Explorations in Abstraction: New Perspectives at the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas
Since its emergence in the early twentieth century, abstract art has remained one of the most radical and influential currents in modern art history. Born from a deliberate break with figurative representation, abstraction has allowed artists to delve into new forms, colors, and compositions that transcend the tangible, evoking emotions, concepts, and structures beyond the visible. Movements such as Kazimir Malevich’s Suprematism, the Abstract Expressionism of postwar New York, and the rich tradition of Geometric Abstraction in Latin America have shaped the evolution of this artistic language, which continues to inspire exploration and reinvention.
In the United States, abstraction experienced a profound creative surge in the aftermath of World War II with the rise of Abstract Expressionism, led by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. New York became the epicenter of this artistic revolution, eclipsing Paris as the capital of contemporary art. Since then, abstraction has continued to evolve through various currents, drawing from minimalism, lyrical abstraction, and conceptual art, reaffirming its enduring significance in the global artistic landscape.
In South Florida, particularly in Miami, abstraction has found fertile ground for expansion. In a city defined by its cultural diversity and vibrant artistic scene, abstraction has developed a unique identity, shaped by the convergence of Latin American, European, and American influences. Local and international artists alike have embraced innovative approaches, merging traditional techniques with contemporary mediums, in an environment where color, rhythm, and formal experimentation take center stage.
The upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas brings together fourteen artists whose works present a fresh and compelling vision of abstraction. While they hail from diverse backgrounds, all but one—who resides in Bilbao—live and work in Miami, contributing to the city’s ever-evolving creative landscape. This exhibition not only highlights the multiplicity of perspectives within contemporary abstraction but also underscores Miami’s growing importance as a hub for artistic production and cultural dialogue on an international scale.
We extend our gratitude to Leonardo Rodríguez for his invaluable assistance and unwavering support in fostering cultural initiatives that enrich Miami’s artistic community. Through this exhibition, the museum reaffirms its commitment to presenting thought-provoking visual experiences that invite reflection and encourage the discovery of new forms of abstract expression.
The participating artists in this exhibition include:
1- Beatriz Ramírez - Colombia
www.brstudioart.com
2- Bibiana Cervantes – Colombia
www.instagram.com/cervantesbayerbibiana
3-Blanca Caraballo – Cuba
www.blancacarablloart.com
4-Carlos Llanes - Cuba
www.carlosllanesart.com
5-Carmen Verdura – Spain
www.instagram.com/carmenverdura
6-Elsa Victorios – Colombia
www.elsavictorios.com
7-Emilio Héctor Rodriguez–Cuba
(7 Plus One founder and artistic director)
www.emilio-hector.com
8-Maruchi Carmona-Cuba
www.maruchicarmona.com
9-Mila Hajjar - Italy / Venezuela
www.milahajjar.com
10-Pedro Avila Gendis – Cuba
www.mocaamericas.org/ceramica/avila-pedro
11-Pedro Hernandez-Cuba (sculptor)
www.pedro-hernandez.com
12-Rolando Paciel – Cuba (Lives in Bilbao, Spain)
www.paciel.es
13-Sandra García Pardo – Colombia (sculptor)
www.sandragarciapardo.com
14-José Pablo Ravinet (Josepo) - Chile (sculptor)
This exhibition is made possible thanks to the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.
The Kendall Art Cultural Center (KACC), dedicated the past six years to the preservation and promotion of contemporary art and artists, and to the exchange of art and ideas throughout Miami and South Florida, as well as abroad. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions, programs, and its collections, KACC provides an international platform for the work of established and emerging artists, advancing public appreciation and understanding of contemporary art.
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The Rodríguez collection is a blueprint of Cuban art and its diaspora. Within the context of the new MoCA-Americas the collection becomes an invaluable visual source for Diaspora identity. It represents a different approach to art history to try to better understand where we come from to better know where we are heading.
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