Colors of Scorched Earth
Art Beat Miami Juneteenth & Caribbean American Heritage Month Art ExhibitionMiami-Dade County Joseph Caleb Community Center May - June 2023
Join Art Beat Miami in a celebration of resilience and cultural heritage as we honor Juneteenth and the Caribbean American Heritage Month at Miami-Dade County’s vibrant Joseph Caleb Community Center, where the haunting beauty of Caribbean artistry collides with the somber tones of scorched earth, in an exhibition that speaks to the resilience and triumph of the human spirit."
"Colors of Scorched Earth" intertwines Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month, honoring the shared narratives and cultural legacies of African American and Caribbean American communities.
Through the masterful use of darker and somber tones in the artwork, the exhibition delves into the complex emotions and histories that have shaped these communities. The depth and richness of these colors serve as visual metaphors, representing the struggles, resilience, and triumphs experienced by both African American and Caribbean American individuals.
Colors of Scorched Earth
In this exhibition, we witness the echoes of a shared past—a past marked by colonization, slavery, and exploitation. These collective experiences have engendered a profound sense of unity and cultural interconnectedness. The colors utilized in the artwork evoke a shared heritage of endurance, evoking a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
Moreover, "The Colors of Scorched Earth" exhibition celebrates the vibrant spirit, creativity, and cultural contributions that African American and Caribbean American communities have brought to the United States. It acknowledges the profound impact of their traditions, music, literature, cuisine, and art on the American cultural landscape.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for viewers to engage with the stories and histories of these communities, fostering a greater appreciation for their resilience, creativity, and profound cultural heritage. It serves as a platform for dialogue, understanding, and solidarity, highlighting the interconnectedness and shared experiences of African American and Caribbean American individuals.
Colors of Scorched Earth
"The Colors of Scorched Earth" exhibition serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength and communal ties that bind African American and Caribbean American communities. It invites viewers to explore the depths of their shared struggles and aspirations, while celebrating the diverse tapestry of their cultures. Through art, this exhibition showcases the resilience, unity, and cultural richness that continue to shape and inspire both communities.
The colors of scorched earth in the art exhibit are also used to explore a range of other themes, such as the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal, the fragility of the environment, the impact of human activity on the natural world, or the aftermath of a devastating fire, drought, earthquake, hurricane or other natural disasters that leave the land barren and charred. The specific meanings and emotions evoked by these colors depend on the viewer's personal experiences and cultural background.
Black
Black, often associated with mourning and death, symbolizes the trauma and pain of slavery and the struggle for freedom. It also represents the strength and resilience of African American and Caribbean American communities in the face of adversity.
Black creates a somber atmosphere, but it also generates depth and contrast, highlighting the richness and complexity of the African American and Caribbean American experiences.
Brown
Brown, often associated with earthiness and stability, represents the foundation of the African American and Caribbean American communities, rooted in their rich history and culture. It symbolizes the connection to the land and the natural world, which was a source of sustenance and resistance.
Brown creates a sense of warmth and stability, emphasizing the continuity and resilience of the African American and Caribbean American cultures.
Gray
Gray represents the neutrality and balance needed for healing and reconciliation. It symbolizes the complexity of the history and the challenges that still exist today.
Gray creates a sense of depth and contrast, highlighting the nuances and contradictions of the African American and Caribbean American experiences.
Red Ochre
Red Ochre, associated with vitality and life, represents the power of the African American and Caribbean American communities to create change, transform their own life and shape their destiny. It symbolizes the blood and sacrifice of those who fought and die for freedom and justice.
Red Ochre creates a sense of energy and passion, emphasizing the strength and creativity of the African American and Caribbean American cultures.
“Colors of Scorched Earth” features works by Jonas Exumé,
Efraín Herracharria Pagan and Mr. V The Artist.
The art exhibition is produced by Marie Loussaint for Art Beat Miami
and curated by Lobey Art & Travel with Mr. V The Artist.
Efrain Hechavarria Pagán
Efrain Hechavarria Pagán, also known as the coffee painter in his native Santiago de Cuba, is a visual artist whose artistic work revolves around two fundamental elements: coffee and women. Hechavarria's connection to coffee stems from his education at the José Joaquín Tejada art school, where he was fortunate enough to be taught by a faculty of skilled teachers. After graduating, Hechavarria was able to develop the unique technique he is now known for, "Al Café," or "With Coffee."
Through his art, Hechavarria explores the versatility of coffee as a medium, using it to create a range of tones and textures that add depth and dimension to his pieces. He is fascinated by the way that coffee can be used to mimic the look of sepia-toned photographs and old-world paintings, and he uses this to his advantage in creating evocative and emotive works of art.
In addition to coffee, the other key element in Hechavarria's artistic work is the female form. He has long been drawn to the study of portraiture, and he has refined his skills in capturing the essence of his subjects in their physical appearance and emotional expression. Through his exploration of architectural elements, particularly the figure of the woman, Hechavarria has found new ways to depict women in a range of moods and contexts, from playful and flirtatious to serious and contemplative.
Overall, Efrain Hechavarria Pagán's artistic work is a unique fusion of coffee and portraiture, exploring the many ways that these two elements can interact and complement one another. Through his use of the "Al Café" technique and his skillful depiction of women, he has created a body of work that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Jonas Exumé
Jonas Exumé is an artist who is known for his abstract depictions of the human experience. His art expresses the various dimensions of the day-to-day struggle for survival that people face. Exume's work is an exploration of the complexities of the human experience, and he uses abstract forms and shapes to convey the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that people encounter in their lives.
One of the hallmarks of Exume's work is his ability to express the inner workings of the human psyche through abstract forms. His use of color, texture, and composition conveys the essence of human emotions, including fear, hope, love, and despair. Through his art, Exume invites his viewers to explore the depths of the human experience and to confront their own feelings and emotions.
Exume's work is also notable for its focus on the struggle for survival. He understands that life can be a constant battle, and his art reflects this reality. His use of abstract forms and shapes is a powerful tool in conveying the tumultuous nature of the human experience. He creates pieces that are simultaneously beautiful and chaotic, reflecting the often-contradictory nature of life.
In many ways, Exume's art is a reflection of his own life experiences. He grew up in Haiti, a country that has faced many challenges throughout its history. His work is informed by his experiences of poverty, social injustice, and political turmoil. Through his art, Exume seeks to give voice to the struggles of marginalized communities and to call attention to the issues that affect people's lives.
In summary, Jonas Exume is an artist who uses abstract forms and shapes to express the complexities of the human experience. His work is a reflection of the struggle for survival that people face in their daily lives, and it is informed by his own life experiences. Through his art, Exume invites his viewers to explore the depths of human emotions and to confront the realities of the world around them.
Voltaire CHARLES-MARC
Voltaire CHARLES-MARC, also known as Mr. V the Artist, was born in March 1975 and has a wonderful son named Tyree V. CHARLES-MARC. Voltaire has cherished memories of spending time with his cousin Reginald GEORGES during vacations. The two shared a passion for drawing, and they would spend hours lost in their art. As they grew older, their paths diverged, with Reginald pursuing a career in Art at ENARTS, the National School for Arts in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Voltaire opting to study Computer Sciences instead at INUQUA Institut Universitaire Quisqueya Amerique.
In 2006, while planning a family visit, Reginald was inspired to revisit their shared love of drawing. He brought a canvas, and a friend brought black and white paint. Reginald and his friend encouraged Voltaire to try his hand at painting for the first time. The result was stunning: an exquisite portrait of Voltaire and his sister-in-law. This success motivated Voltaire to paint more, and by 2007, he was creating historical portraits and iconic figures. By researching the context of the individuals he painted, he began incorporating historical references into his paintings, which evolved into the collage-like style that defines his school of Art, I-I-S-P (Immortalized Images Story Paintings).
Alongside painting, Voltaire also discovered a love of woodworking at his architect brother's shop. His body of work explores topics and subjects related to Haiti, his native homeland. Both of Voltaire's parents were also involved in the art world, with a focus on "Haute Couture". Voltaire's affinity for world culture and history shines through in his paintings, making them appealing to people of all backgrounds and origins. In addition to exhibiting his work throughout the world and Haiti, Voltaire regularly invites art students to his studio. He shares his space with five other artists known collectively as the "Famous Art Creation", providing students with visual aids to complement their textbook and classroom lectures.
