P.U.E.N.T.E.~ Porque Ustedes Entienden Nuestro Temas En Candela~ No Way Out

The romanticized notion of Cuba's freedom has been a contested discussion for decades. The once chic, tropical island became economically paralyzed in 1959. Practically barricaded from the global world the tightly controlled island learned to adapt to scarce resources and forced to adapt to progressively faltering conditions.  Cubans were robbed of experiencing the fast paced advances occurring globally, yet despite these circumstances, there was opportunity for inventions of brilliant resilience. Devices made with mundane household goods. Designed recycled fashions reaching for high end creations. This unique personalized urban landscape of escape within their own homes and world functioned both as a means to keep up with contemporary society and as form of survival.

Cubans influence on Miami's landscape came to a peek upon the arrival of the Mariel Boatlift in 1980. A huge migration of refugees set adrift launching a monumental cultural mark in Miami. With the already lavish landscape of palm trees and beaches, the coast symbolized a contradictory freedom thanks to its simultaneous drug cartel scenarios and thriving disco inspired nightlife. Whatever impact it historically made- it was wondrous and created a bridge between South Florida and Cuba.

Currently both South Florida and Cuba face many looming and severe changes. These changes are as grave as rising sea levels; the debate of how capitalism may affect Cuba’s assets such its natural, uncontaminated land due to lack of pollution from industrialized companies; Miami's fickle real estate economy responsible for causing mass-gentrification to lower income neighborhoods; politics limiting both groups’ voices in relationship to decision making such as governor Rick Scott authorizing a deadly spray during the Zika scare without Dade County neighborhoods consent; and the young contemporaries in Cuba questioning why exchange programs are their only permit to travel freely. These are but just a few examples. 

The historical gap is closing in on the island of Cuba awakening possibilities for the people beyond their island and as well as affecting those in Miami with family and friends still on the island. Our reality in south Florida is grossly affecting our land, identity, economics- and reality. With the exhibit 

  Natasha Perdomo,Loonie Rem, 2014-16

  Acrylic on Canvas

P.U.E.N.T.E. ( Porque Ustedes Entienden Nuestro Temas En Candela~ No Way Out)

I search to relate both diverse yet rapidly changing cultural landscapes through artists perspectives and reponse to outcome and conclusion.

Exhibiting Artists:

Nestor Arenas

Willie Avedano

Orestes De La Paz

Dino Felipe

Michael Gray

Stephanie Hibbard

Catalina Jaramillo

Brandy Lynn

Guido Mena

Sterling Rook

                                                 
 

                                             Guido Mena, Essence of Anthropocence, 2016

                                             Acrylic on Canvas