That art possesses a unique transformative power, acting as a catalyst for global change and unity, is almost universally understood. When experienced firsthand, it resonates on a higher frequency, fostering profound connections with individuals and inspiring collaborative efforts toward a more promising future. Through diverse forms of artistic expression, art transcends the boundaries of nationality, culture, and language, nurturing deeper bonds among us all.
This vision was powerfully affirmed during the recent edition of DIVERSE ArtPalmBeach and lies at the very heart of the work carried out by MoCA-Americas and FACC. Both institutions embraced and skillfully interpreted the insightful curatorial vision of the renowned artist and cultural advocate Marisa Caichiolo, showcasing selections from their premier ceramic art collections, specifically original plates—likely one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
On Sunday evening, the Art Palm Beach Fair came to a close, marking the conclusion of Journey, the joint exhibition presented by the Fine Arts Ceramic Center (FACC) in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (MoCA-Americas). During its five-day run, the exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors, including artists and exhibitors participating in the event, who engaged with the center’s work and expressed interest in viewing the collection in a more extensive or comprehensive format if possible. Particular attention was drawn to Humanity's Gambit, a remarkable piece by artist and FACC General Director, Ivonne Ferrer.
In addition to the exhibition, Ferrer—accompanied by the Deputy Director of the Fine Arts Ceramic Center, Milena Martínez Pedrosa—participated in a panel discussion moderated by Marisa Caichiolo titled "The Evolving Role of Museums and Art Institutions: Fostering Relevance in a Changing World." During her intervention, Ivonne provided a concise overview of the Fine Arts Ceramic Center’s journey from its inception to the present day.
She highlighted, in particular, the vision and dedication of its founder and promoter, Cuban collector Leonardo Rodríguez, who, at the height of the pandemic, sought to provide Cuban artists with a space to socialize, create, and produce small-scale works of art. The primary objective of the Center, from its early days, was to offer a sanctuary where artists could gather, create, and mitigate the emotional toll of isolation. This was achieved by ensuring all the necessary material resources were available, enabling the artists to work freely and focus solely on translating their creative practice—typically done on canvas—into ceramic mediums.
Thus began this remarkable initiative, the results of which were partially showcased within the context of the fair, offering a glimpse into a story of resilience, collaboration, and artistic transformation.
The panel aimed to share the specific experiences of each participant in the DIVERSEartPB initiative. Among the distinguished contributors was South Korean curator and art director Monica Hye Yeon Jun, highly regarded for her work in fostering cultural and artistic exchanges between South Korea and other regions. Monica serves as Artistic Director and independent curator at Culture Nomad, a non-profit organization based in Seoul dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and contemporary art.
For the event, she collaborated with Marisa Caichiolo on the overall curatorial direction, presenting Eternal Light – 21C The Last Supper, a monumental work by renowned South Korean artist HanHo. Known internationally for his groundbreaking multimedia installations, HanHo explores themes such as eternal light, spirituality, and the human condition. His work seamlessly integrates technology with traditional art techniques, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences.
This piece was jointly presented by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC) and ReflectSpace Gallery, with additional curatorial contributions from Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Inspired by Michelangelo’s masterpiece The Last Judgment, Eternal Light – 21C The Last Supper addresses profound human and metaphysical concerns. The monumental nine-panel multimedia work reimagines an apocalyptic scenario for the 21st century, portraying humanity grappling with war, colonization, mass displacement, environmental disasters, and nuclear annihilation. Ultimately, it questions humanity's own survival. Monica Hye Yeon Jun's contribution to this project underscores her steadfast commitment to exploring contemporary themes and fostering intercultural dialogue in the arts.
The panel also offered insights into the mission of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC), a department of the City of Glendale, California, that provides library services, artistic programs, and cultural opportunities to the community. Its mission includes fostering education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. Special emphasis was given to ReflectSpace Gallery, a space dedicated to exhibitions that delve into human rights, social justice, and cultural narratives. Past exhibitions have addressed themes such as Armenian history, LGBTQ+ experiences, and other pressing contemporary issues.
The event attracted a significant audience who engaged in a lively and enriching dialogue with the panelists.
Both the Fine Arts Ceramic Center (FACC) and the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (MoCAA) consider the experience extraordinarily fruitful—not only as an opportunity to showcase their five-year journey, with its challenges and achievements, but also for the wealth of new connections and opportunities it fostered. These exchanges with specialists from like-minded institutions, artists, art critics, and enthusiasts in the broadest sense promise to pave the way for future collaborations.
This remarkable exhibition will be reinstalled in the main gallery of the MoCAA and will once again be available for public viewing starting in March 2025.
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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