, Florida

The Fall of the Roman Angels pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

Walking into the Norton Museum of Art I was expecting to see an impressive collection of Western European artwork. Partially because it was implied that this would be the case in lecture and partially because when I was approaching the neighborhood in where the museum is located, it occurred to me that the art selection would need to cater to a particular group of people in order for the museum to stay in business. My thoughts were put into words when professor Bailly clarified that the vast majority of the museum goers were people of western European descent. After lecture, I am glad to say I was not disappointed in my initial assumption. On the contrary, I was quite taken away by the artwork in the western European gallery upstairs. 

The initial pieces in the Western European gallery were all religious. Most of them contained the virgin Mary and baby Jesus. As the paintings evolved from early renaissance to late renaissance the holy figures within the paintings became more realistic. This was a big no-no for some Catholic’s at the time because they believed that making the depictions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus too realistic would be borderline sacrilegious. I grew up catholic, so I have heard the phrase “don’t worship or serve idols of any kind” within a religious context many a time. However, I did not realize that technically paintings could be seen as idols. It was really interesting seeing how these artworks that are such a big part of history came from a loophole. Nonetheless, it is even more insane when you consider that some of these people were holding on to the point that as long as the paintings are fantastical, they were not sinning. What metrics were they using for sanctifying artworks as okay versus demonic?

It was news to me that Islamic and Judaic religions saw any direct representation of holy figures as being sacrilegious. This revelation shaped the way I looked at the renaissance paintings because in my head I was able to better understand in what environment these paintings were being done. It was funny how slowly but surely the artists became more comfortable with drawing women’s breast just for the sake of drawing women’s breast but never forgot to include a baby breastfeeding in the painting for good measure. Then came the Baroque period which completely exaggerated all things religious and fantastical. In contrast to the renaissance, Baroque artists did not seem to care much about being conservative in their artistic replications of nature. Quite the opposite, Baroque artists such as Rubens seemed to want to get as real a portrait as possible. Surprisingly enough, by this time the Catholic church seemed to have warmed up to the idea of not only endorsing realistic religious paintings but also beautifully grand depictions of holy figures. Not only did the baroque period include a rebirth in the Catholic community’s approach to art. I noticed that in this time period there were more paintings that were not religious in nature. 

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on February 10th, 2024, Miami, Florida

Wings of Desire pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

I was a harsh critic of contemporary art before visiting the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. I use the term “critic” lightly because I was never educated enough on the concept of contemporary art to form a valid assessment on any one piece. With that said, I can earnestly say my views have done a complete 180 after having visited the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. I never thought I could be touched by a contemporary painting. Not to discredit Campbell’s work but it takes me too long to figure out the meaning behind his pieces to even appreciate any raw emotional reaction. However, upon seeing pieces like 21 Backs by Magdalena Abakanowicz and Secret of the Ferns by Kiefer I was immediately hit by what felt like a rock in my chest. I did not have to know any background on the artist or their intentions to be transported to a different time. It just so happens both of the examples listed above reminded me of the holocaust immediately. I later learned that Abakanowicz’s piece was not intended to be linked to any one particular event. She states that it touches on “the human condition in general.” I thought this was an interesting choose of words because to me that corner of the warehouse just screamed “suffering.” It reminded me of the quote “to live is to suffer.” That was just what I assumed from their positioning. Professor Bailly then tells the class to appreciate the top of the sculptures. Then it is revealed that all these bodies are hollow. That added another layer to the piece. Not to mention the positioning of them within a space in where you would almost have to intrude of the sculpture space to see that they were in fact hollow bodies.

My favorite contemporary piece was the aged superhero piece. It was comparable to a super upbeat song with sinister lyrics. At first it seemed so bright. All the costumes were naturally saturated and even the lighting illuminated the space in a cheery way. But then you really look at the elders and it is just heartbreaking. They do not look happy at all. They look like they are wasting away. They are just complacent with what is inevitable… death. I think aging by itself is scary but coming to terms with decaying is a much harder pill to swallow.

After Margulies, we went to Bakehouse. I did not know that a place like Bakehouse existed. The experience of visiting a place which houses so many artists as they work made it seem as though art really is everywhere. Adler Guerrier talked on sacred geometry and how it can be utilized as a language to give life to a painting. To me, this completely changes how I viewed his works. At first, they seemed pretty but almost infantile. I say almost because that is what I would have thought if I just saw one. However, seeing so many paintings with the same stencils made it seem much more mature and strategic but it wasn’t until he explained his view that it became fully intelligent and beyond me. 

Art Wynwood as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on March 3rd, 2024, Miami, Florida

Ojitos Para Que Te Tengo pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

I thought that by now these trips would start to become repetitive in the way that the art is displayed. However, the opposite has become true. Every place that we have visited thus far has offered a unique angle on how to approach the world of art. Our most recent trip was to Art Wynwood. I was too busy worrying about how parking would be to really have any anticipation of what the venue would have to offer. Once I arrived, I was shocked at how small the space was. I assumed it would be held in an open-air kind of set-up and that it would take up a large plot of land next to bayside. Instead, the whole fair was around the size of a medium-sized department store. 

What surprised me most about this experience was learning about the relationship between the artists, exhibitors, and galleries. The first exhibit we visited was hosted by the Cernuda Arte gallery. In this showcase, we were introduced to the works of various Cuban artists. The first one being Wilfredo Lam. Wilfredo Lam was an afro-Cuban artist who focused on expressing the afro-Cuban experience through a surrealist lens. We learned that there is a horse-like figure which reappears in many of his works that is meant to represent the Cuban mother. When I first heard this, I thought the choice of animal implied that Lam was trying to attach a negative connotation to these women when, on the contrary, he is trying to convey an image of strength in hopes of inspiring admiration towards them instead. Though I had never heard of him before, it is inspiring to know that Lam is widely known with works being displayed in such institutions as the MoMa.

I remember being particularly attracted to a painting within the Cernuda Arte exhibit which showed a green and gloomy lakeside landscape. What most attracted me was how serene it seemed. The parallel lines that divided the tree from the shore, the shore from the water, and the water from the shadows were all perfectly aligned with one another. It looked perfect but not too perfect. I remember one of my classmates mentioned that it seemed like a picture. In truth, it did. Now, imagine my surprise when I found out that the painting was a product of the surrealist movement. It was only after this revelation when it became exceedingly obvious that such a view was not likely natural. After researching Sanchez further, it is interesting how some of his works are very obviously surrealist while others, such as the one that was being displayed in the fair, are harder to pinpoint. Sanchez is still alive today making him a contemporary artist. His works vary greatly in selling price from a couple hundred to upwards of one million. One of his biggest selling points is that landscapes seem to have been blacklisted from the contemporary artists’ social sphere. It is rarely seen in newer works which in turn gives Sanchez leverage at auctions and or fairs such as Art Wynwood. 

Rubell/Emerson Dorsch as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on March 17th, 2024, Miami, Florida

Family pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

This week we visited the Rubell Museum in Allapattah. This museum holds a wide range of contemporary art. Something I particularly appreciated was the layout of the museum. It was essentially one long hallway with different rooms that jutted out to the side. Each room held either one installation, various installations by the same artist, or different works by different artists which all follow a similar theme. My favorite room was the one that held works by Karon and Noah Davis. Not only were the pieces in the room complimentary to one another, finding out that the two of them were married made the synchrony of work all the more impactful. I thought that the flowers placed by Karon Davis under one of Noah Davis’ paintings could count as art even if it may not be regarded as such by the museum or even Karon herself.

To me, Karon’s sculpture titled Family was arguably one of the most eye-catching works so far in the semester. It reminded me of the movie The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In it three beings with predominantly African features are shaped in piercing white plaster. They are each sporting antlers as they embrace one another. The antlers are supposed to show that, like deer, the family in the sculpture are being hunted. The little boy is sporting a backpack which implies he is going to school. This tiny detail adds layers of meaning. For one, now on top of being hunted as a unit the child will have to leave his parents. His life is essentially in the hands of strangers who have their own agenda. There could even be a hunter among said strangers.

This piece is clearly a commentary on the disproportional violence against African American families in America. I think it is very successful in carrying out its message for two reasons. The first one being that the artwork is good. It is large, eye-catching, and in your face. All qualities which I think are necessary when making a statement because without them who will care enough to listen. The second reason why I think this piece deserves all the props is because it shows a seen which most people can relate to. Most parents know the fear of dropping their kids off for the first time. Most kids can remember the fear of being without their parents for the first time. In other words this artwork displays a universal sadness that is amplified by the fact that the family in the scene is a minority.

We also visited Emerson Dorsch which is an art gallery in Miami. Immediately I noticed that unlike the places we visited prior, these pieces did not have labels with the name of the artist/work. I learned that galleries are not really profitable and their main focus is to break even every year. I do not know why bit something about that was really refreshing. Sometimes art seems like it’s a money game. It is but regardless the lack of profit makes the whole ordeal seem a bit more authentic.

PAMM as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on March 31st, 2024, Miami, Florida

Public Enemy by Gary Simmons pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

This week we toured the Perez Art Museum Miami. This contemporary art museum, also known as PAMM, located at a spits distance from the Frost Museum was nothing like what I expected. After touring so many contemporary museums I was sure the next one would have nothing new to offer. And just like every week, I was glad to be proven wrong once again. Throughout the tour, I kept questioning whether the same person had created all the artworks shown or if “Gary Simmons” was a collector instead of an artist. I thought maybe he was someone who had curated the show through years of looking for the perfect pieces to tell his storyline. Our wonderful guide, T. Elliot Mansa, did repeatedly mention”the artist” which would imply one person. However, to me the greatest pieces were so diverse and yet so well done that I found it hard that each work could be the result of one person’s genius.

The whole show dealt with race but what I liked is that it didn’t feel preachy. It just sowed you the proof. I wouldn’t say I am a history buff. Quite the opposite, but when I entered each room I could feel the implications almost instantly. None so potently, as the eyewitness identification piece with the figure-less shoes and the classroom. The witness background is the first thing you see when you turn from the poster collage wall to the following room. By now, T. Elliot has highlighted how so far the body is implied in Gary Simmons’ work. The concert banners and poster wall are meant to invoke a selfie and thus a body will evidently be a part of the usefulness of the art. With this said, we turn and see large golden sneaker pairs in front of a witness background and the intent becomes evidently clear.

I don’t know if outside of the context of the show I would have thought of random men from all walks of life filling in those shoes. What I do know is after hearing about the hip hop scene’s not-so-subtle rebuttal to racism in the 90’s. I was already in the headspace to assume that the piece in question was commenting on the disproportionate incarceration rates targeted towards black men in America. I thought it was a brilliant way to do so. Because by having the bodies missing he is playing on what everybody knows is happening and yet wants to act isn’t. I think it would evoke self-reflection in most people, especially in those who still try to deny America has an inherent race issue.

The next room in my opinion was the most jarring. First you see the boards and desks and everything is jolly and fine and then you turn and see mini- KKK uniforms and suddenly you find your jaw dropping. It’s insane yet true. This room was not referring to a dystopian world where kids are trained to be racist. It’s pointing out the obvious. Racism is taught and bred. I particularly liked when T. Elliot pointed out that there is white chalk on a white board implying whatever is being taught is pointless. I also liked how the narrow boards imply narrow minds.

Wolfsonian as Text

By Elianyi Pimentel of FIU on April 11th, 2024, Miami, Florida

Diana Eusebio pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

This week we explored the art scene in Miami Beach with visits to Oolite Arts and the Wolfsonian. Oolite Arts is an art studio which is currently housing around 14 in house studio residents. Last Friday, we got the honor of meeting many of these artists who were nice enough to show us their work. My group started the tour off by listening to Onajide Shabaka. He is an elder gentlemen who has cemented his place in the art sphere through photography. Near the end of his lecture, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when he showed us some leaf prints he had done during a lecture out in the everglades. I remembered doing something similar in elementary school. To me, it was refreshing seeing that such a seemingly simple technique could be enjoyed by both kids in their first art class as well as bonafide professionals in the field. 

We then went into Diana Eusebio’s studio. I don’t think it would be too farfetched to assume that Diana’s studio was by far the favorite amongst everybody in my group. Besides her being a naturally charismatic individual, her work was unlike anything we have seen before. I remember walking into her studio and immediately feeling giddy upon seeing the quilt hanging from the wall as well as the lone sewing machine on the table. My mom used to sew, and I had recently considered taking up some classes to see if I could find a new hobby in sewing. My curiosity only spiked after Diana started explaining what exactly it is, she does. She not only sews and prints and paints but she also makes her own dyes. She explained that she grows various plants which she then uses to dye her clothes. For the red dye she crushes these bugs which are the same kind used to give pigment in anything containing red 40.

We then visited Carrington Ware who was the first mainly digital artist in the tour. Her studio was the least occupied which made sense considering most of her work was being done on the computer. Then, we went into Lee Pivnik’s studio. His studio in my opinion was the coolest. I have never seen such futuristic pieces come from one individual. Even the way it was set up with the bookshelf in the back made it seem like he was really juicing every inch of space for all its worth which I appreciated. Lastly, we stopped to pass by Alejandra Moros’ studio. I was also giddy walking into her studio because I arrived late to class, and she was the girl in the beginning who led me to the rest of the class. I thought her paintings were super cool and very obviously hers. By that I mean her style of painting seemed to be the same in every frame. Every work was soft and rounded. She mentioned she had a show coming up in September and that this has been the longest she had ever taken to prepare for a show which has been nearly a year. I asked how many pieces she was planning on making and her answer surprised me. She didn’t know. I really liked her answer because it shows she really is trying to find pieces that complement each other enough to make a show she is proud of.

Art Reflection as Text

 Mark Coetzee Pictured by Elianyi Pimentel, CC by 4.0

After taking this course, I can say that my understanding of the Miami art culture has greatly expanded. In the first week of class, when asked what I knew about the Miami art culture my mind automatically raced to the obvious; Art Basel and Wynwood. When asked about the same subject now, my mind goes to the everchanging graffiti that lines the highway entrances, the different art complexes that house dozens of artists with varied concentrations in one large building, and the galleries that run because of the people who believe in the culture so much that they work non-lucrative careers just to keep it alive. 

I know that Miami is an epicenter for contemporary art. This is because it is an overpopulated melting pot. Everything gravitates towards it, especially art which is in everything. Though new and exciting seems to be the focus of the Miami art scene, there is still a large amount of art from past era’s being shown and circulated throughout the city limits. Now, I know that contemporary art refers to any art being made currently. Someone in one of the lectures brought out a good point that put things into perspective for me. They asked what the art that is being produced in this time period be called once it’s over because it won’t qualify as contemporary anymore. Professor Bailly clarified that most of the past artistic periods like the Renaissance or the Expressionist movement did not acquire their name until it ended. 

Before I said I was in this class to become more well versed on art because I felt like it was a topic discussed amongst a large portion of the population and I did not want to be left out of the conversation. I feel like my objective has been completed. I definitely know more about the art world now than I did going in. Additionally, I have come out of this course with a newfound interest in art as a whole. What I like most about what I have learned is that art seems to be one of those things that you could dedicate your whole life to learning and still only brush the surface of all there is to know. Learning this has made it easier to understand why it seems to always be a topic of discussion. You can always learn something from whomever you’re talking to. 

Before, the image art would create in my mind is one similar to the works created by the artists of the renaissance. Now, that image couldn’t be farther from what I think of. I think of street art, I think of the artists we met in the studio houses, I think of the art fairs. In short, I tend to think of the environment which fosters the art more so than I do any particular work when asked that specific question. Quite frankly, I think the environment from which an artwork is released is one of the most important factors that goes into its creation.

Amy Gomez is a junior student at Florida International University dedicated to her pursuit of a Digital Arts major with a specialization in Graphic Design, complemented by a minor in Art History. Her artistic journey is marked by a profound passion for illustration, music, and traveling. Amy’s roots trace back to Venezuela, where she grew up before relocating to Miami with her family at the age of 16. After college, Amy aims to apply her skills in a professional setting, using her experience to craft captivating stories with the ultimate goal of publishing a graphic novel in the future.

ART ENCOUNTER AS TEXT

“Where Art Belongs”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 18 January 2024

Art, a concept open for everyone to interpret yet remaining deeply personal for the artist, is priceless. Despite my Venezuelan roots, after only five years, I find myself more acquainted with Miami’s art scene than the artistic landscape of my own country. In Miami, art is omnipresent—whether through murals or events, the city’s creative spirit is inescapable when you live here.

High school exposed me to various art opportunities, including programs at Locust Projects, Oolite Arts, MOCA, and more. Thanks to dedicated teachers and their presentations, I’ve delved into the works of different local artists and their unique creative processes. Miami’s artists often draw inspiration from migration, exploring the challenges of starting anew for a better future, the internal conflicts of adapting to a new place, and the mixed emotions of embracing a fresh start. Beyond migration, the art here delves into themes like environmental stewardship and the roles of various minorities in the United States.

Before arriving in Miami, I viewed cities like California and New York as the exclusive hubs for appreciating art. However, it became evident that Miami’s culture is intricately entwined with art, providing a supportive environment for artists to flourish and gain recognition for their talent. My major is design, so I’m familiar with contemporary art, but I yearn to expand my knowledge beyond textbooks. Joining this class is my way of transitioning from being just a student to understanding the intricacies of the art world. I believe that knowledge without experience hinders the development of personal opinions. As an artist, I would feel intimidated by those who engage in conversations and debates defending their viewpoints and art.

A year ago, I would have claimed that creativity acted as a driving force for my passion, but my perspective has shifted. Disagreeing with the idea that creativity is an external entity, I now see it as an extension of myself. It isn’t a separate catalyst generating reactions in my art; rather, it stems from the way I perceive the world and digest life’s experiences, transforming them into something meaningful. When contemplating the role of art in my life, it’s more than a sporadic hobby—it’s an extension of my identity. Art, to me, isn’t just a casual activity; it’s a profound expression that mirrors who I am. It’s a unique channel through which I navigate and interpret the complexities of life. This shift in perspective has elevated my understanding of creativity—it’s not an external force but an internal, inseparable aspect of my being. So, when I conjure the image of art in my mind, it’s not just a picture but an authentic reflection of my essence, contributing to the continuous evolution of my passion and myself.

I eagerly anticipate the places we’ll explore this semester—whether a large museum, one I’ve visited before, or a simple discussion about a piece. Art never ceases to amaze me, and I believe this class will spark crucial conversations that enhance my artistic perspective and inspire me to make my mark in the city.

Norton Museum of Art as Text

“History Through the Eyes of Artists”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 28 January 2024

Going to the Norton Museum was a profoundly enriching experience. My Art History minor has equipped me to understand the context of nearly every artistic era and how artists depicted various struggles, whether political or social, that they faced. While I’ve encountered countless art pieces through pictures and presentations, our visit to the Norton Museum felt like a tangible journey through the history of humanity. Professor Bailly’s lecture vividly explained how each painting marked a transition from one period to another, illustrating how artists challenged artistic norms, innovated, and shaped the evolution of art over the years.

The museum offers a unique learning environment for students, enabling them to trace the trajectory of Western European art from the 1300s to the present day. Beginning with a series of four paintings depicting the Virgin Mary, the museum showcases the evolution of European art, particularly Italian, from the Byzantine influence evident in Gothic art of the medieval period to the naturalism of the Renaissance and the dynamic compositions of the Baroque era. Something intriguing I learned from these religious depictions was that, although they were initially viewed as sacrilegious objects because the church discouraged the worship of images over sacred beings, they eventually became accepted as tools for people to connect with heavenly figures.

It was fascinating to observe how the wealthier class sought to align themselves with figures like the Virgin Mary and even God, as seen in pieces like religious triptychs where donors often commissioned artists to include themselves in biblical contexts, offering insights into historical religious engagement.

The transition to Baroque painting revealed depictions of biblical and mythological themes on a grand scale, characterized by strong contrasts between light and shadow, vivid colors, and dynamic compositions. Viewing such landscapes and detailed narratives helped me understand how artists captured history through their paintings, providing current generations with glimpses into the past. Another intriguing aspect we discussed was portraiture, which served as the “Photoshop” of the wealthy. Despite the argument that only the elite could afford to stylize their image, their portraits endured for centuries, which is truly remarkable.

I would like to conclude by highlighting my personal favorite part of the visit: seeing artworks by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Picasso’s pieces, in particular, ignited profound contemplations on the nature of artistic innovation. His abstract simplicity challenged conventional perceptions of art, inviting viewers to reconsider what constitutes artistic mastery. While some might argue that Picasso’s techniques could be replicated by anyone, the essence of his work lies in his pioneering spirit, being the first of his time to delve into such radical artistic territories.

Similarly, Monet’s paintings, with their seemingly chaotic brushstrokes and unconventional compositions, transcend traditional standards of beauty. His ability to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere imbues his works with a sense of spontaneity and freedom that resonates deeply with viewers. Monet’s pieces serve as a testament to the idea that art is not bound by rigid rules or academic standards but rather embodies the essence of human creativity and expression.

In essence, the Norton Museum’s collection serves as a powerful testament to the enduring significance of art in shaping human history and culture. It provides a window into the past while inspiring reflection and dialogue about the nature of creativity, innovation, and the human experience.

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text

“A Glimpse Inside An Artist’s Mind”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 11 February 2024

Entering the studio of an artist is like stepping inside their mind. Our visit to the Margulies Collection and Bakehouse Art Complex demonstrated the importance of valuing not just the act of creating art but also the processes and outcomes involved. As an artist, I often think about my control over the process and how personal it is, be it drawing, painting, or writing; creating art evokes a sense of belonging. Therefore, meeting artists and being allowed inside their workplaces was such a privilege to me. Getting to know Mr. Margulies was also surprising. Aside from his art collection, he carries such a legacy since he played such an influential role in making the art community in Miami what it is today.

The piece that left the most impact on me was definitely Ages of the World (Die Erdzeitalter) by Anselm Kiefer. As a creative, I can relate to this work in more ways than one. It presents unfinished discarded paintings piled one on top of the other, which we could say is trash. The fact that he used what most would discard and made it a statement is so powerful to me. When the staff got into the discussion about the concept, it surprised me that she did not give a specific definition to each part of the structure, meaning that the artist purposefully left most parts of his work open to interpretation, which successfully opened a discussion amongst the class.

One of the arguments was that the dead sunflowers could be a reference to the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh, but when I saw them, it immediately made me think of how ideas blossom in the brains of artists like flowers. The way they are withered makes me associate them with how sometimes we kill ideas by not developing them, be it because we think we do not have enough talent to pursue them or we just give up on them. So, I would say it is a visual and tangible representation of how discarded ideas look inside an artist’s brain.

There is something that Professor Bailly said that I think perfectly matched the overall feeling of this installation. He shared with the class his perspective on how art that makes you feel something without explicitly showing it is more valuable than perfect art. I think Ages of the World embodies this concept. It is impressive how something that might seem like trash to others holds such significant meaning to an artist. It made me think about how art nowadays tends to lean towards aesthetically pleasing, often opting for what will satisfy the audience instead of more introspective art.

This experience made me understand the importance of actually looking at and appreciating art, not just what we see on social media and trends but art that hides in an artist’s studio on Wynwood waiting to be shared and understood, art that demands a whole room and carries a story, art that has traveled from one country to another to be seen. We just need to be willing to see it and let this art change us.

Art Wynwood as Text 

“Depth Amidst an Ocean of Commercialism”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 4 March 2024

Our visit to Art Wynwood stood out significantly from all the other class trips we’ve taken. While the museums we’ve visited typically serve as monuments to human history, showcasing how artists captured societal changes through their art and providing glimpses into life in other times, the Art Wynwood exhibition offered a different experience. It was a vibrant display of color, drawing visitors in with pop and contemporary art. Unlike traditional museums, the event centered around galleries and artists actively selling artwork from all around the world rather than solely showcasing it.

One particular piece, “Ojitos Para Que Te Tengo (Eyes For What I Have You)” by Teresa Diehl, diverged from the usual art presented. I consider it a “hidden gem” amidst the array of art at Art Wynwood. Perhaps my opinion was influenced by the artist herself explaining the concept behind her installation and her process, but I believe any viewer could be instantly moved by it with just a brief explanation. Diehl explored political themes, a less common subject in such exhibitions due to potential controversy. “Ojitos Para Que Te Tengo” initiates a discussion about power in the wrong hands and its direct impact on people’s lives and futures. Diehl meticulously collected images of eyes from individuals in power, including dictators, presidents, and politicians, displaying them on black reflective plastic, each cut out by hand. The eyes hang from the ceiling on transparent wires, allowing viewers to walk around them while a video is projected on the walls.

Diehl explained how visitors can see their reflections in the dark plastic if they are close enough, suggesting that those in power can see the people they harm yet choose to ignore the consequences for their gain. The symbolism of the eyes also invokes the saying “An eye for an eye,” prompting questions about violence and how much pain it should take for the hate to stop. The looping video, featuring real-life footage of wars and political conflicts, complements the installation, creating a chaotic and dynamic piece that mirrors the turmoil of the world around us.

The artist explained how she had to rush to put the installation together, not being able to sleep properly for days. I think this speaks to the way artists commit to sharing a message, and how crafting our ideas and sharing them with others is essentially what drives our core. I greatly admire this type of determination and stubbornness to leave a mark, change lives, and give representation to subjects who are often avoided, given the fact it is not something common in this evolving generation where AI and technology are seen as a replacement for art instead of a tool.

Art Wynwood featured art designed to make an immediate impression, something to be seen, recognized, and understood. Unlike exhibitions that encourage introspection or reflection on broader world issues, this event embodied contemporary artists’ bold perspectives on mass media and the necessity for individuality and identity in a fast-paced world where everyone strives to be heard among countless voices.

Rubell/ Emerson Dorsch as Text

“Allow Art to Open Your Eyes”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 17 March 2024

Our visits to the Rubell Museum and Emerson Dorsch were two completely different yet complementary experiences. This trip not only exposed our class to contemporary art and its significant role in the art world but also provided insights into how the art world operates today, including what museums and galleries are seeking and the criteria for art selection.

At the Rubell Museum, it was intriguing to see its focus on representation. I encountered paintings depicting the black community in a manner that celebrated its beauty and significance, represented in historically renowned styles like the ones of the Renaissance. These artworks portrayed black individuals in roles beyond servitude, along with sculptures depicting various forms of relationships, both familial and romantic. Additionally, the museum showcased representations of the LGBTQ+ community through large paintings, ranging from expressionistic to simplistic, depicting themes of love and connection between individuals. However, the highlight for me was the Kusama rooms. Yayoi Kusama’s art, rooted in personal experiences and psychological struggles, addresses societal repression towards identity, making it a perfect fit for the museum. Her immersive experiences prompt self-reflection, as exemplified by the room “Where the Lights in My Heart Go.” Despite its lack of artificial lights or screens, the mirrors within create a sense of companionship amidst solitude, conveying that darkness doesn’t necessarily equate to hopelessness; rather, it illuminates the beautiful lights within us.

Dorsch Gallery was particularly special because of the conversations we engaged in. Thanks to Ibett Yanez, the gallery’s director, and Daniel Clapp, the art preparator, our class gained valuable insight into the process of buying and selling artwork in contemporary society. Yanez offered a candid portrayal of the challenges most artists face when selling their work, shedding light on how artists are often treated as mere producers once their art is sold, leading to repetitive creative processes and potential burnout. Learning about the reality of auctioning was eye-opening, particularly how an artwork purchased from the original artist at a certain price could later fetch millions of dollars due to bidding wars among wealthy buyers. As an aspiring artist, I had viewed selling one’s work to a gallery or affluent client as a pinnacle of success. However, understanding that artists often receive no financial benefit when their work becomes famous and expensive, and are pressured to produce similar pieces to maintain their “identity” to buyers, has shifted my perspective. I now realize that selling artwork doesn’t always equate to artistic or personal fulfillment.

I can say our visit to both the Rubell Museum and Emerson Dorsch Gallery provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of contemporary art. From the celebration of diverse representation at the Rubell Museum to the honest discussions on the commercial aspects of art at Emerson Dorsch, our experiences underscored the complex interplay between creativity, commerce, and societal dynamics within the art world. These contrasting yet complementary encounters deepened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities artists face today, shaping our perspectives on the meaning and value of artistic expression in modern society.

PAMM as Text

“What Has Been Taken”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 31 March 2024

Our visit to the Perez Art Museum was filled with vibrant colors, conceptual art, and modern styles. Although it was my second time visiting, the exhibition differed so significantly from the first that it felt like exploring an entirely new museum. What surprised me the most about this visit was the intricate stories behind each exhibition. I realized the value of a tour guide because, while some art can be understood simply by observing it, engaging in dialogue with a guide who understands the thought process and meaning behind the pieces elevates the experience of appreciating art.

The highlight of our visit was Gary Simmons’ exhibition: “Public Enemy.” The tour guide proved essential for this section, not because the artwork couldn’t convey its message independently but because the depth of Simmons’ concepts surpassed what our eyes could discern.

Even the title sparked debate in our class, and Professor Bailly’s insight contextualized the artist’s intentions. He explained how Simmons linked the title of his exhibition to the escalating race controversies of the late ’80s. By naming his series “Public Enemy,” Simmons crafted a metaphor reflecting the struggles of African Americans who, unfairly targeted due to their race, were considered the “Public Enemy” of white supremacists. However, Simmons countered this narrative by creating artworks that celebrated black culture and examined issues of race, class, and gender identity within various facets of American culture, including cinema, music, literature, sports, and urbanism. This stance positioned Simmons as a “Public Enemy” to a society that marginalized his race, as he bravely spoke out, advocating for proper representation of black people in the artistic sphere.

Among his pieces, “Disinformation Supremacy Board” left the strongest impression on me. Upon entering the room, I initially felt a sense of familiarity seeing the small desks facing the wall. However, this perception shifted when I noticed the narrow chalkboards in front of them.

At that moment, I envisioned children seated at those desks, forced to conform to an unjust system that dictated what should or should not be taught, thus withholding crucial information that could shape future generations’ perspectives. Education’s significance often goes unrecognized, and Simmons masterfully illustrated how cultural memory can be manipulated by those in power, depriving seekers of knowledge of their right to learn.

The presence of white chalk and a whiteboard starkly exposes the truth about education like never before. It symbolizes the act of imparting nothing, denying students the opportunity to learn, and risking society’s forgetfulness of critical narratives, thereby perpetuating cycles of injustice. Despite being created in 1989, this lesson resonates more profoundly with all the ongoing issues, such as book banning and curriculum restrictions.

In a world where paintings and aesthetic perfection are often seen as the peak of successful art, conceptual pieces that raise questions instead of providing a statement or answers to a certain subject are the ones that can deeply move a viewer. I am awestruck by the profound impact meaningful art possesses and how works like the ones of Gary Simmons transcend their time, speaking to both past and future generations and amplifying the voices of the unheard.

Wolfsonian as Text

“What Happens When We Wonder?”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 14 April 2024

Our visit to the Wolfsonian Museum was like entering a time capsule, a journey that unveiled an unseen side of history right before my eyes. Despite it being my second visit, this time, I delved deeper into the museum’s significance in Miami’s history and gained a profound appreciation for how art serves as one of the most tangible imprints of human existence on Earth.

As a graphic design major, my mind often gravitates toward contemplating the impact of advertising and illustrations on society. Previously, I had overlooked typography and layout as merely technical aspects employed to attract attention. However, Chief Librarian Francis Luca enlightened us on the various techniques designers employed in the past to entice people to Miami, presenting it as a paradise to escape the harsh cold of their respective states. This revelation made me realize the immense power of good design and its ability to reach and influence audiences, shaping their perceptions and even their behaviors. Mr. Luca explained the pivotal role of pamphlets and illustrative advertisements in defining the style of Miami and establishing its identity to those residing beyond Florida’s borders. One point of discussion between Mr. Luca and Professor Baily that particularly resonated with me was how media and design defined Miami with its distinctive identity. It’s fascinating to contemplate how art not only reflects a place but can also shape its trajectory, illustrating the profound influence art holds in enhancing a location’s popularity and altering its future trajectory entirely.

Preferring a more traditional approach, I appreciated the group activity we engaged in during our visit. Divided into small groups, we were tasked with crafting a story inspired by a piece of art that captivated us. The irony of this activity struck me as we found ourselves creating art while surrounded by art. In my college experience, even though my major is tied to traditional and contemporary art, students rarely have the opportunity to sit down, genuinely appreciate art, and engage in collaborative discussions or analytical writing about it. The result of our activity offered a glimpse into each other’s perspectives, showcasing the diversity of thought among us and highlighting how, despite our differences, we can find harmony and produce beautiful collaborative outcomes.

As viewers, we often seek to decipher the meaning behind the art we encounter, sometimes feeling inadequate due to our lack of professional or scholarly credentials. However, through engaging in discussions like these, I’ve come to realize that we possess the power to interpret artwork in a way that resonates with us. Even though a piece may have been created years ago to address specific issues of its time, its significance can transcend generations and remain relevant to contemporary issues—a testament to the enduring magic of art.

In conclusion, my visit to the Wolfsonian Museum reinforced my appreciation for the power of design in shaping perceptions and identities. Most importantly, it emphasized the timeless relevance of art in sparking meaningful conversations and reflections that transcend the boundaries of time and place.

ART FINAL REFLECTION AS TEXT

“When Art Belongs”

By Amy Gomez of FIU, 23 April 2024

At the beginning of the semester, I was expecting to be part of a class where we went places and learned about paintings shown in exhibitions, and while that was the base of the course, it was so much more than that. Art in Miami was truly a journey.

This class revived my curiosity for the unknown and completely ruined every other museum experience I have had in the past (thank you, Professor Bailly). The discussions we had about paintings and other works were so fulfilling that I cannot picture myself enjoying future museum visits in the same way without them.

Honestly, I do not think I would have visited all the museums we went to if I had not been part of this class. I would have probably made an excuse about how I didn’t have time or which museums to go to. But visiting these museums never felt like a requirement; the trips felt like a reward after a week of reality. Fridays became a break, an escape from my daily routine as a college student. Every week before the museum visits always had me wondering what I would discover next, and I am not exaggerating when I say none of my classes since I started college had me feeling like that.

I cannot complete this final reflection without mentioning the greatest artistic influence I got from all the trips. Not a painting, an exhibition, a sculpture, or a good place to eat, but Professor Bailly. I think what amazed me the most (besides the fact we literally saw a real Van Gogh painting up close) was the way Professor Bailly connected with the class. The quality of his lectures was truly refreshing. Every single time, I could see the excitement and passion he had for the subject, and it was so contagious that it made me want to be a better artist. He was, by far, the most impactful person I met at FIU; he truly cares about his students and genuinely wants to see them grow into amazing people. Sadly, mentors like this are rarely found, so I am really grateful that I got the opportunity to meet such an artist.

I have seen how art has evolved through the ages, and it helped me understand my evolution as an artist, internalizing how change is the most fulfilling thing that could happen to an artist. That is why I chose the picture of a tree I took during one of the classes for this reflection instead of an art piece. I think it embodies the process my creativity went through the semester. In my first reflection, I mentioned how creativity is an extension of myself. This class nurtured that artistic part of me that was being pushed aside to meet deadlines, making it blossom into something new. I learned how the artist’s environment, life experiences, dreams, fears, and hopes shape our art and somehow shape the world as well. This class made me feel the silly excitement of a child on a playground. Being exposed to so much art and so many stories behind it made me feel represented somehow and wonder if one day my artistic legacy will be seen and appreciated as theirs is. 

Thank you for these amazing experiences!

Mariya is a rising Junior enrolled in The Honors College at Florida International University pursuing a degree studying in International Relations and Philosophy. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, six years ago Mariya moved to a small city Fort Myers, where she completed a High School degree with the International Baccalaureate diploma. She then decided to continue her adventures in the city that is the center of art and culture – Miami. Miami, in her opinion, has a vibrant energy that many people cannot see due to the first layers of the city. Because of that many people oversee the diversity that the city hold, and Mariya’s goal is to show the world’s beauty through art and culture at places as such.

Art Encounter As Text

“Embracing the Artistic Character” by Mariya Shevchenko on January 25, 2024

For me, it is hard to imagine the vibrant city of Miami being apart from art. From Lake Okeechobee southward to Florida Bay, and from the kaleidoscope of painted walls in Wynwood to the annual “Art Basel” galleries, street art, and the architectural giants, each element resonates with the cultural heartbeat of Miami. Living in this city as a student artist is undeniably a privilege, but one that carries a substantial cost—not merely in financial terms, but in the pursuit of carving out an identity that captivates an audience. Having moved to Miami in my freshman year of 2022, I did not know much about Miami before, rather I had stereotypical views before I learned about its history, and now I appreciate this city. While I saw the highs and lows of being here, I now can be proud of embracing this city for its unique character.

Through all the ups and downs, the one thing that never ceased to captivate me was Miami’s vibrant art scene. Being an artist myself, I thought it would be a perfect place to explore my potential, and I was not wrong. As far as being an appreciator of art, I have also contributed to Earthy Art of Miami, where I crafted pieces from upcycled materials, as well as had an opportunity to secure an internship with The Untitled Art Fairs. It’s a reminder to everyone that, regardless of where life leads, never miss any opportunities you are given. In my opinion in the realm of culture, art takes center stage, especially here in Miami where art is not just a thing—it is what invented new ways of thinking.

I learned a lot of history about Miami as a city last semester, and this semester I wanted to immerse myself in the city’s different versions of what exactly is art in Miami. Because I always remember how I liked to pick up a paintbrush as a little kid, however, I never really envisioned that I would delve into something as exciting as learning about art here in Miami. Now, reflecting on my journey in Miami, I want to say while art is a part of this city, it is essential to learn about its history, and lots of it comes from people like Mary Brickell, Barbara Baer Capitman, Dana Dorsey, etc., that contributed to this city so much, that way we can enjoy its beauty today.

 My journey has revealed Miami’s evolution in contemporary art, and this evolution is not a mere coincidence but a testament to the indomitable spirit of many extraordinary women who have preserved and propelled the city’s artistic identity. The diversity of cultures here creates an irresistibly attractive tapestry that sets Miami apart. In Miami, art is not merely an expression; it’s a living of many artists, a breathing entity shaped by the interplay of cultures, and it encourages individuals to become part of its narrative. Miami has taught me that being a resident here is not just about creating; it’s about learning its history, contributing to a legacy, being inspired by the heroic women who have paved the way, and embracing the dynamic fusion of cultures that defines art in the city of Miami.

Norton Museum As Text

“This Blonde Hair” by Mariya Shevchenko on February 4th, 2024

I marked my second visit to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, and once again, the experience left an even more profound impression on me than before. The story of the museum takes place in 1941, established by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton. Mr. Norton, an industrialist leading the Acme Steel Company in Chicago, initially collected art for their home, and as the collection expanded, the couple made the decision to establish a museum in 1935, making it South Florida’s first art institution.

What sets the Norton Museum apart is its distinction as the only museum of its kind in the state of Florida. The vast collection spans Western European art from the 1300s to the present day, alongside an extensive array of Chinese art, covering more than 5,000 years and featuring over 700 pieces. The juxtaposition of these two cultures shows the differences in artistic perspectives, and while Chinese artists employed imaginative creations such as dragons and artiodactyls made of bronze with unique anatomy, Western artists, particularly during the Renaissance, leaned towards realistic depictions of humans, considering them more aesthetically valuable.

The evolution of aesthetic art across ages became my main goal of my exploration at the Norton Museum. Artists like Nosadella and Giordano played very important roles in shaping their respective eras during the Renaissance, specifically by portrayals of biblical figures, such as Madonna and baby Christ. Notably, despite the anecdote of Madonna being based on a real person without a bright reputation, the artwork itself garnered significant fame and still carries history within.

Moving on further, I really took into consideration an individual artistic style of one Baroque painter – Ruben and his masterpiece, “Saint John the Evangelist.” This painting is such a good example, because it emphasizes how correctly the light is supposed to be seen in the painting. Saint John’s blond hair had me speechless because of that painting! However, the characteristics of Baroque painting, marked by strong contrast, vibrant colors, and an evocation of activity, stood in stark contrast to Panini’s “Capriccio with Monuments of Rome,” embodying the Neoclassical period. There, I noticed how many artists wanted to experience something new and completely remove still figures, while utilizing architectural capriccio, and abandoning strict geographical accuracy.

Impressionism, which was another important style to consider, was an example of Monet’s departure from traditional painting techniques into a revolutionary moment in art history. His “Nympheas” from 1905 challenged perspectives, offering a dynamic experience that transformed depending on one’s proximity to the painting. This exemplified the essence of the Impressionist movement, capturing the effects of light and atmospheric conditions, fundamentally altering the viewer’s perception. I certainly did not expect to see the painting in two different conditions when looking at it closely and from a distance.

But one painting that left me sitting there for a couple of minutes was a masterpiece by Joaqui Sorolla y Bastida. His “Beaching the Boat” painting is one of those great examples that moves your eyes around the painting but never off of it. The way the painting is completed is through such little details as, in the sun-kissed skin of the humans who have spent considerable time in the sun and the finely rendered fur of the animals. The painting, with its careful consideration of every element, forms a harmonious and complete circle that beckons viewers to traverse its details repeatedly. It is truly wonderful and is very unique to be an artist that does the job as they were called. 

I think that Norton Museum is that unique place where you see arts evolution take such different turns in history like nowhere else. It goes beyond showcasing revolutionary painters who have left an indelible mark on history; it also offers a rich experience for art enthusiasts eager to delve into the roots of genuine art beyond contemporary surroundings. Despite having been there before, the museum left a lasting impact on me, imparting knowledge that I didn’t fully grasp during my initial visit.

Margulies As Text

“The Idea” by Mariya Shevchenko on February 18, 2024 

“I created it, but I didn’t make it” by Marcel Duchamp. 

This was my first time entering The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, which was like finding a secret gem of creative genius. I was fascinated by the history of invention and imagination that pervaded every inch of this enormous 50,000-square-foot space as I listened to Mr. Margulies himself. It was very kind of him to let us know the origin of this place and his early connections, as well as hear a little about his personal stories and tales. I can certainly mention that Mr. Margulies has great humor, and learning something new from him was a pleasure. 

On a different note, his collection has also attracted thousands of visitors with various activities, seasonal exhibitions, and worldwide loan initiatives since its founding in 1999. Establishing itself as something new in Miami, practically creating a new art district in Wynwood, ever since then, each visit directly supports the Lotus House Women’s Shelter, exemplifying the idea that art can affect positive change in many other lives. The Margulies Collection is also known for its commitment to promoting discussion and interaction regarding modern art, and every artwork invites spectators to fully immerse themselves in the creative experience, from the Photography Study Center, where academics and enthusiasts explore the depths of visual literacy, to the intriguing installations strewn around the warehouse. I also found it fascinating that Mr. Margulies displayed a sincere admiration for creation in all of its forms by displaying a thank-you note from a lesser-known Italian artist, Mimmo Paladino on the wall to real-person figures created by a French artist or artists like Marcel Duchamp regarding the 9/11 incident.

Visiting the Warehouse meant more than just looking at art; it meant accepting a fresh viewpoint and taking part in an enlightenment journey.  It was extremely touching to see how the history of the Holocaust was revealed in front of us, but also surprising by how a pile of unfinished paintings can make a whole new piece of art, and realize how simple concepts could be transformed via art into meaningful messages. I learned from The Margulies Collection that the ability of ideas to evoke meaningful narratives and stimulate thought is just as important to artistic expression as skill. It is significant to realize that any utilitarian object, just like any pedestal, can turn into a meaningful piece of art if handled with the proper message and idea behind it. This is why it is so important to not only see art as something beautiful but also as something conceptual and intellectual for the public. 

Not knowing about this place before was very unfortunate, but after discovering it I confidently can say that The Margulies Collection is essentially a monument to the enduring legacy of philanthropy and the transforming power of art. Its steadfast dedication to art, education, and accessibility keeps inspiring and enhancing the lives of all who are fortunate enough to see its treasures even today and will continue to for many more years to come.

Art Wynwood As Text

“What a Fair” by Mariya Shevchenko on March 7, 2024 

Art Fairs in Miami are held annually to showcase galleries and artists from around the world, requiring significant effort to high skill organization and participation. It takes a lot of hard work and time to not only organize a fair like such, but also for the artists to bring their pieces to this. Artists invest time, money, and their all into their pieces, also often facing setbacks such as damage or having to restart the project. Many have to hire multiple professionals that would install their pieces, whose work frankly speaking is not of the cheapest. It is incredible how art may fit all of the different criterias within, such as politics, faith, culture, and the idea, but yet stay appealing to the eye and spark an emotion. From the digital age of a canvas mimicking your every movement, to Cuban history, we saw it all and even got a chance to interact with multiple artists themselves. 

This was not my first time being at a fair that is named Art Wynwood, and frankly will not be my last one. However, I absolutely love being immersed into contemporary arts as though they are something where history is being done in front of us. One highlight was a visit to Ramón Cernuda’s Cuban gallery, featuring Manuel Mendives’ “Olofi, Owner of the Landscape,” which beautifully expressed Yoruba culture. The scenery of this painting shows creatures represented as humans praying to the Supreme Gods in the Yoruba pantheon. What was interesting about this piece is that people are shown as if they are a part of nature and give nature back what they were given. Manuel Mendives, the artist, did a great job showing the importance of his culture and the way it is expressed which I really much appreciated. 

Another standout was Vicente Hernandez’s politically charged paintings, depicting Cuban life and immigration struggles. Many of the people were influenced a lot by the Soviet Union ruling, and many of them blindly believed the reality in which they lived. The artist, however, tried to show that by painting the circus with many key symbols being in the circle surrounded by the entertained people. We can also notice another painting,  “Por el Mar de Laz Antillas,” with its truth of brutal immigration and willingness to bring your home to a city like Miami. 

However, one piece that touched me the most at the fair was the exposition of “Ojitos para que te tengo” made by Teresa Diehl, and where through her art, Diehl calls for peace and an end to global turmoil, using the eyes of world leaders to symbolize the need for change. By making the eyes of real leaders of the word she wanted to represent to all that something about the way people do politics needs to change and change soon. I had a private conversation with her, and what touched me is that all the eyes that we have in the world, we still stay blind to the reality of what we see happen to us and how much longer do we need to stay quiet until we will finally realize. This is exactly what I love about art when we can speak our thoughts and call for action, when we can ask for people to open their eyes and not stay ignorant, especially about issues that happen around the world.

Art allows us to view the world through different lenses, making fairs like Art Wynwood invaluable for both artists and attendees. They serve as platforms for dialogue and reflection, encouraging us to carry new perspectives forward in our lives.

Rubell Museum As Text

“Untouched Topics” by Mariya Shevchenko on March 24, 2024

The Rubell Museum has opened my eyes to a new form of contemporary art collection that I have never seen before. From the works of world-famous artists like Yayoi Kusama, Cady Nolan, Karon Davis, and Basquiat, to a unique sweep of contemporary art that cannot be found anywhere else, this place made me disappear from my reality and away from the real world. Finding out a bit more about the Rubell Museum, I learned that the couple started their collections over 50 years ago, but no museum can be compared to theirs. The museum has 36 galleries, a flexible performance room, an extensive research library, and many more for visitors to enjoy the time being there. Besides having many world-known artists, the Rubell Museum also touches on many subjects through their exhibited artworks, that I have not noticed anywhere else yet. 

Starting with Yayoi Kusama, a 95-year-old artist, the Rubell Museum was one of the few places that obtained two of her pieces before she became famous. Unfortunately, Kusama has had a challenging life, dealing with a lot of distress which inspired her to create immaculate art pieces where one can escape from reality. From depersonalization to helping remove the taboo on mental health, Kusama created a transformative experience that visitors of the museum can partake in. One of the rooms designed by her, the “Infinity Mirrored Room,” is made with a kaleidoscopic effect, transporting visitors to an alternate, limitless universe. It almost feels like being in your own “Milky Way,” gazing at the stars, an impression caused by the holes in the wall that allow light to enter and reflect in the mirrors. This experience mesmerizes visitors for a few seconds until they realize they are there by themselves, at peace. Through her art, Kusama has forever marked the contemporary art scene, changing the narrative of mental illness and creating an alternate reality for inner peace.

Another touching art object that made me look at things differently was one by Karon Davis, an artist who creates sculptures and installations to highlight issues of history, race, and violence in the United States. One of the sculptures exhibited in the Rubell Museum is “Family,” depicting an African American family sending off their son to school. The figures were created from real people, using plaster strips and chicken wire to sculpt bodies. Davis even used her real son to make the sculpture. The significant message of this piece lies in the idea that even today, many American schools face the issue of gun violence, leaving students feeling unprotected, especially African American children who feel targeted. The feeling of sending off your child to school, realizing the risks, and feeling powerless is quite dramatic. The sculpture portrays this tragedy by targeting race, which is symbolized by the antlers on the heads of the figures. Davis, herself, also experienced a personal tragedy when her husband, Noah Davis, passed away from cancer in 2015. On their anniversary, she placed a bouquet of flowers under his paintings with a note saying, “With Love – On Our Anniversary, Karon and Noah Davis,” and they have remained untouched since. 

I believe the best stories are those lived by simple people like us, with some pinch of salt, whether from sadness, happiness, or excitement. They are real stories. Artists like Yoyumi Kusama and Karon Davis reveal important layers of our society that many people have to overcome and may touch one’s heart. Whether we want to relate to them or be left alone in our world, all are equally valid spectrums of emotions and feelings, and all of those can be portrayed through art. 

PAMM As Text

“Uncomfortable, yet rewarding” by Mariya Shevchenko on April 7, 2024.

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a monument to creativity from all backgrounds. It was renamed in honor of Jorge M. Perez after it was first designed by the Miami-Dade County Art Museum. For almost 35 years, it served as the focal point of the county’s cultural landscape, and being so unique because of its unwavering faith in the transformational potential of art, it strives towards creating a more compassionate and just society. By providing people with immersive experiences with worldwide modern and contemporary art, PAMM also actively engages individuals to stay and think creatively.

Our journey to PAMM was enhanced by the presence of Mr. T. Elliot Mansa, a distinguished artist who guided us throughout the entire visit.  I enjoyed listening to Mr. Mansa’s anecdotes and observations, and as turned out later, I soon learned that he is not only a multidisciplinary artist renowned for his ability to incorporate “Southern vernacular aesthetics” into provocative pieces, but also a good friend of Professor Bailly. Thanks to Mr. Mansa, who guided us through various exhibits, I was able to learn about critically important issues related to the political, social, and racial dynamics of different communities.

Since the very beginning of our visit, we were immediately exposed to African American history. Walking through the several galleries of the museum, I felt the reminders of the pervasiveness of systemic racism in the modern world. One of the exhibits there represented the erasing of ideas and voices in a world where intelligence may be made invisible by using chalk whiteboards with pure white chalk. It made me think that no matter how hard or much you try, the ideas will be invisible on the whiteboard, and this system needs to be changed from the roots and not only barely touched on. 

My favorite work that we discussed though, was one with Hattie McDaniel, the first African American woman to win an Oscar, being written on a painting.  She was subjected to segregation during the event and had to get an award separate from everyone else during that time. As a fan of “Gone With The Wind,” I found it quite poignant to see how discrimination continues to have an impact, as portrayed in both the book and the actress’s actual life. These pieces of art are potent monuments to the ongoing difficulties that Black people have endured throughout history and are something that is still not paid much attention to, yet has been repeated too many times to be impossible to see.

The exhibitions at PAMM forced me to acknowledge racism’s ubiquitous existence in modern culture, going beyond just demonstrating its prevalence. Whether it is portrayed in popular culture, on social media, or in everyday conversations, racism endures and forces us to face hard realities. Nevertheless, as unsettling as these disclosures may be, they work as triggers for important discussion and action. We give ourselves the ability to bring about constructive change in the present and the future by admitting the injustices of the past, and I firmly stand by that. As a reminder, it is important to always have confronting, uncomfortable truths and actively work towards a more equitable and just world, which is the key. I believe that PAMM is the place that inspires dialogues, reflection, and ultimately transformation for such inquiries and systematic issues. 

Valeria Izaguirre is a Senior double majoring in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications and International Relations at Florida International University. Once she graduates she hopes to work in PR. Her desired industries are education, tourism, and hospitality. She has a passion for traveling the world and learning about new cultures. Valeria was born and raised in Honduras but moved to the West Palm Beach area at the age of 12. She has lived in Miami for the past 3 years and hopes she can continue learning and experiencing the city even after she graduates.

Art Encounter as Text

“Art City” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU January 17, 2024

Ever since I was young I have always been fascinated by art. For as long as I can remember I was always enrolled in an art class outside of elementary school. I was so inspired by art that from a young age I decided I wanted to be an architect. As time went on I became more obsessed with the peculiar shape of certain buildings and the attention to detail of their interior. Later on this fascination turned into an admiration for interior design. I was now captivated by the way that designers could compose the inside of a home with such beauty. I would be so focused on how each furniture piece, artwork, and even a throw pillow all tied together to create a specific ambience in each room. As I grew older my dream to become an architect diminished, however, my fascination for art still stands today.

I continue to incorporate art in my life in more ways than none. My current major, public relations, has been a pathway to digitize my creativity and find more ways to reach my aspiration to continue being creative and artistic. I have learned that art isn’t only painting on a canvas, art can be found on walls, on the floor, in your phone, through a video, or just with pen and paper. I have dove deeper into digital art and can spend hours creating videos that illustrate my feelings and emotions through a completely different way. Nevertheless, I love when I get the opportunity to express myself on a canvas with different colors and how I learned from a young age. 

One of my favorite activities is attending museums. I believe it’s an opportunity for people who don’t usually express themselves with words to tell their story while allowing other people to use their imagination and creativity to analyze and understand their art in their own way. When I visit museums I usually take my time with each painting and try to find the meaning behind it. I look at the colors that were used, the technique that was used, the position of the canvas, and the different materials that were used to create each piece of art. What I love most about art is the uniqueness of each piece, it is really hard to find the same piece of artwork, with the same meaning and thought behind it. Each artist tells their story in their own creative way. As a result of my admiration for art, I have an appreciation for Miami culture. Every corner you look there is art on the street, on the walls, in cars, on the clothes people wear, and anywhere else you can imagine. I also love the difference in art in each part of Miami, with all the different cultures that this city has. Each piece of art tells a story from a different country, a different background, a different language, and a new way of experiencing life. I am excited to see the hidden artworks that this city has to offer. 

Norton As Text

“Hometown Museum” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU January 24, 2024

I would have never imagined that there was such a great place near my home. I had always heard about Norton Museum but I had never gotten the chance to visit, even though I live 20 minutes away. The morning of our class I was excited for all the new art I was going to be experiencing that day, as well as visiting a new place that I had never been to before but had heard such great things about. As soon as I walked in and met the rest of my classmates, I was mesmerized by how big the museum was. We began walking upstairs and it seemed like the stairs were never ending. From the outside, I would have never guessed how much art this museum had inside. The art throughout the staircase was mesmerizing, it looked like bubble bath waters, it was very hard to not want to touch them. It was definitely a great piece of art to be introduced to the Norton Museum. 

As we quickly approached our first gallery we were introduced with some of the oldest artifacts many of us had ever seen. With each new piece of art that we saw I was in awe that I had never been in the museum before. The difference in artifacts around the museum is impressive, it felt like we were transported through the years. As we made our way up to the last floor we were welcomed by art pieces that seemed to be twice the size of us. Not only were the paintings splendid but each of their frames made them stand out even more. Most of the third floor was filled with religious paintings, however, each created in a completely different time period with different techniques. What truly surprised me, and I think a lot of my other classmates, is how many of the paintings would be badly looked at in a religious manner as oftentimes it felt that religion was disrespected by the artists. Additionally, it was explained that influential and wealthy individuals of the community would pay artists to include themselves in important religious events to demonstrate the community that they were religious individuals committed to their people. 

At the end of the day we ended with some of the best art pieces I have seen. We were able to see art by Picasso and Van Gogh which I would have never imagined I could have seen in a museum in Palm Beach. However, what caught my eyes the most was a painting of the beach. It was so simple compared to the other paintings around the museum but in my mind it illustrated the environment that the museum was around. One of the most recognized places in the country, housing some of the most famous people, and in my opinion one of the best beach towns in the country. I could be biased as I have lived the last 10 years of my life only 20 minutes away from it but I will always adulate Palm Beach. 

Margulies/Bakehouse As Text

“Everyone is an Artist” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU February 11, 2024

From Everglades to Art Basel and so many more visits with Bailly, the Margulies Warehouse has been my favorite experience so far. Not only are the paintings and sculptures incredibly unique, but having the incredible opportunity to tour the warehouse with Martin Margulies himself gave a completely new perspective to the art found there. The ability to ask Margulies questions as to how and why he acquires certain pieces allowed me to better understand the meaning behind each piece of art. To begin, Margulies gave us a brief explanation of his warehouse and how he had started this project. Both him and Bailly emphasized how he was one of the first people to open a warehouse in Wynwood, even before art consumed this part of the city. He explained how sculptures were a fascination for him as they spoke so much more than paintings or photographs. When speaking about sculptures, Margulies mentioned how “you could take anything and make it a piece of art.” This created a completely different connotation surrounding art. I appreciated his comments regarding this and how everything can be seen as art because it means that anyone can be an artist, without the need to know different art techniques or have attended years of art school. This resonates with me a lot because even though I have been in art class for much of my life, as I grew older and was no longer a part of these classes I felt like I lacked my artistic side. However, Margulies reminded me that you can in fact be an artist without any external factors. Additionally, I admired Margulies for the way that he appreciated art to such an extent that he created this warehouse for other people to be able to experience these pieces. 

My favorite piece of art at the Margulies Warehouse was without a doubt “The Ages of the World,” by Anselm Kiefer. I was fascinated with the detail of every piece that went into creating this sculpture. I was especially captivated by how this was supposed to be a waste pile of failed art paintings but it turned into an art piece on its own. The dead sunflowers “growing” from the pile of “trash” was a sign of hope and rebirth. To me this ties back with how a pile of “trash” turned into a piece of artwork, meaning this sculpture gave these failed pieces of art a new meaning and hope to be seen as art even though they did not turn out as they were originally supposed to. Additionally, this piece of art reminded me of what Margulies initially said that “anything can be turned into art.” Almost two weeks after our visit to the Margulies Warehouse I am still fascinated by its history, its owner, and everything else it has to offer. I truly cannot wait to go back to the warehouse and experience any new exhibitions they might have. I without a doubt will remember this experience for many years to come. 

Art Wynwood As Text

“Best of Both Worlds” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU March 3, 2024

In my opinion when most people think of Miami and art, oftentimes, the first thing or place that comes to their mind is Wynwood. Since this part of the city is recognized by their unconventional art in every corner that you walk in. Whether you are looking at the walls, the streets you are walking, or even inside each store or restaurant you step in, you are definitely seeing art in every place. On the other hand, some people’s definition of art in Miami might be Art Basel. A world-known art fair that happens every year in Miami Beach. To me, both of these sides of Miami were seen at the Art Wynwood fair. It was a mix of the unconventional art that is seen in every corner of Wynwood with the luxurious side of Miami art seen at Art Basel. As it was my first time ever attending the fair and even hearing about it, I truly did not know what to expect. Before arriving I thought the fair would showcase all of Wynwood’s most famous graffiti artists that are easily recognized by their distinct art style. To my surprise the fair included artists from all over the world that similar to Art Basel artists had to travel many miles for the opportunity to display their art in one of Miami’s art fairs. 

The first gallery that we visited was definitely an all time favorite of mine. The speaker, Ramon Cernuda and his wife, were so welcoming to their gallery and the way that Cernuda spoke about every painting truly showed how invested they both were in the world of art and more than their job, it was truly a passion of theirs. Each painting in their gallery was so beautiful and gave life to the bare walls of the gallery. Each explanation that Cernuda provided felt genuine and it seemed like he had specifically chosen each piece of art. Most of the art in his gallery illustrated Latino, specifically Cuban, feelings and emotions that were understood by most of our class as the majority of us come from Latino families. More specifically some paintings portrayed the hardships of a Latino country, like Cuba, against a corrupt government. Many countries in Latin America have been negatively affected by corrupt governments and thus many citizens of these countries have seen the need to emigrate from their countries and move to the USA and search for a better life. It is fascinating to see how different artists portray this feeling in their own unique way and how it allows us as the viewers to connect with the art. Some of the art in Cernuda’s gallery had Cuba illustrated as part of a circus emphasizing how most of their government acts as if they were part of a circus. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many countries in Latin America, however, it is somewhat comforting to see it illustrated in a playful and beautiful way as it was shown in the paintings.  

Rubell/Emerson Dorsch As Text

“New Perspectives” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU March 17, 2024

The Rubell Museum was one of the places I was most excited to visit with this class. I had the opportunity to visit this museum with my friends a year ago and completely fell in love with it, but I knew that visiting it with the class would give me a completely different perspective and appreciation of the museum. When I visited the museum with my friends, we roamed around the rooms admiring the art at a quick glance but we truly did not know what type of art we were looking at, who the artists were, and the meaning behind it. Regardless of not having any idea about the art I still very much enjoyed the museum and had been aching to go back. This is why when I found out that we would be visiting Rubell with the Art in Miami class I could not be more thrilled. Similar to any other museum it felt like we were receiving the VIP experience, we were able to visit every special exhibit room in the museum and even got the opportunity to wander around the museum before it was open to the public. 

Both of the special exhibit rooms by Yayoi Kusama were some of my favorite parts of the museum. Stepping into both rooms transported the guest into a completely different world. I was amazed by the artist’s choice of objects and ability to transport people into a different dimension with just mirrors. The Infinity Mirrored Room was my all time favorite as the mirrors in the shape of a ball gave the room a different look and feel than if it were a room with regular mirrors. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed how the museum incorporated Kusama’s art throughout the entirety of the museum. The mirrored balls at the entrance of the museum caused the guest to be curious about the balls and want to learn more about the installation. I think this is a great way to lead the guest to the exhibition room and it also creates an interesting feeling when you step into the mirrored room. Apart from Kusama’s installations I enjoyed the art by Keith Haring. It was interesting to find out more about the artist since it seems that his art is everywhere nowadays. 

On the other hand, visiting the Emerson Dorsch gallery gave me a completely new perspective of art galleries. Both Ibett and Daniel explained the gallery so well to us that in my opinion my classmates and I were able to put into perspective how these art galleries work and how truly difficult it is to transport art from one place to another. The ability to visit art galleries like Emerson Dorsch reminds us that there are a lot more places to visit and view art than museums. I think, especially in Miami, it is easy to only focus and visit museums as this city has such a great range of museums to visit. Nevertheless, this class teaches us about new places in our own city that are just as cool as all the other museums. 

PAMM As Text

“Miami’s Museum” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU March 31, 2024

Visiting the Perez Art Museum Miami allowed me to experience a completely different part of the museum. I had previously visited twice before but had never had the opportunity to experience it so in depth. Touring the museum with someone that works there and knows a lot about every piece of art within the museum helps the guest understand the concept of each art piece and why the museum decided to have it. Additionally, the rainy Miami weather the day we visited the PAMM made it the perfect activity. To begin, the art from Joaquin Torres Garcia allowed the class to immediately immerse themselves in Latin America. In my opinion, it is the perfect way to introduce the guest to the museum as it incorporates what Miami is mostly known for, its hispanic culture. Joaquin Torres Garcia, a Uruguayan artist included some of his country’s most recognized characteristics in his art. With such particularity, someone outside of Latin America would find it somewhat challenging to depict the items in which he drew inspiration from, however, being in Miami where most of the population is hispanic many can depict the yerba mate that he included in his art. Following this exhibition we had the privilege to attend another of Yayoi Kusama exhibit rooms, this one looked completely different from the ones we had visited at the Rubell Museum. This exhibit room was filled with different shapes and colors. In comparison to the others at Rubell, which were all filled with just mirrors and no particular colors. It truly is amazing that we have been able to experience three of Kusama’s exhibitions. 

Without a doubt my favorite part of this excursion occurred after lunch where we were able to be creative and make our own piece of art in a section of the museum. We were tasked with creating our own zin, which most of us had never heard of before. Taylor Anderson, quickly explained that a zin is basically a small magazine that someone creates with different pieces of art utensils that they find. She provided us with magazines, markers, stamps, tape, and anything else you might think you need for a craft. Each student was motivated to create their piece of art from an experience that they preferred from the Art in Miami class. This was my favorite part of the excursion as we were able to use everything we have learned so far in the class and create something of our own. I decided to create a zin that focuses on Miami and all the art that can be found throughout the city. As this is my third year living in this city, I felt inspired by my own experience of living here and partaking in everything the city has to offer. It was a great way to end our afternoon and it allowed me to see how my classmates express themselves through art. Additionally, we showed each other our own experience in the class through a creative way. 

Wolfsonian As Text

“Different Perspectives” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU April 14, 2024

One of my favorite parts of the Art in Miami class is being able to visit different places that showcase art in such unique ways. This part of the class was perfectly illustrated last week as we visited both a museum and a creative learning center. We spent our day in Miami Beach, which I have learned from this class that this side of the city is filled with art everywhere you look. I now have a completely different perspective of Miami Beach than I had before. We first met up at Oolite Arts where I realized I had walked past the building multiple times but had never stopped and looked at it. That is one lesson I have cherished from this class, oftentimes as Miami residents we are used to the places that we typically go to but don’t take the time to look at other amazing things that the city has to offer. As we went up the building at Oolite Arts we were shocked at what a beautiful building it was from the inside and everything that it had to offer. We got the opportunity to meet a couple of the artists that have residencies in the center and we got to learn more about their artworks and their story. A particular person that caught my attention was Diana Eusebio, her story and artwork was incredibly beautiful. She informed us on how  she creates her art in the process that goes behind each one of her art pieces.  When we were in her Studio the conversation felt very involved as she gave us the opportunity to see, touch and feel the products that she uses to dye her art pieces  and how each of them comes to life. She introduced this type of art to me and I look forward to learning more about it. 

At the end of our day we visited the Wolfsonian. I had previously heard about the museum but I had never had the privilege of visiting it. Once we walked in, I felt like we were transported to Europe, every inch of the building was so well thought out. Molly Channon, our lovely tour guide at the museum, quickly filled us in on the history of the museum before personally showing us some of the most breathtaking sections of the museum. One of the parts of the tour that most caught my attention was how she decided to introduce a floor of the museum through an interactive activity. We were allowed to choose one of the many paintings on that floor of the museum and she instructed us an activity to learn and experience the art in a new way. She mentioned that on average most people spend 30 seconds looking at an artwork before moving onto the next one, that is nowhere enough time to be able to truly experience the art and understand it. In my opinion, more museums and art places should incorporate this type of activity into their program in order to get their audience more engaged and allow them to learn more about the artwork that is curated for the museum.

Art Final Reflection As Text

“City Art” by Valeria Izaguirre of FIU April 21, 2024

This is more of a reflection of professor Bailly’s classes than simply just Art in Miami. It has been a year since I first enrolled in Bailly’s Miami in Miami class. At that point I truly had no idea what I had gotten myself in and all my roommates that I had somehow convinced to join me in this class. Throughout the first semester we traveled through different parts of Miami that most of the class had never seen before. This gave me a different perspective on a city that I believed was only full of skyscrapers, nightlife and some of the best beaches in the state. It provided an opportunity for all of us to learn about the story of the city that we live in. Additionally, Miami in Miami brought me much closer to my roommates than ever before. As we sat in traffic every other week visiting new places in the city that we live in, this class gave us the opportunity to make different and unique types of memories together especially as this was our last year living all together. We definitely enjoyed our time in Miami in Miami which is why we all decided to come back and enroll for Art in Miami. This was also a new experience for us but we knew we wouldn’t have to kayak through the waters of Key Biscayne to make it to Chicken Key or walk through muddy water in the Everglades, which made us a lot more calm about the experience we were about to have. 

As we traveled through Miami, we got the opportunity to visit art museums, galleries, and artist’s studios. We began our journey at the Norton Museum which was in my hometown but I had surprisingly never visited it. In my opinion this was a great first class since it gave us a brief introduction of everything we would be seeing throughout the semester. In addition I was thankful that I had the opportunity to visit this museum in my own home town. After we visited the Margulies Collection, in my opinion I think this was my favorite place that we visited throughout the whole semester. It was truly incredible to learn from Margulies himself and see some of his most possessed items. As the semester went by and we visited other places, many tour guides were impressed that we had the opportunity to learn from Margulies himself, this allowed me to realize just how lucky we were to be able to have that opportunity. Additionally, the day we visited the Margulies Collection was my favorite day all semester as we also visited Bakehouse. This was the first time that I was able to visit artist’s studios and learn from them. We also got the opportunity to take a couple of books home which made the experience a lot better than it already was. In regards to other places that we visited like the Rubell and the Perez Art Museum, it was great being able to revisit museums that I had already been to but now I had the opportunity to learn even more about them since I was visiting with people who knew more about them. 

Makenna Rekstis is currently a senior in the Honors College majoring in Marketing at Florida International University. She was born and raised in Ohio and is in Miami just for college. She enjoys being outside, staying active, and being with friends.

Art Encounter as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, January 17, 2024

My relationship with art is not necessarily good or bad. Yeah, art is fun to look at, but I have never taken it deeper. I have been to quite a few art museums for fun on days off with nothing else to do. It would just be a normal day but insead of going to the mall for example, I would go to an art museum with some friends. Art museums are always fun to walk around. They are a nice peaceful place with beautiful paintings and structures around you, they are like a place where you can go to escape and relax. 

When I say my relationship with art is neither good or bad, I mean that I do enjoy art. I think it is amazing to see somebody’s creativity. I especially favor painting of nature- seeing how somebody, the artist, intereprates something differently than you. I enjoy the nature painting because you can see the movements the artist was creating within the piece, and it is always interesting to see what type of layout and colors the artist may use for something we all commonly see everyday.

My trip to Miami art week definitely benefitted my relationship with art. I did not know how much hard work outside of creating an art piece artists would go through just to get a chance to have a little stand here in Miami for a week. It showed their dedications and it showed how committed and passionate artists are for their work. Art week showed me that that is the one thing every artist has in common- passion. They pour their heart and soul out on a canvas or with tools to create a piece of art for the world to see. Every creation they make is a piece of them and that is why it is so important to understand the deeper reason of a piece of art. 

What I have not really done with art is see it and interpret the meaning of it. I am hoping that in this class I am able to see the deeper meaning behind paintings. It is one thing to have creativity, but there is something different when you dig deeper. Every piece of art and sculpture always has an underlying meaning and I am ready to open my mind up to it and learn about that in this class. Art week was the first step of me being able to interpret art in my own way and really the first step of opening my mind to the world of art. I am taking this class because I want a look in through the art of the artists and see why they create what they create. I want to be able to understand the thoughts and feelings an artist is trying to portray as they create their work. I believe that similarly to how my mind was opened from the Miami in Miami class that my mind will be opened with this class too.

Norton as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, January 23, 2024

The Norton Art Museum was a fun little adventure. It allowed me to open my mind to art and I genuinely enjoyed not only the art but the class as well. Starting the day, we looked at the oldest thing I have ever seen. That thing was the tip of a spear carved out of stone. Within the same enclosure are similar old things such as arrowheads and axe heads. The most interesting part about seeing this was how old and preserved everything was, and how much attention they paid to detail. There were beautiful designs on each and every one of the pieces. The artist who would have created these would not have been a hunter these thousands of years ago. People liked and cherished their art, so creating these pieces for months on end was their job, which I find fascinating.

Another thing that has really stuck with me was the lack of blue in early pieces of art and the reasoning behind it. Apparently, India was hogging all the indigo and flaunting it in their art. Since indigo is from India, they were the only ones who possessed the color unless it was traded with other countries. I think that that is an interesting fact that I did not know before. 

Another piece of information that stuck with me was about the religious paintings. I had no idea the bible was against painting religious figures. That is why you do not see any art really outside of Christianity. The Catholics knew the Bible spoke about not creating religious figures, but tried to go around it. First, they would create these images, which we say were of baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, totally distorted. I mean the figures of these two religious figures were unrecognizable and it was done intentionally, as it was what the Bible said. But as time went on, the religious art got more personable and accurate. After many many years, it seems that they did not necessarily give up on this part of the Bible, but they did not necessarily follow it and I think it is ironic and just a fun fact.

It was extremely cool going to the Norton Museum and being able to see all the famous art pieces by famous artists as well. There were the Cambell’s Soup Cans by Andrew Warhol, Water Lillies by Monet, paintings by Van Gogh, and so many pieces by Picasso. We learned that Van Gogh went behind his friend’s back to invent collages even though they were planning on it together. We say many pieces that looked like they could have been created by a five year old but were created by Van Gogh, the only difference is that Van Gogh invented it. There were many controversial pieces and overall it was very fun. I did not expect to have as much fun as I did or learn as much as I did at the Norton Art Museum. I am excited to see what the rest of the semester has to give for this class.

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, February 10, 2024

Art Wynwood as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, March 1, 2024

Art Wynwood was a fun and interesting experience. Getting to Wynwood on a Wednesday morning was a disaster, but I’d say it was worth it for the class. Art Wynwood is an art festival where artists apply to get in to showcase their art. It is like Miami Art Week but on a different scale, a smaller scale. Like Miami Art Week, Art Wynwood had many artists from around the world and people showcasing other artists art from around the world. Most, if not all, of the art that was there was contemporary art. Contemporary art is the name for today’s modern art. This essentially means that if the artist is alive today, their art is contemporary. The interesting thing is that todays modern art/contemporary art will no longer be contemporary art in the future. For example, in the time of the renaissance, their art to them was modern. The renaissance art was not called the renaissance until the modern art of that time started to change and they needed a specific category for it.

I enjoyed Art Wynwood specifically because you can see the creativity these artists have in order to create contemporary art. I feel like with modern art you either love it or hate it, but it is good to embrace it either way. My favorite piece at Art Wynwood was the interactive pieces. There was a piece that has sequence where one side was one color and the other was a different. It was programmed to a camera and would display the image of what was in front of the camera on the piece. It was extremely unique and fun to interact with, but I can see how some people would not like it since it is not the “traditional” art, but that’s why contemporary art is contemporary art. There were some pieces there that felt “edgy” with how they look, like a painting of a chicken wearing air forces or a painting of a person that seems to be falling through the piece. 

Another one of my favorite pieces from Art Wynwood was by an artist who reuses and recycles all of her pieces of art. I just love the idea of being sustainable and reusing everyday items that people would regularly throw away in the trash and creating art with it. It opens your mind to the world and makes us look at what we do with our waste and how we can better improve our actions with what we do with it.

Overall, Art Wynwood was a fun experience. I enjoyed viewing all of the contemporary art and learning about the history of art in the past at the same time. Art Wynwood showed me how to look at art from a new perspective and look through to see the creativity of the artists and their meaning for their pieces. Of course, most art has meaning behind it, but there something different when you see modern art and hear the artists’ point of views on the world and why they create what they create.

Rubell Museum/Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery As Text by: Makenna Rekstis, March 12, 2024

This last class was what I would say one of the more interactive classes that we have had so far. We started out at the Rubell Museum then spent some time at the Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery. The Rubell Museum was the common museum with contemporary art in it. It had many cool sculptures and art that breaks tradition. The Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery is an art gallery that also has contemporary art. Both places commonly switch out their art pieces throughout the year.

Starting out with the Rubell Museum, we got to see a showcase by Kehinde Wiley. Kehinde Wiley is an American artist who focuses on portraits, but the portraits he paints mimic old master paintings, he paints a black individual in the way that old master paintings traditionally had people pose. Seeing these paintings was fun and entertaining. It flexes the idea of traditional art and really shows what contemporary art is about. 

The Rubell Museum also has two interactive pieces that you can go into and become part of the art. They are both boxed in mirrors, the first being a pitch black room with little holes in it to let light shine through. With all of the mirrors, the light creates a cool star effect that you can see and it seems to go on for eternity. The second is a bright room with mirrored balls and really makes you become part of the art. Going into these rooms were very fun and a great experience because usually you have to pay, but we were lucky to get to see this art for free.

After a change in class settings, we found ourselves at the Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery. I was not sure what I was expecting from this place, since it was tiny with only two artists’ work being showcased, but in the end it was a great experience, we learned a lot about art from very open and honest people. The process of an art gallery works like this: the art gallery reaches out to an artist who they want to showcase, the gallery then buys the pieces they want, then the art gallery displays these pieces and tries to sell them to visitors. You can really see the passion they had at the Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery for the works that they had. They explained how hard it was to transport the giant ceramic horse sculptures that they had at the time and they gave us insight on that tedious process. 

They also explained that the art world could be evil, they explained that once an artist sells their work, they only get the original money they sell it for, if the piece becomes famous and millions of dollars, the artist gets nothing, the sellers get everything. Now this makes sense, but I never really thought of it, it opened my mind into how hard it could be to actually be an artist and how much work they put themselves through just to do something they are passionate about.

Overall, this past class was one of my favorites, it was extremely interactive as I got to become works of art and hear an honest insight into the world of art.

PAMM as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, March 30, 2024

Going to the Perez Art Museum Miami was another surreal experience. I would say that that is what these classes have in common, sureality. I did not know much about the Perez Art Museum Miami going into it, I somewhat figured it would be just like any other art museum with some historical pieces and some contemporary pieces, but I was not ready for what the experience would be like. Going in, we met with someone who walked us through the museum and gave us some background on the pieces that were up. 

The first piece that stuck out to me was the first piece that was shown to us. It was called “Construccion con dos mascaras” and was created by Joaquin Torres Garica. Joaquin Torres Garcia is commonly known as “The Father of Latin American Constructivism.” His work is recognizable because he usually always used the primary colors for it, red, yellow, and blue. This piece specifically dug into his Latin American culture and displays common items from his culture. This piece was especially interesting to me because it showed that he embraces his culture and where he came from. He shows it to the world through the art he creates, making it powerful.

The surreal part of the Perez Art Museum Miami was the Gary Simmons exhibit. The exhibit Gary Simmons created was called “Public Enemy.” He had gotten the name from a rap/hip-hop group and went off of it. The Public Enemy exhibit explores the experiences of racism and discrimination against African Americans. He displays stereotypes and struggles and creates an eye-opening surreal experience for the viewer. Starting off, you walk into a piece called “Lineup” which showcases a lineup of shoes on a police height board that is used for a lineup. The shoes are gold and are sneakers and basketball shoes. The piece is open to interpretation and can be viewed in many ways. I believe the most powerful point of view of that piece is that those shoes could be African Americans who were wrongfully convicted. 

A kind of exhibit within the exhibit that was displayed in Gary Simmons’s “Public Enemy” exhibit was the series of his eraser drawings. He created large-scale drawings that are partially erased or smudged to gather a sense of a faded memory or obstructed history. He used a technique where he created the pieces and smudged the drawings using his hands in gloves. He used new gloves every time so he could erase the pieces enough to where you could still tell what he was creating. The technique he used served as a metaphor for African Americans and their history. He requested that the pieces be left up on the wall after his exhibit was done and I believe that that adds more to the pieces themselves.

Ending off the day at the PAMM we created zines which are essentially mini magazines of anything we wanted. It was a super fun interactive activity that truly completed the day at the museum. Overall it was a great experience and I would love to go again if possible.

Wolfsonian as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, April 10, 2024

Rock Quarry, Leo Raiken
Wolfsonian Museum

Going to South Beach for our art in Miami class is always questionable. South Beach is a touristy place and as someone who goes to college in Miami, south beach is often avoided. The loud cars, loud music, and loud people all make it a place where you usually do not want to be. Going to the Wolfsonian Museum, however, was great. The Wolfsonian Museum is a museum owned by FIU. It is welcoming.

When we first got to the Wolfsonian, we walked into the lobby which had tall ceilings and a huge beautiful water feature. We were met by two women, Molly Channon and Luna Goldberg, who took us up to the second floor to a conference room. They showed us a video of the founder of the Wolfsonian Museum, Mickey Wolfson. The video was him explaining the history, which I thought in particular was super interesting. 

The Wolfsonian Museum building itself has been around for many many years in South Beach. It originally was a storage unit for the rich snowbirds who came down for their vacations. They would store furniture and cars and this place because it was one of the only storage units on South Beach that were big enough and had air conditioning to keep the bugs out. Over time, as technology advanced and air conditioning became more common, the storage unit became empty, until there was one last person actively using it. Mickey Wolfson. The owner did not want the storage unit anymore so they told Mickey to either buy the place or get all of this stuff out of it and Mickey decided to buy the place. He worked with an architect to reform the interior and exterior of this building so I would look at “museums” for all of Mickey’s collection of older pieces and sculptures. Over time, Mickey continued to collect and store his collections in the building on his own. When the time came, he decided to lend the Museum to FIU when he was ready to open it up. He still donates to his collection today, but named FIU the owners of the Wolfsonian Museum.

Further along the tour, we met a guy named Frank Luca who told us more about the history of Miami and the Wolfsonian Museum. Frank Luca showed us small pieces of the collection of brochures, menus, and books from everywhere. It was super interesting as it was a history lesson as we looked at the artwork on these pieces he had shown us. It was interesting to see how the brochures for Florida all had women dressed scandalously with bright blue skies in the background. It showed the way that tourism has always been a major part of Florida’s economy and we learn that tourism is what helped Florida out of the Great Depression in the 1920s.

We spend a lot of our time at the Wolfsonian museum on a floor which you’d expect a museum to look like. It had three sections of different themes within the 1900s that were in the collection. Molly Channon had an activity set up for us that made us embrace a specific price of art and feel what we should feel about it. She explained looking at a piece for so long makes you connect with it more and it truly did. For the activity, we split up into groups of four and each wrote one line on a piece of paper to display a story for the piece we chose. We would pass the story along and add on to our groups, it was a fun challenging process. The activity made me grow closer to the piece and allowed me to express my feelings about it.

Overall, the Wolfsonian Museum is one of the most interesting museums I have visited. It holds endless history within its bones and the inside. It showed me more than just art, it showed me the history of Miami, the history of Mickey Wolfson, and the history of art.

Art Final Reflection as Text by: Makenna Rekstis, April 21, 2024

Going into Art in Miami this semester, I had expectations and ideas of what it would be like. Since I took the Miami in Miami class, I knew it would be similar to that where we’d go to different places around Miami and learn about what we could there, but for this class, it would be art rather than the history of Miami. I expected to have a great experience in this Art in Miami class as I did in the Miami in Miami class, and it exceeded my expectations.

Art in Miami has been a wonderful experience. I have met new people who are in my classes and we have all bonded through every class. As the semester is coming to an end, I can only think of good times I have experienced throughout this class and what I have learned.

Starting out with the Norton Museum in Palm Beach, the thing that stuck out to me the most there was the art history within the Church and Christianity. The Bible speaks of never creating real religious figures, but artists and the Catholic Church found their way around it. First, they created abstract like figures so they looked nonhuman, but over time they developed more of a human like look.

Our next class was at the Margulies and the Bakehouse in Wynwood. From that trip, what stuck out to me the most was one exhibit of 21 backs. It stuck with me because it was the back of bodies that looked down and sad. It was open to interpretation and I have never really encountered a piece like that in that way.

At Art Wynwood, I learned about a lot of contemporary art. We spoke to a man who I don’t remember the name of about contemporary art and why it is contemporary. He explained to us that all art created at the time it is created is contemporary, and it is only not contemporary when someone groups them together and calls them a different name, as the age of art is changing.

The next place we went was the Rubell Museum. What sticks with me the most is the interact showcases and exhibits in there. It was the first immersive art I have ever interacted with and it was super cool.

At the PAMM, what stuck out to me the most there was the exhibit that Gary Simmons had created. The exhibit was called “Public Enemy” and was very powerful. It was about racism and the history of African Americans in America. It was a great exhibit to see.

We then went to the Wolfsonian Museum which was one of my favorites. The part I enjoyed the most about the Wolfsonian was the history we learned as we were looking at the pieces of art. We learned the history of Miami within it too.
Finishing off the semester, we went to the Frost Art Museum at FIU. It was a cool experience and was a good way to end the semester- right where we started, at FIU. Overall, this semester with Art in Miami has been a great experience and I would one hundred percent recommend it to anyone else.

David Swisstack is a sophomore in the Honors College at Florida International University and a Business Analytics major pursuing a job at a major entertainment company. He enjoys anything he finds interesting at the time, diving deep into rabbit holes of things from coffee and espresso to cruise ships and roller coasters. Art has always surrounded him, but has always looked at it with little detail and in a passive manner. He is excited to learn more about the art world and cannot wait to come back with a new perspective on contemporary art in Miami.

David Swisstack: Art Encounter as Text Spring 2024

I always knew Miami had a diverse art culture. I was surrounded by artistic structures around the city and would always point out when I saw a new one as a kid. However, I’ve never really looked more into it than the surface level. I’ve never seen the walls of Wynwood or gone into the Perez Art Museum, mainly because I was more swayed by things like Zoo Miami or the Frost Science Museum. However, I want this perspective I have on art to change, and look more into it than the “boring surface level” perception I’ve had for most of my life. Miami is one of the most culturally diverse and interesting cities in the world, and its relatively recent incorporation, it is a haven for contemporary art.

However, I was shocked to hear just how much this rang true, considering Miami is considered one of the leading cities in the world for contemporary art. This sparked my curiosity, as I had no idea the extent of Miami’s art scene, and now, with this class, I want to learn more. I had recently taken Professor John Bailly’s Miami in Miami class, and enjoyed the structure and immersion that course had to offer, and would love to continue to expand upon that class with Miami’s art scene, which deserves a class in and of itself.

I always knew that Miami specialized in contemporary art, but admittedly, I feel like in the past I’ve looked down on contemporary art as not being as creative or detailed as art from past centuries, like Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci. I felt like my perception of art was that of classic paintings and structures, like the Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel, with detail and subjects behind them. When learning about these in history class, they grabbed my attention due to their detail and the processes to achieve them. Contemporary art seemed more to me like reactionary works, based off of life experiences and difficult topics rather than idealism and important figures. In reality, I don’t think I fully understood contemporary art, and now am intrigued to learn about its diversity and creativity, especially relating to topics that affect us now and today, and spark discussions and debate about tough topics that I would be hesitant to talk about otherwise.

In this class, I want to approach these collections with a blank slate, and find new meaning in contemporary art, and hopefully come out with an appreciation and knowledge of Miami’s art culture that I have not had before. I am most looking forward to visiting the Perez Art Museum, mainly because of the recency of its opening, its modern design, and its proximity to the Frost Science Museum, and since I walked right by the Perez Art Museum when visiting the Frost museum, I always wanted to know what was inside. I look forward to taking this class, and cannot wait to see the full extent of Miami’s diverse and world class contemporary art scene.

David Swisstack: Norton as Text Spring 2024

The Norton Museum was all around an amazing experience, and seeing so many influential artworks left and right was absolutely stunning. One of the artworks that captivated me the most was Monet’s Nymphéas painting, which felt more like a window to another world than a stagnant painting. The details such as the color blending, reflections, and the details in the sky that could be made out as you walked further away showed the amount of depth in a seemingly innocent image of water lilies. As I walked up close to the painting, it looked just like strokes of paint, with little coherence between them. As I continued to step back, more and more elements began to blend together, and the image felt like it came alive as the reflections and sky began to move and separate itself from the water, making it feel as if there was a world beyond the frame.

I began to think to myself, “why is it that this painting, of something that just seems small and mundane, feels so distinct by itself?” After seeing many paintings that depicted tall and complex architecture, with mountainous backgrounds and realistic scenes, this one painting of something as simple as water lilies seemed to catch my attention more than the rest. I feel mainly as if there are so many huge events, places, and experiences in life that we go through and we forget all the small worlds that lie in plain sight, and this painting is a perfect example of that. The calmness of the water, the reflections of the clouds and the blue sky, and the colors of the lilies all blend together perfectly, and part of what makes this painting so different from the rest is that it makes you feel like you are actually there, feeling the wind on your face, hearing the water flow, and seeing the small ripples along the water all around the lilies. Obviously, paintings of large and iconic architecture that can only be found in one place on the globe are much harder to experience than what Monet has depicted here, but I feel like that’s one of the reasons this painting works so well. The viewer can not only experience water lilies through Monet’s work, but can then go to a garden or pond near them and experience it for themselves, with the painting having unlocked an opportunity for them to fully be in the moment and enjoying something that hundreds of people pass without a second thought given the rigors of daily life.

I remember when I went on my first walk through the cypress swamp in the Everglades. I was extremely cautious and nervous walking inside, because I had no idea what to expect or watch out for. In addition, walking into the swamp just seemed like a thick and dirty forest of trees, with nothing interesting to see, and it would have been easy to just drive past without a second thought. However, as soon as I walked in, the landscape opened up and I was met with natural beauty unmatched by anything I’d ever seen before. On the outside, it seemed like just another forest, but on the inside, it was a whole new world. I feel like this is a great comparison to both Monet’s painting and the real experience of seeing a pond full of water lilies. As I walked further away from the painting, the seemingly ordinary paint strokes transformed and became full of life and motion, much like when driving past a pond or lake everything goes so fast and seems motionless, but when getting out of the car and just taking a moment to stop and enjoy the scenery, more and more becomes clear and noticeable, whether it’s the sound of the water, the shadows of fish under the water, or the humid wind on your face. This painting not only shows that even the most ordinary thing can become extraordinary, but there is so much more to life that makes everything, even the smallest detail, worth experiencing.

David Swisstack: Marguiles/Locust as Text Spring 2024

The Marguiles collection at the WAREhOUSE was an incredible and interesting experience that definitely left me in awe at just how so many world class works were presented in such an unassuming building. Although many left a lasting impression, the work that stood out the most to me, surprisingly, was L’Hospice by Gilles Barbier. It depicts extremely well known pop culture icons (comic book/cinematic superheroes) and shows them in an elderly state in various humorous positions to show that what they were known for applies no longer, and the heroes that they once were are now stuck in the past.

I feel like more than any other culture, this applies to the “throwaway” and “convenience” culture that consumerism has us trapped in. Things may seem new, shiny, and convenient when we first buy them, much like how superheroes are often depicted- as strong, powerful, and intelligent. But what may not be visible behind the surface are things like cheap materials and sacrifices of mass production. Suddenly what seems new and convenient starts breaking down, becoming less trendy, or becoming completely useless. Social media product trends are more prevalent than ever, and people create use cases for products they don’t need just because of the fear of missing out, which in turn can soon add more to the heaps of waste gathered in our landfills today. We invest more in names than the quality of the product, and it soon becomes a battle of which name can gather the most traction rather than which product will last and work for the longest time. Just like popular culture like what is depicted in the artwork, trends come and go, and it can be extremely destructive to the planet to continue to acquire “the next big thing” only for it to become obscure months later and thrown away, causing more harm in a product that didn’t even last. However, trends and culture help shape our society, and it is important to recognize their place.

Due to popular culture, we have iconic stories, movies, products, and artworks that have transcended generations and do end up lasting. It is possible to continue to appreciate and respect popular culture while respecting the planet as well, without spending needless money on goods or services we don’t need. It is important to remember that our lives are full of investments, both small and large, and the ultimate goal of investments are to improve our lives and to continue to last as long as possible. Much like the superheroes in the sculpture, when things work as intended, they are powerhouses with advanced experimental technology and brand new internals, but much like pop culture icons that have lasted through the years, it is the quality of the product and the work behind it that is ultimately what shines, and not what seems “new.” Focusing on the quality behind the facade and name, the story behind the flashy and trendy colors, and the future of our investments can help reduce our negative impacts on the planet’s ever accumulating waste and continue to live like superheroes and not like the sculpture of people that once were powerful and popular but like all things and trends, have passed with time.

David Swisstack: Art Wynwood as Text Spring 2024

Having had the chance to explore the Art Wynwood event, one thing really stood out to me, which was that although Pablo Picasso held Wifredo Lam’s works in high regards and held a lasting relationship with Lam, until now I had only heard the name of Picasso and have never once heard the name of Lam. It got me thinking, how often does this happen and what separates someone whose legacy is cemented from someone whose name gets forgotten and whose legacy remains widely unknown? Listening to a myriad of different music artists has given me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship and planning that goes behind releasing a track and making it available for buying/streaming, but it also gave me a new perspective on how musicians and artists doing revolutionary things can easily get buried over all the popular songwriters and singers and never have a chance to be discovered. This gave me the question on how difficult is it to be noticed in this day and age and how many revolutions go unnoticed day to day? In this digital era where more and more becomes dependent on social media, computers, and digital messaging, how many people perform great tasks or create amazing projects only to be noticed by few and no more? Given that there’s more opportunities than ever before to be creative in more ways than ever before, unique things are being done over and over, but sadly because of this digital age, less of it is becoming noticed, and more of it is becoming replaced by artificial copies or people who have already cemented their names and achieved global fame and attention.

This made me ask another question: that being, “What does fame really entail?” Is fame about people who have the money to be able to plaster their name everywhere on social media or is fame about those who have achieved revolutionary and unique ideas never done before in the history of humanity? Fame, to me, doesn’t seem as clear cut as it may look upon first glance, and although fame can be earned through hard work and sacrifice, the same hard work and sacrifice can also leave someone completely unnoticed, much like how the average person who knows very little about art may know names like Van Gogh or Pablo Picasso, but will never know about many other revolutionary artists because their names aren’t as widespread or well known.

At the end of the day, I believe we are to do what is best for ourselves, the planet, and those around us, and getting caught up in our own popularity and public perception can become something dangerous and unhealthy if we let it consume our lives. Our lives are full of choices that effect everything around us, and it is up to us to choose how our lives are to unfold, whether it is cementing our legacy for decades to come or choosing to silently make the world a better place.

David Swisstack: Art Emerson Dorsch/Rubell as Text Spring 2024

At the Rubell museum, there were amazing and tantalizing works of art that left me thinking about the bigger picture that the art is trying to achieve. However, none had more of an impact on me than what appears to first be an innocent and silly group of sculptures of dogs on stilts. The artwork is named “Dogs from Your Childhood” and this perfectly encapsulates the phrase “there is more to this than meets the eye.” The sculpture of three cartoonish looking dogs walking on stilts surrounding a bowl of food/water at first glance seems playful and innocent. However, after gathering the context of what is occurring, it soon becomes apparent that because each dog is on stilts, they will never be able to reach their food bowl because they cannot bend down enough to reach it. If they do manage to swing their legs inward enough so that they can reach the food bowl, then they will most likely hurt themselves and have difficulty getting back up on the stilts to walk any more. Each dog has a face that seems calm, yet somber, and they may only be starting to realize the gravity of their situation.

Not many works of art that I’ve seen have truly reflected or shown a true “hopeless” situation such as this one, and can be traced back in many ways to situations people may be facing in their day to day lives. People who feel hopeless about the current political climate, their jobs, or their work may feel like they are in the same place as the dogs in this artwork, and never feel like they achieve resolution or the “food bowl” in their lives. Like the dogs, they may not show panic or fear but may feel as if they have a mundane schedule or meaningless life.

I’ve definitely felt this way, especially in the past when dealing with my own depressive episodes. Whether it’s a low point at school or losing a friend, it was easy for life to feel hopeless or meaningless, and thinking about the future was just an empty shell with no plans or goals that I felt like I could physically achieve. Now being in college, those feelings have subsided, and my “stilts” have become less of a burden as I can finally see a clear path towards my future.

I believe it is important for us to embrace the abnormal, the breaks from our daily schedule, and the times that we get to do something outside of the ordinary. Making plans for the future or trying something new was extremely refreshing for me, and made it feel like life wasn’t so hopeless for me.

It is also important to point out that everyone has their own “stilts” that they may be going through at any time, and it is important to treat everyone with respect and dignity, because the human experience is extremely complex and filled with as many hopeful moments as hopeless ones, and that we are, in a way, truly what is being portrayed in “Dogs from Your Childhood.”

David Swisstack: Perez Art Museum Miami as Text

Gary Simmons’ Public Enemy exhibit was an extremely interesting and powerful exhibition that brought up many important questions about the history of racism, social justice, and diversity in our country and our society. One of the most impactful works for me was the boxing ring work, in which two robes labelled “us and them” were ready to be worn in a boxing match. This simple collection of robes, boxing gloves, and a small ring speaks volumes on how we perceive others and how others can perceive us. Sometimes we wear one of these “robes” ourselves without even knowing, and in a flash we can switch to the other one during the following social encounter.

Most of the time, when we’re in our comfort zone, we are wearing the “Us” robe. We live in a community of people we know, who we are used to, and who we respect and share beliefs with. We feel safe around them, and usually always have good interactions with them. However, we may view people who we don’t recognize or aren’t part of our neighborhood as “Them,” such as tourists, people from other countries, people who don’t speak our language, or even those who may not share our same beliefs and ideals. However, this is all from our own point of view. It switches going to their point of view. While you might view that person as a “Them in a group of Us,” they may view themselves as an “Us in a group of Them.”

When we are in a place we are familiar with, we can confidently wear the robe that is labelled “Us”, as we are comfortable with the people and the surroundings. However, that all changes when we go somewhere we don’t know, where we soon change our robe and are viewed as a “Them” by those who see you as an outsider and those who may not share your same views and beliefs. Social situations may become more awkward, and you may not be able to interact with others the same way you interact with those in your own area. This is especially prevalent when you don’t look, dress, or act like those people, and you seem like an outlier. The same thing can happen when someone moves into a place that you consider safe and they suddenly have those same experiences, and soon they are the outlier and are treated as a “Them.”

Personally, I believe that some of these micro judgements we have of others who aren’t part of our comfort zone are subconscious and comes with the comfort of the society we were brought up in, and although we may not notice it, we judge others all the time, whether it be knowingly or unknowingly. It is important, given this, to at all times treat everyone with respect and dignity, especially those who we do not know or who do not share our own beliefs and ideals, as they may feel judged always and may feel uncomfortable visiting a new place or being treated differently because of the color of their skin or the religion they follow. I believe that the real “Us” should be the human race, and knowing we are all part of the same species, in the rollercoaster of life, can help us appreciate that although we may be very different in some aspects, we are still very much the same in others.

David Swisstack: Wolfsonian as Text

In FIU’s impressive Wolfsonian museum, many works depicting important moments in history were showcased. However, a work by Arnold Wiltz named Liquidation stood out to me as an impactful and detailed work depicting industrialization and the Great Depression period. A place of worship is seen being dismantled with a jackhammer as the tattered paint is seen peeling off of it, with power lines being installed in the background as industrialization sets in.

I feel like this work highlights the ever-changing nature of our modern world. Everything that was once new becomes old once more after no time at all, and technological advances continue to happen at an even faster rate than ever before. Things that we once called familiar are disappearing before our very eyes, and childhood locations that we cherished are becoming demolished. This is also highlighted in the painting, as a place of worship, which people once congregated and was a place of familiarity and togetherness, is being taken down by jackhammers and soon to be replaced. During the financial struggle of the Great Depression, many places and businesses were unable to continue, including many places that were once cherished by many. Industrialization spread to more and more places, and many rural areas struggled while others were completely changed. Something that we could compare that to today is the Covid-19 pandemic, where familiar and locally owned businesses closed their doors as they could not continue because of the crisis that was happening. Just as depicted in the work, they were demolished and replaced with something new.

However, in the work, even though dark grey clouds cover the background, sunlight is seen breaking through the clouds. I believe that this light offers a new perspective in our ever changing world, and we can choose to embrace all the unique new places and experiences that come with them. Although we will miss the old places that were once familiar to us, we can still be excited about technological advances and continuing innovation.

I also believe this can be applied to our everyday lives as well, especially as university students. As a sophomore, FIU has become a familiar place where I’ve created my own routine and been to many of the places the campus has to offer. However, once I graduate, I have to leave the familiar setting of FIU and look for a job, where everything will become unfamiliar once again. Each struggle in life, such as financial struggles, moving to a new place, getting a job, and switching schools can be a transition to something that we aren’t fully comfortable with yet, but we can embrace the light in the darkness and see the good in the unfamiliar. This doesn’t mean appreciating our past is something we should not do, but as we appreciate all the things we have gone through to get to this moment, we can look towards the future and see all the things we will continue to experience for the rest of our lives.

David Swisstack: Art Final Reflection As Text

I knew my perspective on the Miami art scene would change after taking this class, but I was not prepared for how drastic this change would be. Upon seeing multiple world class collections in many different spaces, it is evident that Miami’s art scene is among one of the best in the world and is ever changing and vibrant. Even walking around Lincoln Road and Wynwood, I noticed art collections and galleries left and right, with thousands of works. It was amazing to meet artists in residence and have a detailed look at their creative process, and to see the amount of effort and thought that goes into each work- from using screens to molding with plaster or weaving using only natural dyes, each artist has their own process that reflects not only the world around us but the uniqueness of all of us as human beings. There is no “one” approach to art, the endless world of art has been reflected in each of the places I visited in this class.

From the more traditional paintings that were prevalent in the Norton Museum to the modern and rule breaking works at the Margulies warehouse, I soon garnered an extensive appreciation for each artistic medium I was able to see during our classes with Professor Bailly.

However, I think the most valuable aspect of many of the modern works we discussed in class was the relevant issues each of them brought up. The power of art to bring up controversial issues in an interesting and new light is something I garnered a special appreciation for, and it was special to see different time periods and struggles being represented in such creative ways. Not only did these bring up important issues, but they sparked conversation within our class and healthy debate between one another. The power of art to focus on topics that are traditionally considered uncomfortable only gives each piece more impact, seeing a work that shows a topic that makes us uneasy only helps to spark more discussion and show the true impact of these heavy relevant issues.

With all that said, this was an engaging and interesting course that made me want to explore more of Miami’s art scene. There’s an endless variety of engaging and beautiful artworks all around, each reflecting both the artist and the world around them, and through this class, I appreciated just how much art is ingrained in our culture and how creative expression such as art has been such a huge and unique part of the human race. Before this class, I truly underestimated how unique art could be and how many different emotions and discussions each work could bring up. Even something that seemed simple in concept had its own process and unique thinking behind it. Through meeting artists, experiencing exhibitions, making art myself, and learning about different mediums of expression, Art In Miami will forever leave behind cherished memories and a newfound appreciation of the world class art scene in the city that I call home.

Photograph of Yana Judah taken by Lillie P. (Miami, Florida 2023) // CC by 4.0

Yana Judah is a junior at Florida International University (FIU) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Certificate in Chinese Studies. A proud Miami native with Caribbean roots, she grew up with faith, strong family ties, and a deep love for the performing arts. While she enthusiastically studies to earn her degree and certificate, she continues to involve herself in the music space by playing guitar with her family band, engaging in jazz vocal instruction, and releasing original projects. Her two-year dedication to marching trombone with FIU’s very own Wertheim Marching Band is a source of accomplishment and joy.

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Art Encounter as Text

“Jared Small” by Yana Judah of FIU on January 18th, 2024

Jared Small’s Black Gold at SCOPE 2023 (Photo by Yana Judah // CC by 4.0)

On December 6th, 2023, Professor Bailly’s Miami in Miami class ventured into unfamiliar territory: Miami Art Week. This was a far cry from our usual physically demanding (at least to someone like myself) excursions of long walks, hiking, or canoeing. Throughout these course meetings, we definitely examined both hedonistic and religious artworks, stylistic buildings, and architectural themes. However, the focus of intensity on pure art was unquestionably exhibited at Miami Art Week. This is what I consider to be my first formal introduction to the art world, and this is also where I laid eyes on Black Gold (image included above) at SCOPE. 

Your eyes instantly soak in the gold leaf left hand clasping the black right hand; you see the white flowery headpiece with hints of orange circling the woman’s braided bun. You wonder about their meaning and admire their elegance. Yet, as breathtaking as this piece is (it’s currently my phone’s wallpaper), up until five minutes ago, I did not know who formed this stunning piece. 

Jared Small is his name (“Jared Small”). And frankly, I am slightly embarrassed not to have sought it out sooner. After all, producing such a piece requires both creativity and the mastery to execute it. I am still determining why I did not have the conviction to recall the artist’s name, especially when the artwork seized my attention. Perhaps it was an honest case of not being thorough. Or, daringly enough, might I say, I did not show enough respect or consideration for the artist. This, in particular, hits a delicate spot for me, as I am a lover of music both as a listener and performer. When there is a song I am in tune with, I always attempt to find the musician’s name. Why didn’t I pay the same dues to Jared Small?

As this new semester begins with Professor Bailly’s Art in Miami course, I aim to expand my familiarity with the art space: I want to recognize pieces and debate their meaning; I want to recall the respective artist’s name with confidence. Moreover, I want to explore Miami’s art scene with renewed eyes. Last semester, we unearthed the multilayers of Miami’s history, internal battles, and beauty. Hopefully, I, and every student in Art in Miami, can reflect on truths previously uncovered and detect similar themes in the artwork. Hopefully, we can connect the dots between Miami’s history and the level of persuasion it plays on both native and non-native artists. 

Wildly enough, despite being a native Miamian, my understanding of art as it pertains to my city is limited. Now, sure, I am accustomed to Miami art and its artist being praised for their extreme originality and multicultural backgrounds. However, if called for, I do not have much information to enlighten a conversation – well, outside of generalities (that even a non-Miami native could pick up on). 

Nevertheless, I am certainly thrilled to begin this pathway of learning something new, especially since it pertains to my home. I’ll start by remembering Jared Small’s name.

Works Cited

“Jared Small.” David Lusk Gallery, dlg-craft.frb.io/artists/jared.small.

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Norton as Text

“Go Away, Find Yourself” by Yana Judah of FIU at Norton Museum of Art on January 19th, 2024

Right: Jan Wellens De Cock’s Temptation of Saint Anthony | Left: Henri-Joseph Harpignies’ Landscape with a Woman On a Road | Norton Museum of Art 2024 (Yana Judah// CC by 4.0)

Within FIU’s community, there is an abundance of students who experience blessings and privileges daily, myself included. Leading enriched lives—ones with weekend family dinners with grandma, laughable post-class volleyball matches, and intense pizza-game nights with dormmates. We have access to food, water, shelter, and a proper shot at a quality academic pursuit. But that does not mean we are void of suffering. 

Crippling anxiety, social anxiety, friends, fake friends, insincere intentions, counterfeit personalities, kindness abused and misused, heartbreak and heartache, inquiries of graduation dates, conversations of family legacy, job security, thirteen-an-hour wages, dialogs about student loans, failing a pre-requisite class, stress hinders your sleep, but you need to sleep, you can’t miss class, temptations to drop, bracing for the future, facing your past, and you feel the weight of every choice or lack thereof on your shoulders. 

Through this feeling of weighted suffering, through this turbulent, individual journey we all go through, we must keep focus on the big picture. Whether it is graduating on time or, hey, even graduating period, to prevail, we must eliminate dangerous distractions and focus: protect our dreams, protect our peace, and protect our goals. We must stay on the path amidst the hell close to us. 

This reality, which I give from the perspective of college students, is the first thought that dashed through my mind when our Art in Miami class visited the Norton Museum of Art and laid eyes on the Temptation of Saint Anthony. 

Titled Temptation of Saint Anthony and painted by Jan Wellens De Cock, it is the leftmost painting pictured above this blog post. It depicts the legend of Saint Anthony, a recluse “living alone in the desert, where he was repeatedly tempted and taunted by devils” (Norton Museum of Art). The legend is portrayed clearly in De Cock’s painting. Saint Anthony is shown concentrating on an open Bible while chaos ensues around him. There is a multitude of temptations and distractions. Moreover, the collapse of a society is revealed through fiery explosions. Yet, Saint Anthony remains steadfast, focused on the Bible, which is his task – much like how our task in college is to stay aligned with our goals. 

Staying faithful to your purpose may prove challenging, as Saint Anthony is encircled with evils, but that is just a reminder of why seeking peace of mind is critical and crucial. The notion of finding solace and longing for it is a concept I witnessed in another painting at the Norton Museum of Art, Landscape with a Woman On a Road, by Henri-Joseph Harpignies. It is the rightmost painting pictured above this blog post. 

The title is justified through the depiction; a woman in the distance walks a trail, but not in haste. She moves at her own pace up a landscape of greenery. She is alone, but she does not appear lonely. The woman is at peace or perhaps on the way to find it. As she moves, I feel the nature immediate to her replenish her spirit. To gain stability, she needed to go away. 

And perhaps that is the most powerful takeaway from both Landscape with a Woman On a Road and Temptation of Saint Anthony. The world is chaotic, with often hurtful amounts of pain, high pressure, and arm-twisting uncertainties. We have our goals and have no choice but to fight for them, lest we quit. If we are overwhelmed, with our peace at risk, perhaps the antidote is to go away and find yourself.

Works Cited

De Cock, Jan Wellens. “Temptation of Saint Anthony.” circa 1520-1525, Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach.

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Margulies/Bakehouse as Text

“Articulation” by Yana Judah of FIU at Margulies Collection at the Warehouse on February 2nd, 2024

Mimmo Paladino’s LABYRINTHUS at Margulies Collection 2024 (Photo by Yana Judah // CC by 4.0)

I have a profound curiosity when someone speaks. When someone speaks, every word serves to contribute to their vision. The words weave a palpable notion of what is being expressed. And in a powerful fashion, they allow you to enter their world and give you an opportunity – an attempt – to see what they see, to feel how they feel. Some are better than others at articulating their intended message. And when you are in the presence of someone in full control – you can’t help but listen. 

On February 2nd, 2023, our Art in Miami class visited the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse and had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Margulies himself. And within ten seconds of hearing him speak, I knew our class was in for a real treat. 

Mr. Margulies’ humorous and stellar story-telling abilities, in combination with his first-hand knowledge, brought to fruition an art history lesson of vibrancy. He explained how Marcel Duchamp, the forefather of conceptual art, shocked the world with his artwork, Fountain – a piece consisting of a urinal (Tate). Mr. Margulies elaborated on Duchamp’s challenge to traditional art ideas, such as repurposing objects, of who was considered to be an artist, and most significantly, the concept that the idea presented in the art was more important than the execution (Tate). 

With this in mind, our class viewed The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse with pure fascination – conceptual art all around us. We saw ideas of destruction and rebirth, failure and perfectionism, identity and its revocation, knowledge and hidden truths, remembrance of youth and the realities of aging – all embedded in the various pieces. 

One artwork that stood out to me above the rest portrayed a different idea, at least in my interpretation; it was one of articulation. Titled LABYRINTHUS and created by Mimmo Paladino, it is pictured above this blog post. When I first laid eyes on LABYRINTHUS, it genuinely made me stop and think for a while. As a matter of fact, after class, I made it a point to circle back and reevaluate it, just for a bit longer. 

The lute, placed at the bottom of the piece, is encircled in a labyrinth of brass lines. Centered is an image of, assumably, a man’s head with his face partially turned away. To me, the multiple brass lines represent what happens when you play a musical instrument, such as a guitar, or when you improvise jazz lines when singing. Your mind, represented by the man’s head, is racing, attempting to form a coherent idea to present to the world. Many often experience this feeling when trying to express ourselves; perhaps we aren’t as articulate as we hope to be. It is funny since articulation has its own meaning in music, too, referring to the level of clarity you wish your notes to produce. 

We may not all possess Mr. Margulies’ natural aptitude for communicating, but I think that’s why we hold a respective appreciation for specialties like art. Through art, ideas and concepts can be fully expressed and fully felt without spoken words. The art itself speaks in total governance.

Works Cited

Tate. “‘Fountain ‘, Marcel Duchamp, 1917, Replica 1964 | Tate.” Tate, http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/duchamp-fountain-t07573. 

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Art Wynwood as Text

“The Pursuit of Happiness” by Yana Judah of FIU at Art Wynwood on February 16th, 2024

Anthony “Nino” Sarti’s The First Bouquet at Art Wynwood 2024 (Photo by Anthony “Nino” Sarti // (“Nino” Sarti.))

The harsh reality of the arts is that garnering financial success is notoriously difficult. To instantly emerge as one of the greats is rare; to be a household name while you are alive is a phenomenon; and earning enough capital to be comfortable, let alone stay afloat – well, it often amounts to an unfulfilled fantasy. Yet, and still, the dream to solely focus on your creatives hangs on. 

To combat these circumstances, artists will often become actively engaged in their art worlds, both at home and abroad, to market their pieces and build rapport – Art Wynwood is a sure representation of this. And we, in Professor Bailly’s Art in Miami course, had the incredible opportunity to receive a complimentary entry to Art Wynwood. 

Art Wynwood is a masterpiece – a formal collaboration featuring artists worldwide – a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic melting pot of art portrayed in various mediums. During this fair, we had our class lecture, and afterward, we were allowed to explore solo or in groups. Through this post-class exploration, my friend and I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to the gifted and very humorous (indeed, an emphasis on humor) Mr. Anthony “Nino” Sarti. 

Mr. Sarti was an absolute joy to talk to, bringing a fresh and personal perspective on the current status of the art world. This was particularly beneficial for students such as ourselves who are unfamiliar with the circumstances that artists like himself must circumvent. The best way to understand the game is from someone embedded in it. 

Hailing from the Bronx but currently studying at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Sarti detailed the elaborate process he has to complete even one of his paintings: he meticulously stretches each canvas and crafts a custom frame for each individual piece. As he prefers to use acrylic paste and paint, which dries relatively quickly, it is often a race against the clock to finish (NINO SARTI). The results, however, are worth the labor; his paintings are mesmerizing as they exhibit movement and folds of texture. Moreover, Mr. Sarti chooses to retain the originality of each piece by not mass-producing his pieces. Instead, he opts to create a series of a piece. Each piece is distinctive and contains a story in its own right; when placed together, the series shows a timeline of artistic progression, a more extensive narrative encapsulated.  

Mr. Sarti’s art is beautiful. It has been featured in art galleries across the United States and movies from Tyler Perry Studios and DC Comics (NINO SARTI). He is exceptional. Despite his successes, as he’s explained to my friend and me, there remains stressful variables. What should you price your art for? Is the price dependent on labor, solely on market value, or a combination of both? Which art curator should you commit to? Which artist will you do a joint exhibition with, and how will the expenses be divided? What types of advertising can you afford, and what is the timeline for a breakthrough? How do you earn the attention of prominent collectors and art dealers? 

These are valid concerns and all valid grounds for any artist to consider halting or limiting their artistic endeavors, but as Mr. Sarti professes, “Pursue your passions…be original!” (NINO SARTI). I choose to believe this sentiment is what carries the dream forward. Pursuing your passions is a beautiful reminder that maybe success, while very much so, can be partially attributed to monetary or popularity gains, is foundationally one’s commitment to personal fulfillment – happiness. Maybe that alone, at least for some, is enough to sustain the dream. 

As my friend and I wandered towards the next booths, our conversation with Mr. Sarti concluding with a joke and a farewell, we pondered the heaviness of what he shared and mutually applauded his active pursuit of passion: not everyone has the guts. May it be coincidence or happenstance, we found ourselves pausing at Ms. Elizabeth Clement’s gallery booth, an art dealer at Art Wynwood (“About — Liz Clement Fine Art and Contemporary”). Our inevitable conversation, although beginning with us questioning her on the intriguing pieces in her booth, somehow concluded with her warmly yet firmly encouraging us to pursue our dreams and passions. Perhaps that was confirmation. 

I extend my gratitude to both Mr. Sarti and Ms. Clement. It can feel destabilizing when you consider that doing what you love may not pay the bills. However, it is more destabilizing to consider perpetual unhappiness. 

Works Cited

Liz Clement Fine Art & Contemporary. “About — Liz Clement Fine Art & Contemporary,” n.d. https://www.lizclementfineart.com/about-1.

“Nino” Sarti., Anthony, [nino_sarti]. “The First Bouquet. 72 X 60 Acrylic Paste.” Instagram, 5 Jan. 2024.

Sarti, Anthony. NINO SARTI. 2024. Art Wynwood Fair, Pamphlet/Business Card.

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Rubell/Emerson Dorsch as Text

“The Price of Honesty” by Yana Judah of FIU at Rubell/Emerson Dorsch on March 8th, 2024

Karon Davis’ Family at Rubell Museum 2024 (Photo by Yana Judah // CC by 4.0)

Each Art in Miami blog post encourages us to capture our class ventures to a singular subject, experience, or overarching theme and reflect accordingly. Personally, however, this is a tad of a challenge when we visit multiple locations during the same class; the complexity of choice increases, as it may involve selecting one museum or galley over the other.

So, on March 8th, when we visited the Rubell Museum and the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, I truly contemplated which space to write about. Perhaps this was silly of me: why not do a coin toss or write about the more memorable one? The issue, which conceivably is not an issue at all, was that both places offered such striking authenticity. It is this choice to be authentic that connects the Rubell Museum and the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, and it is this same choice that invites me to speak on both. 

Our first stop, the Rubell Museum, embraced us with open arms. Early access before the official public opening was a delight. And as our class made our way through the museum, we had the rare opportunity to see exhibits featuring Black artists such as Karon Davis, Sonia Boyce, Glenn Ligon, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, and Henry Taylor, and boy, did these artists not fail to represent.  

As a Black American, witnessing their creative output was emotional; feeling relatability was painful but precious. Their works echo the commonalities of our shared hurt. Underrepresented, underappreciated, overlooked, misunderstood, and viewed as less: less prestigious, less qualified, less valuable—yet more dangerous. In culmination, producing an ache that is difficult to describe and even greater to experience first-hand. 

So, when our class soaked in the symbolism of Karon Davis’ sculpture Family, tears fell. The sculpture portrays a Black family: a father, mother, and son embracing in a hug. The child, school-aged, carries a backpack. The parents are sending him off to school but are apprehensive. Manifested via their somber expressions: they know their child will not be safe; they know he may not return home (Davis). The family is entrenched in a rigged game, one in which they are meant to be hunted, meant to be slaughtered, and they know this. A stressful existence is not an existence. 

Sprouted from each of their heads are antlers, child included. Ms. Davis cleverly justifies this placement as a talisman, allowing the family to “[transcend] the pain but also [provide] protection over [their] young son” (Davis). Maybe, just maybe, the family unit will survive. But, maybe. 

So, perhaps the extent of this complicated anxiety will never be fully grasped with words alone, and possibly I am doing a lackluster job connecting Family to the Black experience. But when you see the sculpture, you feel it. And I felt it, and those in my class felt it. The mere idea of this unsettling reality haunted us.

The Rubell Museum made a deliberate choice to provide space for mentally confrontational artwork by permitting a ghastly truth to be revealed. If this sheer honesty were stifled, so would the potential reconciliations between Black Americans and their hope for a peaceful livelihood. 

Although the Emerson Dorsch Gallery covers separate points of conversation from the Rubell Museum, it also relates to themes of openness. Upon entry, Emerson Dorsch Director Ibett Yanez del Castillo and Art Preparator Daniel Clapp made us feel at home. Moreover, we were greeted with candid conversations about managing a gallery: hauling delicate equipment, weighing the pros and cons of keeping an exhibit open, and probably the most taxing, the battle to break even. 

Ms. Castillo and Mr. Clapp elaborated: when participating in an art fair, you must sell VIP night or opening day. If not, chances are you will not sell for the entirety of the fair. That first day may determine your gallery’s future and whether or not you can break even, let alone make a profit. 

The conversation continued about the cynical nature of the art market, with artists receiving the short end of the stick. Often, if an artist is persuaded to sell their work, let’s say, initially for ten grand and their work is later again sold at an auction for millions, the artist does not receive a percentage. If contracts are drafted, they are often clouded with stipulations that can be overlooked—well, if you can afford the legal fees. 

The art market is volatile and frequently unethical. However, Ms. Castillo and Mr. Clapp facilitated a conversation with their expert knowledge, information they did not have to share and could have easily manipulated. 

In a world where honesty is a second-class citizen to convenience, it is incredibly hopeful to see those who reject norms for the sake of truth. This was my profound takeaway from the Rubell Museum and the Emerson Dorsch Gallery. Their sincerity shows a rich genuineness. Moreover, it speaks to a more consequential idea that we inherently understand honesty’s need but are often unwilling to commit to the process. But our reluctance comes with a price; see what happens when we are not. I urge you to mull over that nightmare.

Works Cited 

Davis, Karon. “Family.” Description. Rubell Museum, 2019.

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PAMM as Text

“Everforward (Neverback)” by Yana Judah of FIU at PAMM on March 29th, 2024

Gary Simmons’ Everforward… at PAMM 2024 (Photo by Yana Judah // CC by 4.0)

The eagerness to visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) was present from the get-go; its reputation is exceptional. Adding to the intrigue stemmed from Professor Bailly explaining that this tour, in particular, would be played out differently—a memorable experience in store for us, if you will: T. Elliot Mansa, an artist himself, would be guiding our tour. Mr. Mansa is accomplished, multidisciplinary, award-winning, and renowned for his ability to fuse “Southern vernacular aesthetics” into pieces that elicit the “radical imagination of viewers” (Luisa). Ultimately, his work encourages viewers to reflect on the racial-socio-political climate of their respective communities. 

However, might I respectfully edit Mr. Mansa’s impressive resume to include the following: a student of history. History inspires his works and is depicted in them. And in hindsight, post-PAMM-tour, it is clear that Mr. Mansa’s aptitude for history helped our Art in Miami class absorb the heaviness of the exhibition we would see: Gary Simmons: Public Enemy.

A contemporary artist hailing from the Big Apple, Gary Simmons merges the complex lines between race and class using sports, music, and cinema (Pérez Art Museum Miami). The output is somber materializations, often invoking charged emotions. Public Enemy is an unmistakable representation of this. 

Throughout Public Enemy, there was a common theme: the intentional removal of bodies. Not a single work showed a physical body—no, the body was implied by you and what you chose or, dare I say, what you were programmed to envision. This raises questions about who you are, but even more concerning, our society in the United States. Public Enemy included works like Lineup, showing the backdrop of a police lineup. There are no bodies, but there is a line of shoes with various sizes and brands. In another work, Disinformation Supremacy Board, a children’s classroom is shown, but there are no children present, and it appears unnaturally sterile. Both the chalkboard and chalk are white. To the left of this work hangs Ku Klux Klan uniforms; in horror, you realize they are intended for kids. You are forced to complete the image in both Lineup and Disinformation Supremacy Board. Who do you see, and why do you see what you see? 

Mr. Simmons’ art tells a story, one that involves what you conjure in your mind and one that speaks to the evergoing battle of history: past versus present. The totality of this idea is summarized in Mr. Simmons’ Everforward… shown above this blog post. Two white boxing gloves are hung via a thick white thread. Both have gold engravings with a light pink background: the left glove with “Everforward” and the right glove with “Neverback.” Both gloves, slightly below their main engravings, have a “Made in the U.S.A” label. 

We can recognize that boxing gloves, and per their purpose, indicate a fight and, in this case, a fight to move forward and avoid regression. It is poetic in many regards, as the Everforward glove is slightly behind the Neverback glove. It is as if Everforward is punching Neverback. It can also be interpreted as if both are working together to punch an unforeseen opponent, perhaps history attempting to make a repeat. The piece’s title contains an ellipsis at the end as if posing an almost questionable stance; perhaps it acts as a ghostly whisper: who will win the match? 

The idea of Neverback is housed within Public Enemy. Lineup and Disinformation Supremacy Board are only two of several examples demonstrating the past and its alarming acceptance of inequality and cruelty. We know never to return to such a way of life because it occurred so horrifically in the first place; an absolute tragedy. We must go forward. 

Interestingly enough, that same day at the PAMM, I believe our class experienced an “Everforward” moment. After Mr. Mansa’s tour, Professor Bailly brought our Art in Miami class to the third level of the PAMM, where we met Taylor Anderson, an artist in her own right. There, Ms. Anderson directed our class to create miniature zines, sharing crayons, markers, scissors, and magazines. While seemingly trivial, this activity symbolized progress; we are a multi-ethnic group of college students bonding through art while enjoying each other’s company. In retrospect, this is monumental: just fifty years ago, this would not have been normal, and one hundred years ago, this would have been a death sentence. As Mr. Mansa wisely expressed, “Everything normal someone fought for.” And that is the message of Everforward, a pursuit to forge ahead, with the past serving as a continuous cautionary guide.

Works Cited

Luisa. “T.Eliott_Mansa.” LnSGallery.com, 4 Aug. 2023, lnsgallery.com/t_eliott_mansa.

Pérez Art Museum Miami. “• Pérez Art Museum Miami.” Pérez Art Museum Miami, http://www.pamm.org/en/guide/gary-simmons-public-enemy/#MeetTheArtist.

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Wolfsonian as Text

“Seven Seconds” by Yana Judah of FIU at Wolfsonian on April 5th, 2024

Joseph Henry Gest (painter), Clemont J. Barnhorn (sculptor), and Baldwin Piano Company (manufacturer) American Art Piano at Wolfsonian-FIU 2024 (Photo by Yana Judah // CC by 4.0)

Seven seconds—the time a person typically reserves to focus on an artwork. Seven seconds to be ferried into the artist’s world, be momentarily soaked with their ideas, and, in return, produce a self-derived explanation of the art shown. Possibly, this is enough time to grasp the surface-level perspective, but conceivably, the deeper meaning remains unclear. Thus, maybe all that inhibits this clarity is time. 

Allow me to elaborate: On April 5th, the Wolfsonian–FIU received our Art in Miami class with quite an interactive tour. Led by Molly Channon, the Student and Academic Engagement Coordinator, we were introduced to the Wolfsonian’s founding and its progression to today, where it stands as a historical archive from 1850 to 1950, containing a museum and library (Florida International University – Digital Communications). Along the tour, we met with Luna Goldberg, the Assistant Director of Education, and Francis Luca, the Museum Chief Librarian, two generous individuals who assured us that the Wolfsonian serves as an accessible resource for FIU students and all those in the greater Miami area. 

However, I must be candid; the section of the tour that genuinely caught me off guard was one in which we collectively engaged in a writing exercise. Ms. Channon brought our class to the upper levels of the Wolfsonian, which currently houses the exhibition The Big World: Alternative Landscapes in the Modern Era. There, we were equipped with a stool, clipboard, paper, and pencil and given tasks: divide into teams of five and choose an art piece. When the team agreed on a piece, we would sit—the chosen piece at the focal point. 

Using our individual clipboards, we would pen a few sentences regarding the artwork: how it made us feel, why it made us feel, and what story we thought it conveyed—at this stage, all relevant thoughts would be worth writing. Upon finishing, we rotated clipboards, and the next team member wrote and continued the story—a living document, if you will. By the conclusion of this exercise, every student had a special composition of five writers telling one story. 

The artwork my team selected is displayed above this blog post: American Art Piano, created in a collaborative effort by Joseph Henry Gest (painter), Clemont J. Barnhorn (sculptor), and Baldwin Piano Company (manufacturer). The mahogany piano’s base is strong, but still allows for the various subtleties of brown to seep through. The body’s mid-drift is “ornamentally carved and painted,” featuring “pastoral landscapes” of three-dimensional nature (Gest, Barnhorn, and Baldwin). The legs are sturdy, including intricate carvings, and entirely positioned on a thick white frame. Moreover, the piano’s lid is lifted, as if welcoming even visitors to play. 

And as our team began to write, as we made the rounds exchanging our clipboards, it was clear that although we were peering at the same artwork, we would inevitably have five distinctive stories. But what a beautiful moment this was. We read each other’s responses, in turn encouraging our own: some choosing a philosophical route, others opting for a literal point of view. As a result, our clipboard stories were a joint effort containing a spectrum of perspectives. But this is what happens when seven seconds are prolonged to thirty minutes. 

Shoutout to my team, as it truly was a memorable experience with them. Below is what we wrote on my clipboard. The writers are in the following order, each separated by a paragraph: Yana J. (myself), Isabella C., Elianyi P., Lazaro M., and Amy G. 

Work Cited

Florida International University – Digital Communications. “About.” The Wolfsonian | Florida International University | FIU, wolfsonian.org/about.

Gest, Joseph Henry (painter), Clemont J. Barnhorn (sculptor), and Baldwin Piano Company (manufacturer). “American Art Piano, 1904.” Description. Wolfsonian-FIU, Mitchell Wolfson Jr. Collection. The Big World: Alternative Landscapes in the Modern Era, 2024.

“Untitled Writing Activity.” By Yana J., Isabella C., Elianyi P., Lazaro M., and Amy G. Personal experience, April 5, 2024.

Bianca McQueen is a junior at Florida international university who is pursuing a bachelor’s in marine biology. She loves anything to do with outdoors, animals, to paint, and watch sunsets. She is a transfer student from Chicago. She chose marine biology because she is passionate about rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals. She’s always ready for a new adventure and trying new foods. 

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Art Final Reflection as Text

“Artist Intentions” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University April 21, 2024

(Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

As I reflect back on this semester, the conversations, and stories we heard, all have left an impression on my heart and appreciation for art. Going into this class as a Marine Biology major and no real experience in the art community, I was unsure of the class would fully hold my interest and what I would take away from it. But as I’ve come to realize, art surrounds us in every aspect of our live, some obvious and some not. My pre assumptions of contemporary art was that it was fully interpretive and up to the viewer to choose the story, but this is also false. I’ve realized that they do have intentions and often times a beautiful story that is hidden within each detail.

A story that evolved over the process of just observing was at the Frost Art Museum by Hung Liu. At first glance you see the love affection between a protective figure and the baby along with beautiful flowers and carriages along the bottom. Before this course I would simply glance at an art piece for a few seconds and then keep walking. I would determine its beauty within the first few moments of looking at it and I wouldn’t even read the signs giving some background. I viewed art as simply something to admire but not necessary a story and lesson. When we were at the Frost Art Museum, I stopped to look at Hung Liu’s piece for a few minutes, I noticed the astonishing colors, the usage of light and shadows, and the protectiveness of the guardian over the young baby. I started to develop my own story, a grandma with her grandchild who is showing her the beauty of the world she is new to. She could be telling her stories of her own past and admiring the future that the baby holds. I thought the colors of the flowers stood out the most along with the beautifully depicted phoenix on the baby’s head. When we all came back as a group to hear from an educator at the museum she started to develop the true intentions of Hung Liu, it represents her mom along with the migration of her family and the appreciation of her old home. She also included the Mood Goddess looking at a moon to show the longingness for home. Each detail adds to her overall message and story. The one I came up with while looking at it for a few minutes didn’t fully captivate the artist’s intention. But when we took even more time to learn about the history of the artist and her purpose, the story evolved into something even more magnificent.

This class has challenged all my assumptions of art. Art can make people feel deeply, connect people, and raise awareness to social injustices. It’s a window into the soul of the artist and an escape for the viewer. Art is unique in the fact that it can be used in all careers and life paths. My biggest take away from this course is how to truly take in and admire pieces of artwork. How to not just look at it surface level but also understand the artist, point in time it was made, and the artist intention of making it. Often the idea contemporary art is linked to the notion that it is simplistic and without skill. For example, when people look at a piece done by Pablo Picasso, they say they could do it, but what they don’t understand is they could do it because Picasso already did it. He created an art style that no one had done yet, he was an innovator. One of my favorite conversations from this course took place at our first class together at the Norton Museum. Where we got a crash course in early European art, and we saw many impressing pieces that followed a specific tradition. So, when we saw Picasso’s work many were unimpressed and deemed it not very skillful. But our professor remined us that up to that point no one shift out of those traditions into a space that challenged the norm the way Picasso did. And his ability to escape that box has led to Cubism styles that we see in contemporary art today. 

If I ask myself the same question of what comes to mind when I think of contemporary art my answer would be story tellers and innovators. Each single piece we saw through this course has taught me something and each were done in unique ways. Now I can look at an artwork and be critical of it in a way that leads to understanding the artists story and intention that would help me develop a well-rounded admiration for the piece. 

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PAMM as Text

“History Through Art” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University March 31, 2024

(Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

Through this course I have come to realize that I appreciate art the most when it was an inspiring or meaningful story and narrative behind it. This was seen throughout the Perez Art Museum. A common theme of contemporary art is the fact that it doesn’t only represent or give superiority to European art the way that the traditional art world does. Instead, it’s a reflection of current events and allows other cultures styles to be admired. PAMM is filled with many complex styles, mediums, and stories.

We started with a piece called “Arte Constructivo” by Juilo Alpuy which is inspired by the theories of Constructive Universalism. Which is the idea that the world should be organized to promote human experiences that are based on unity and are universal. That even if its not specific directed towards a person they could still find a meaningful experience through it and helps enforce unity. Through Alpuy’s piece he is representing Uruguay traditions that are specific to his culture but is universal because individuals could relate it back to something of significance in their own life. Towards the top of the work there are two heads one that represent a man and one that represents a lady which could play into the idea of universal love or relationship. Another reason this piece stood out to me is the use of only three colors, red, blue, and yellow. Which is his way of deepening the complexity of his work and going back to the stylistic traditions of Latin America. 

The theory of Constructive Universalism is also seen in Joaquin Torres Garcia’s piece tittle “Construction con dos mascaras.” In which he displays ancient symbols that are from the Americas that have influence from the Mayan, Aedan, and Native American cultures. This piece was extremely unique from the ones we have seen thus far. It gives respect to underrepresented art traditions by depicting them in a way that shows their importance and beauty. A reason he did this is to stimulate a feeling of unity between people of different cultures and to advocate for the significance of the history of the Americas. 

My favorite aspect of this course is the ability to have unfiltered conversations about “controversial” topics. But these topics need to continue to be in the forefront of conversation and action. This idea was seen in Gary Simmons’s “Public Enemy” exhibit. Simmons is extremely talented with different mediums and as a unique ability to tell an impactful story. The name “Public Enemy” was inspired by a hip hop group that were known for their political messages against racism but is also a metaphor for the idea that African American people, specifically men, are seen as an antagonist against society in the eyes of some people and the media. To bring awareness to this narrative Simmons artwork sheds light on different aspects and stereotypes. An aspect that gave me goosebumps was the way that certain ideologies are taught to children in schools at a young age was shown. The desks Infront of a white chalk board with white chalk was a metaphor of white supremacy ideas that written in plain sight in our education systems. This was paired with a closet rack for kindergarten aged students which hung KKK garments, as a reminder of the racial injustices that are rooted in the foundation of the US government. And enforces the notion that these racial prejudices are taught, so in order to make a change we have to get to one of the roots of the problem which is our school systems.

To end our day, we became artist ourselves and found inspiration from all the materials around us. It reminded me of the importance of being creative and having an outlet to produce something. My “zine” wasn’t perfect nor looked amazing but the process of making it was satisfying enough for me, along with seeing what my peers made. PAMM displayed very unique art that once again told beautiful and impacting stories that made me reflect and ponder. 

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Rubell Museum as Text

“Valuable Reminders Through Art” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University March 17, 2024

(Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

The art in the Rubell museum told beautiful and impacting stories. We started our journey by escaping into Yayoi Kusama’s room, “Where the Lights in My heart Go” the lights reflection on the mirrors strangely remined me of being in the night life in downtown Chicago. It brought me back to being in my home city where the lights of the buildings at night were apart of its beauty. Linking this feeling to the name, my heart went home for the 30 seconds I was in the small room. Because of this I can only infer that Kusama hoped to bring people back to a place or thought that is deep within them. It’s subtle and simple yet the feelings it evokes is complex. This something that I find precious and unique about art and was seen all throughout the Rubell museum.

Another reason why contemporary art is beautiful is the fact that it brings inclusivity and sheds light on typical stereotypes. The large portrait of people of color sitting in an urban area doing ordinary activities was unique in the way that, a lot of the time, artwork with people of color is embolizing fighting or something bad. Instead, they were all comfortable and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, a picture that would usually be shown with white people. An interesting juxtaposition to this would be the parents hugging their child that has a backpack. The obvious story is that the child is going off to school, but the antlers that were added offer an entirely different story and feeling. Instead, the antlers could signify that these people are being “hunted” and the child is now in danger by being in the world and being a person of color. These two paired together offers a full story of what a lot of people have to go through based on skin color. At home the child is safe and protected but in the world the child could face dangers that are due to an unjust system. 

The idea of being desensitized to the unjust system is seen through Untitled by Christian Boltanski. This piece represents the essence of how overtime victims and survivors are forgotten or even overshadowed by the disaster that happened to them. Untitled exhibits photos of children that died during the Holocaust, whose picture is being blurred by the light above the. Once again, the piece itself is simple but the story gave me goosebumps. As a society we have gotten “used to” violence and crime when we hear it, it doesn’t shock us. When we a taught about wars, death, and murder in school we are simply told the facts and its often sugarcoated. But this piece is a reminder that events that took place during the Holocaust should shock and disturb us. What we hear on the news should make us realize that violence isn’t something we should be used to but instead stand up against.

Up to this point in our class we hadn’t fully heard the craziness of the art world behind the scenes. Ibett Yanez del Castillo and Daniel Clap at the Emerson Drosch gallery gave us a full and unfiltered idea of the true patient and dedication it takes to be a part of the art industry. Ibett touched on how no day is alike and that her work doesn’t stop when she gets home but instead it’s never ending filled with competition and tough decisions. Daniel helped us understand how difficult it is to transport and install large pieces, an idea I forget when simply enjoying the art. Overall visiting both places led to great conversations that were open and honest. 

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Art Wynwood as Text

“Unique Stories” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University February 2, 2024

A piece that stuck with me the most is called the Flight of the Angel by Vicente Hernandez. When looking at the artwork, typical of contemporary art, you don’t see an exacting replication of something else but rather an interpretation that creates a story. Art plays a big role in revolution and political statements to show some sort of feeling or rebellion. The piece shows what seems to be a blimp flying of an entire town from Cuba to Miami. Which is a representation of the political climate Cuba has faced and the impact it has on the people. It perfectly resembles the importance of immigration and Miami has become home to many ethnic groups because of it. This connection to the city we are into art was beautiful to see and definitely left an impression. 

Following the theme of escaping the artistic box to form something new is a landscape piece by Tomas Sanchez. Instead of following the “rules and laws” of art he does something different by making what seems to be a realistic artwork into something that represents a dream state. The landscape doesn’t show typical shading and light found in other pieces. But instead, he also blurs the line of reality and dream. The way did the landscape seems to be endless and like you can truly get lost in the art. At first glance I thought it was a picture because of how perfect it looks. But something else I noticed was that the trees were all the same unlike how nature truly is. They were all uniform and almost identical which also played into the idea of different states of being.

I also enjoyed that Art Wynwood showcased a little aspect of STEAM. It connected technology to Art in a very interesting why. The shifting sequins that resembled what is sometimes found on pillows and stuffed animals that changes when rubbing your hand over, was turned into a large canvas that was triggered by motion. Although it only showed the movements the viewer did, it still showed that art could be made by all forms. We were enchanted by it because we could wave and watch it follow our hands which let us be the art.

Overall, Art Wynwood was filled with impressing art that all told unique stories. It was inspiring to see artist from different places come together and for us to have the ability to admire their work. Art galleries, shows, and exhibits are starting to become something that I am excited to explore more and learn from.

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Margulies/ Bakehouse as Text 

“Seeing Into the Mind of an Artist” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University February 18, 2024

Kiefer’s Secret of the Ferns (Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

This week I felt as though I was able to see more of the mind of specific artist and why they created in the ways that they did. We have to first start with the idea that sometimes wealthy people don’t make ethical decisions with their money. Going into what seems to be a sophisticated and fancy environment is at times outputting, but in reality, Margulies is one of the rare souls that uses his fortune in a way that’s beneficial for the community. Especially to know that he not only has a welcoming space filled with world class art, but also has donated $44 million to the Lotus House Women’s shelter. Walking through the warehouse, I was able to get a sense of the respect Margulies has for creativity and community. 

The story of the warehouse and the type of art Margulies enjoys unfolds in the first room we entered. The unique sculptures and pieces made by Segal where inspirational and allowed for a unique connection. The sense that there’s certain life situations we have all faced, such as being lonely at a bus stop or park bench but surrounded by other people. Throughout the course so far, we’ve touched on the fact that what makes an artist successful is being able to create something that is outside of the norm and may seem obvious to us now but during their time it was groundbreaking. Segal’s pieces were among my favorites because of the simplicity of the designing and process but the complexity of the stories he portrayed were spectacular. Through the little and big details, the story perfectly unraveled, and I felt like I could see into his mind and what he truly wanted us to take away.

The next artist that left a last impact through his art and story was Kiefer. The large concrete structures that were displayed told the story of his childhood in Germany after World War Two in an impressive way. Once we started to hear the history the pieces of his art started to come together to tell a story that needs to be heard from a perspective I’ve never thought of. We are taught a lot about World War Two and the events that happened, but rarely we hear about the aftershocks for the generations to come. Kiefer illustrates something we all unfortunately have learned, the concentration camps and gas chambers. But he also displays the way the playgrounds looked and the rubble that filled it. He partners the structures with 48 extremely large pieces that have actual ferns and terracotta. Each individually tell a beautiful story and when looking at them as a whole it was breathtaking. Because of the ways that Kiefer connected his real-life experiences and events we all know to make an installation, it allowed me to have a better sense of who Kiefer is and the stories he wants to unveil.

When visiting the Bakehouse, I was inspired by the various processes that artist go through to make a piece. Since I’m not an artist myself it was hard for me to understand how the artist, we learned about physically started their pieces. To make such beautiful artwork you have to start somewhere, and the Bakehouse was a representation of a starting point. The artist we met we kind and allowed us into a part of them that, I can only guess, is extremely vulnerable and private. To see their process and how they begin gave me an even greater love for art and the artist themselves.

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Norton Museum as Text

“Freezing Time” By Bianca McQueen at Florida International University January 28, 2024

The Original Picture of A Picture (Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

I’ve never thought of art as a way to freeze time the same way that a photograph does.  To me it was just a recreation of something visual or what the artist makes up. The story that stuck with me is the lady who took a piece of chalk to draw an outline of her partner based on his shadow who was soon going off to war, as a way to remember him. The same way that we would take a picture to cherish. At the core of art, it’s a way to keep a moment alive forever. This was brilliantly shown as we walked through Norton. It was like walking through hundreds of frozen moments that have remained the same for hundreds of years. 

The Norton Museum gave us an art history lesson all in one from pieces from Chinese Dynasties, through Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque times, through groundbreakers such as Van Gogh and Picasso all the way up to contemporary art. To see the four depictions of Mary and Jesus through different styles and eras offered a better idea of how art has evolved. We started with The Madonna and Child in Majesty from around 1300, which to my eye was simplistic in shapes and colors. Then going to The Coronations of the Virgin with Saint 100 years latter was similar yet unique to show the progression of artists during this time. The Madonna and Child in glory and The Immaculate Conception are the images that conjure in my head when I think of paintings of Mary. When comparing the four paintings and doing the body poses in class gave me a better understanding of how artist started to develop images in a more realistic way to convey emotions and stories. 

Ones that stood out to me were the lighting and shading techniques in the Baroque paintings. Those truly felt as though they were a window into what was happening in that room or space. The way that it represents what was going on in that time period because the lighting came from a candle that gave the room a special ambiance was beautifully shown through these pieces. Through the museum I loved seeing the skills that humans are capable of. The way that artist like Picasso and Monte were so openminded and turned what they visualized into art that then revolutionized the next years in the art world. We saw in the Chinese Dynasties that pieces were made from imagination through the casting of a dragon with other creatures. To then a more realistic turn of painting moments of biblical history. That then turned into wealthy people paying artist to paint their portraits as a way to be remembered. Each individual piece of artwork was unique even if it was during the same time era or followed the patterns of techniques. 

The art history lesson at Norton opened my mind to contemporary art. Before, I saw it as simple and unskilled since it doesn’t show a true picture but instead has to be interpreted. I always thought that historical biblical pieces and European art shows the most skills. Which has now been disputed because contemporary art is just as skillful and challenges the artist to not stick to a set of rules. Instead, it allows for art that continues to evolve and makes artist ask themselves what has not been done yet?

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Art Encounter as Text

“Appreciating Art” by Bianca McQueen at Florida International University January 18, 2024

A rug that left an impression (Photos by Bianca McQueen/CC BY 4.0)

The past few months of living in Miami has been soul changing and eye opening. Coming here I had many misconceptions as to what Miami was and is. I only saw this city through the eyes of a tourist, but last semester shifted my whole perspective. I have it all to thanks to Miami in Miami, a class and journey that allowed me to make my own opinions and taught the factual history of my new home. But there is still so much more to discover, and I was inspired by Untitled Art week to continue the adventure. Art has never been my forte; it was my brothers. It has always been something that I’ve admired and been inspired by. But never something that I took time to fully learn or acknowledge. 

My experience with art is from watching my brother work endless hours to reach a masterpiece. He focused on creating his own comic superhuman characters and he even majored in graphic design. He was always the artistic one and I was the outdoorsy one. Being from Chicago I’ve always known and seen a city filled with art. One of my favorite museums is the Art Institute of Chicago. If you’ve been there, you know that it feels never ending. Every wall and corner are filled with paintings, old artifacts, and even medieval swords. The first time I visited I was shocked at the medieval art section. It wasn’t only beautiful paintings but was also sculptures, machinery, and armor. It made me aware that art wasn’t only produced by putting something on a canvas or paper, it was whatever the brain could conceptualize and turn it into something physical and abstract. 

Art encompasses more than we give it credit. It’s something that is timeless, will always be cherished, and taken a lesson from. I truly know nothing about the contemporary art that Miami has to offer. But when I think of contemporary art, I think of something that has a lot of different layers and components to it. It tells a story through every line and detail. It also incorporates the challenges that are being currently faced in society. I’ve also seen that it’s not always a showing of a specific thing but rather it depicts a picture that offers the viewer the ability to interpret how the feel and what they see. Art is the ability to evoke some type of emotion through what is shown. I think its impressive and takes a lot of skill to do so. 

Through this class I hope to gain another perspective on art and to stretch my brain while viewing them to form my own stories. I’m excited to see Miami through another lens that stems from creativity and uniqueness. To see the parts of the city I would usually not take time to explore because isn’t my full interest. But nonetheless something that is important to learn from. To see the ways that the cultures in Miami begin to intertwine in the pieces that we see and give acknowledgement to the great brains that created it. 

Isabella Jaimes Suarez is a junior Honors College student at Florida International University pursuing an Undergraduate degree in Marketing. She was born in Colombia, moved to Panama when she was three years old and was raised in Panama. She moved to Miami for a new stage of her life which is college and is thankful for her decision. She would like to specialize in the Digital Media area of marketing by focusing in Health & Fitness.

Art Encounter as Text

“The art is a mirror reflecting the expressions of the human experience.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, January 18, 2024

As a college student living in the vibrant city of Miami, my connection to the local art culture is somewhat contradictory—I found myself in the middle of it, yet my understanding remains relatively limited. The question of how well I truly know Miami’s art scene cause a contemplative reflection. While I may navigate the streets and beaches of this city with familiarity, my knowledge of its artistic heartbeat is developing. 

The contemporary art is a terrain I’m eager to explore. Surprisingly, Miami emerges as a leading city globally for contemporary art, a fact that had avoid my awareness until recently. The comparison of my physical presence in a city known for pushing artistic boundaries and my lack of deep engagement with its art scene creates a curiosity that made me to enroll in an art class. The desire to bridge the gap between my physical presence in Miami and my limited understanding of its art culture is a captivating fact for me. There’s a want to discover the essence of the canvases that describe the city and the stories they tell. Miami, with its diverse population and cultural mosaic, is a productive area for artistic expression. Enrolling in this class is a clear step toward resolving the many doubts about the art world in Miami.

When thinking about the image that art creates in my mind, a mosaic of colors, emotions, and interpretations emerges. However, the depth and significance of these impressions remain difficult to find. Art, to me, has been more of an aesthetic encounter than a deep exploration. I’ve always felt like the canvas is a mirror reflecting the expressions of the human experience, and yet, I find myself trying to really figure out the meaning behind every art piece and engage more with the narratives being told. 

I anticipate a journey full of discoveries—to be able to understand the artistic expression, to reveal the core messages and intentions. I hope to understand the variation of contemporary art, to figure out the language of colors, shapes, and forms. Moreover, I seek to comprehend why Miami holds a prestigious position in the global contemporary art scene. This class represents an opportunity to go beyond the superficial appreciation of art and get into its profound impact on society and culture. As I start on this artistic exploration, specific places and events in Miami attract my curiosity. While I may not have focused on a singular destination, the expectation of involving myself in Miami’s art scene is exciting. It’s the Wynwood Walls, where street art transforms an entire neighborhood into an open gallery, or the renowned Art Basel Miami Beach, attracting artists and art enthusiasts from around the world. As I have mentioned it before, I love Wynwood Walls because it’s such an experience when you walk through the streets and this was even the theme for my fifteenth party. The possibilities of discovering these spots within the city is the main factor behind my interest for this class.

In other words, my journey into the world of art is a journey into the soul of Miami. It’s an exploration of the city’s vibrant cultural identity and an attempt to get to know a deeper connection with the artistic expressions that surround me. This class, I believe, will be the evidence for a changing experience—one that expands the boundaries of a traditional educational learning and becomes a personal experience of self-discovery through the world of art. 

Norton as Text

“The silent conversation between the creator and the observer”  by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, January 28, 2024

As an international student, the opportunity to explore the cultural offerings of my host country has been an enriching and eye-opening experience. Recently, I had the chance to visit the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, and it turned out to be a an enjoyable experience into the world of creativity and expression. I have been a couple of times in West Palm Beach since my boyfriend was born there and his family still live there. Because I was familiarized with the visualization of West Palm, “The Norton Museum of Art” reflects the vibrant city of West Palm Beach, it is captivating the imposing architecture and promises of a diverse collection. As I entered, I said to myself I was really going allow me be open minded and be a listener to the world of art. One of the first exhibits that caught my attention was a collection of contemporary paintings that transmitted conventional boundaries. The vibrant colors and abstract forms seemed to speak a universal language, it goes beyond the limitations of words. As an international student, I found comfort in the fact that art, in its multiple forms, could be a bridge connecting people from different corners of the world. It was a reminder that creativity knows no borders and that emotions and expressions are shared human experiences. 

One particular exhibit that called my attention the most was the first one that we visited, the Chinese exhibition. This is because my grandpa has always had an obsession with the Chinese culture, as well as my grandma. My grandpa used to collect Chinese swords and my grandpa would collect the plates and the tea cups. This is because my grandpa has a big respect and impression of their culture. This is what happened to me when I walked into this exhibition, it brought me memories but on top of that is such an impressive and beautiful experience to watch this legendary artifacts. Walking through the museum, I encountered an impressive display of sculptures, each telling a unique story. The movement of these artworks allowed me to build a connection. I could perceive the artist’s intention through the textures and shapes, it was like a silent conversation between the creator and the observer. It surprised me how, despite coming from a different cultural background, I could appreciate the universal themes of love, struggle, and triumph projected through the sculptures. The museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse artists and perspectives was evident in the global art collection. From ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, the Norton Museum of Art offered a collection of cultures and histories. This was a valuable opportunity to learn about the country’s variety of influences and to see the coordination of global artistic movements. 

I am beyond excited for what is about to come for this semester, as the first class it was such a good experience which makes me more intrigued about the other classes. The Norton Museum of Art fueled my curiosity, expanded my perspective, and reinforced the idea of, despite our differences we are all part of the same story. The story of humanity as told through the marks of a brush and the sculptures. 

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text

“The art fulfillment in space and emotion” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, February 11, 2024

My recent visit to “The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse” and “Bakehouse”, was an eye-opening experience. I must admit, I initially felt out of place in theses sophisticated environments, but as I involved myself in the art and listened to the lectures, I began to appreciate the depth and diversity of the pieces on display. One of the most striking aspects of “The Margulies collection at the Warehouse” was its absolute scale. The warehouse itself provided an impressive setting for the artworks it housed. I would just stare on how enormous the place was and even the imposing works of art. It made ,e wonder from piece to piece how were they able to fit everything, it made me contemplate their size and they space they were placed. Another factor that engaged me the most with the experience was that we had the opportunity and the benefit to receive guiding from the creator and the artist behind this impressive space. Learning about Martin Z. Margulies, the chief contributor behind this collection, added another layer of significance to the experience. His efforts, particularly his support for the for the Lotus House Women’s Shelter, underscored the intersection of art and social responsibility. It is really inspiring to see how art could be used as a tool for community engagement. One artist whose work left a lasting impression on me was Magdalena Abakanowicz. They mentioned the insights into her creative process and the profound themes underlying her sculptures. Her exploration of the human form, as abstracted as it looked, it spoke to universal experiences and emotions. As someone with little background in art, I found myself drawn to the raw quality of her work and the questions it raised about the human conditions. Because it marked me with the message of “All look the same, but they are all feeling or going through different emotions”.   

Exploring the “Bakehouse” added and intimate and community-centered dimension to my art education in Miami. Situated in a more modest setting compared to the greatness of “The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse”, the Bakehouse provided a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of art and everyday life. What called my attention the most at the Bakehouse was its sense of openness and accessibility. Unlike traditional museum spaces, which sometimes can feel too formal, the Bakehouse transmits a welcoming atmosphere, inviting the visitors to engage directly with the artists and their creative processes. As we walked through the studios, there is a diverse range of styles on display which is amazing, because it is out of the traditional. What I gained from the lectures, was comprehending the importance of community engagement and collaboration in the artistic process. We were able to visit two artists displays which were completely different form one another. The uniqueness and personal signature that they create on their projects is so admiring. This emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility it really had a meaning, it reinforces the idea that art is not just for the elite few, but something that can and should be enjoyed by all. I understood that the Bakehouse served as a vibrant hub for artistic experimentation and innovation. It brings artists to push the boundaries of their craft to established practitioners looking for new ways of expression, the Bakehouse provides a supportive environment for creative exploration and risk-taking. 

Overall, my visit to this amazing places were a transformative experience. It really engaged me with unfamiliar ideas and perspectives, and appreciate the power of art to provoke thought, create emotion, and build connection. While I may still have much to learn about the insights of art history and theory, this experience has created a new curiosity and appreciation for the incredible diversity of artistic expression. 

Art Wynwood as Text

“Inspired by Hispanic artists echoing our cultural heritage through a universal visual language.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, March 3, 2024

My journey to Art Wynwood was more about exploration and expanding my insights rather than knowing what to expect. With an open mind and a hint of curiosity, I found myself in a space of expression. Art Wynwood was a captivating immersion into the dynamic world of contemporary. This event appears to happen every year and it really serves a s an enriching opportunity to witness a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives. One of the many highlights I would say was the emphasis on pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in art. It was evident in the inclusion of cutting-edge digital art, the interactive installations and a lot of experimental multimedia works. We focused certainly on Cernuda’s Art exhibition. Which called my attention the most because it really had the cuban essence behind every single artwork.

Stepping into this exhibition space, I was immediately struck by all the vibrant colors and intricate details of the artworks displayed. Each piece seemed to tell its own story, it called my attention once again the uniqueness in the style and perspective. Either way I do not have a deep knowledge about art, I could have a sense of appreciation for the skill and imagination that happen through the process of creation for these masterpieces. 

One of the first things that caught my eye was a series of paintings depicting scenes from everyday life, infused with elements of the Cuban culture. From energetic streets to serene landscapes, each of the paintings captured the essence of Cuban life. As we continued to explore the exhibition, I found myself drawn to a collection of sculptures that seemed to confront gravity with their shapes and dynamic poses. These sculptures really seemed to come alive, releasing a sense of movement and energy that was impressive. There was something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy along this exhibition. 

What I like the most about this types of events is how open and varied are the perspectives form every singles artist. Is like you come into this space to navigate and connect with every singles artists in there. You walk into one exhibition and is one language, but then you walk into the exhibition right next door and is a whole different or even opposite language. It really is something you could never get bored about, we get to explore and admire completely different masterpieces and always get to learn a new story. This events also provide opportunities for education and engagement and serve as a platform for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds to share their signature and essence. The audience is able to admire from local talents to international stars which makes it even more impressive. 

Art Wynwood was a whole experience that left a lasting impression on me as a student exploring the world of art. It created a newfound appreciation for the power of creativity. This inspires me to continue my journey of discovery and exploration in the realm of art. I am filled with anticipation for the uncountable possibilities that lie ahead in my tracking of artistic understanding. 

Rubell Museum as Text

“The way appreciation for contemporary art has grown on me.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, March 17, 2024

I was really excited about the main destination for this date, the Rubell Museum. This is because a week before this class, I visited the SuperBlue Museum which I liked. However, I felt that it was a little bit overpriced and it did transmitted a nice message but we completed the visit in less than an hour or maybe an hour. There was not a lot of engagement in the exhibitions. This same day I mentioned it to a friend about the experience and I was told the Museum right in front of it was three times better. Once I heard that I kept the feeling of curiosity to visit that same museum. The same day of the class I found out we were visiting that same Museum that I have been wanting to go. 

One of the most memorable visits was to the rubble Museum, it was a really unique institution that has reshaped the contemporary art scene in Miami. I loved that it had a drop of essence from every culture, it was really modern or adapted to our generation I would like to say. It seems to have a role as a cultural advocate and resource of both the public and the art world. Apparently, it used to show as the Rubell Family Collection and then had a transformation into a public institution that highlights its commitment to access to art. During our visit, there were three works that called my attention the most, I am no including the entrance hallway filled with the silver spheres which I absolutely loved. The first one was Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative installations that challenged conventional notions of art and the artist identity. He had a playful approach with his work by using his own image to bear meaning in his work. The piece “La Rivoluzione Siamo Noi”, invited viewers to question established norms and expectations within the art world. I have learned about myself that in the art aspect or in the art industry what I admire and like the most are the sculptures. Because of this, the second one was Karon Davis’s “Family” sculpture piece resonated deeply with me, addressing issues of history, race, and violence in the United States. Through her use of materials, Davis creates haunting narratives that prompt reflection on societal injustices and individual experiences. Third but not last one because I honestly liked almost every exhibition in this museum, Zhu Jinshi’s abstract “Power an Kingdom” painting is characterized by its thick and textured layer of paint which evoked a sense of depth and movement. Every step that I would take closer to the painting it looked even more unreal for how real was the illusion that the paint could be “fresh”. This painting reveals a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and challenging the aesthetic.

The Rubell’s Museum dedication to showcasing such a diverse arrangement of contemporary art reflects on Miami’s vibrant arts ecosystem. This museum really stands out as a catalyst for artistic dialogue and innovation. After this visit, the appreciation on me for contemporary art and its power to cause thought an emotion has grown. Lastly, we visited the “Emerson Dorsch”  where there was a lot of work in imagination. From abstract sculptures to thought cause installations, each piece seemed to have a message or a story behind it. I enjoyed and really appreciated the lectures that were given and how genuine it was. The experience was very welcoming and more conversational rather than superficial information. 

PAMM as Text

“The power of art empowering our imagination.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, March 31, 2024

This day it was truly a whole experience, kind of a mix of emotions. Starting by the weather, it was probably the worst it has rain in any of the classes in this semester. Also, is the only class we have decided to ride the metro since it was Music Festival week in Miami and even though we kind of knew where we were going, so we got of lost and arrived late. It is funny because once I saw the hall or the hanging blue plastic strands, I remembered right away that I have been there before. When I was little I visited the Frost Museum and walked through the outside of the Perez Art Museum. As a first impression, I loved the architecture and the structural design on the outside of the museum. The way it was distributed it was really unique and beautiful, however, we could have enjoyed it way more if it was not for the weather. 

We started by appreciating Joaquin Torres-Garcia’s artwork, which it called my attention because the paintings were very descriptive about Argentinian traditions and what a coincidence that we had the pleasure to have a very interesting guide or speaker who is from Argentina. Joaquin incorporated symbols derived from ancient cultures of the Americas as part of his theory of “Constructive Universalism”. Through this paintings you could observe how he had the intention of involving the translation of ideas into signs and symbols through geometry. The good or golden compass was mentioned, I have never heard about it before but it was a special meaning for artists. We were able to see a painting from one of the artists we have appreciated before in other of the museums. What caught my eye from this artist’s work is how impressive and unrealistic it looks but is the process and the objective. These are paintings that happen through a photography reference, and is the lighting, the shadows, the texture of the skin, everything that makes it the perfect “picture”, but it is really a painting. 

Taylor Anderson, the lady I mentioned before who gave us the guided class during this day. She mentioned how in the exhibition that was next it was interpreting ghosts. But I did not think it was going to be as literal. Fist of all, I absolutely adore the utility of the colors, the contrast, and the elegance that the white and the gold provides. This is Gary Simmons’ exhibition called “Public Enemy”, which provides and understanding of the complex and profoundly moving work of this influential artist. He analyses histories of racism in the US visual culture in the fields of sports, cinema, music, and literature. I think this is the artist that I liked the most, probably from the museum or maybe even from all the museums. Another of his art piece that I loved is “Wake”, the simplicity of the process in this work is big on the message or the idea it provides. There was a question made about if the purpose of the artist is to interpret a movement in the painting or vanishing. But it is a little bit of both, because it is information blurring in and out. What were once visual fragments of significant cultural or historical locations become a creation of our imagination.

In conclusion, exploring these works and art pieces from this incredible artists offered me an insight into diverse cultural perspectives and artistic techniques. The architectural beauty of the museum itself added to the overall impression. After this visit, I appreciate the ability that these art works have to start meaningful conversations about history, culture, and society. 

Wolfsonian as Text

“Art Illuminations on Creativity, Community and Cultural Transformation.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, April 14, 2024

It was really impressive to have the privilege to visit one of the most valuable and representative buildings that FIU owns. I honestly did not hear about the Wolfsonian Museum until this semester thanks to this class. Located in the hear of Miami Beach, this museum is not only a repository of artifacts; it is clearly a testament of persuasive power of art and design in shaping our generation’s perceptions of the modern world. Once I stepped into this museum, I was honestly struck by its objective to explore the multiple aspects of modernity through a diverse collection of objects. Each of the objects transmitted the sensation of a window into the social, political, and technological changes that have defined our history. It shares the importance of learning from the past as we all navigate the complexities of the present and the future.

I also want to mention the impact that “Oolite Arts” had in this class. Even though this was not planned in the itinerary, I feel like it was a most to make this stop. I have realized that I enjoy the most when we go to environments like these were they support the arts community. This organizations provides a variety of resources and opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. This places are residency programs that offer studio space and professional development for emerging artists. Oolite Arts was like a hub for artistic exchange, and it brings together artists and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about art and its role in society. It is really inspirational by the huge variety and diversity of voices and perspectives that were visible within this walls. The two artists that called my attention the most were Diana Eusebio and Lee Pivnik. Although, we had the opportunity to listen four resident artists, both I mentioned are the ones that I appreciated the most because the work they do and their essence remarks a big difference is like something that I have never seen before and even they implement art in ways that I had no idea it was possible. Diana Eusebio is a really nice person and she really shared her passion for what she does. The combination that she has by complementing old techniques with the modernity and technology of nowadays it is really unique. Also, the base of her work is fabric which how I said it was an unexpected dynamic to imply art. It remind me of my culture, my grandma used to work with the sewing machine during my whole childhood and it something I grew up with. The essence of her artwork really transmits a story behind every art piece. As the second artist, Lee Pivnik, he makes lamps from scratch with stained glass that seems like a pretty magical and fantasy work. But not only that, he had such a variety of art pieces that were completely difference but somehow had his signature. He even shared he had an in Teresa in interior design and he was working on creating something for a video game and it was honestly really impressive. 

In conclusion, my s=visits to both The Wolfsonian-FIU and Oolite Arts have left me enriched by the transformative power of art and creativity. I feel like this was an opportunity to base my beliefs in the power of art to inspire and unite. This is a reminder to the importance of embracing diversity and suing art as a force for positive changes in the world and specially in our generation. 

Art Final Reflection as Text

“The most genuine way to fall in love with Art.” by Isabella Jaimes of FIU, April 21, 2024

This is one of the classes that I could sincerely say I am the most grateful, because of the amount of knowledge, insights, and experiences that this course had provided me through this semester. It has been a pleasure to learn from professor Bailly, he is the type of professor that genuinely likes and knows what he is teaching and establishes connections with his students. The way he teaches and the dynamic he uses grabs the attention because more than informational and theoretical is really informative in a way that you just keep making questions and want to know more in detail. I feel like this semester was smoothly completed and time went by so quickly because the majority of us already knew professor Bailly, which this made the atmosphere way more comfortable and trustworthy. 

I have gained so much knowledge through this semester about the art world. The level of appreciation that I have for art now has been increasing and it has been enriched thanks to this class. I have encountered the ways to find art in every aspect and shape. Art is everywhere you go. Through the exposure to various artworks from different cultures and time periods, I could gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression and creativity. Understanding the historical and cultural context behind each piece really provided insight into the values, beliefs, and traditions of different societies. Seeing how artists experiment with form, color, texture, and composition can encourage anyone to push the boundaries of their own artistic practice, or even in my case that I do not really do art but it grew on me the many ways I can see art. What I also notices is that when analyzing and interpreting artworks I was able to enhance my critical thinking skills as I consider the artist’s intentions, the message conveyed, and the impact on the person admiring it. All this delving into the art history through museum visits, deepened my understanding of the past and its influence on the present. Observing the reflection of art in historical events can provide valuable insights into the human experience across time. Also, every time there would be asked “What do you see in this painting?”, it was so enjoyable getting to hear everyone’s perspective because you get to realize how different but also similar we all are. 

My two favorite visits were to Rubell, Margulies, and Oolite Arts even though this one was not included in the scheduled visits. Personally, this were the places where I was able to connect with the most. I felt identified with some factors of this places and also I learned how to appreciate art in its multiple aspects from maybe any experience or connections fro this places mentioned. It was just impressive how my attention was caught by every exposition en every corner and space from this selected museums. There was a little bit of everything and there was catchy message behind every artwork.  

The experience during Art in Miami course has provided a comprehensive education that extends far beyond the realization of art, it fulfilled my semester with valuable skills, insights and perspectives that will somehow serve me well in various times and aspects in my life.