Airport purchases works from 14 visual artists to be included in MIA’s art collection
(MIAMI, September 16, 2020) – Miami International Airport is supporting the local arts ecosystem in Miami-Dade County during the pandemic by purchasing works from 14 local artists. The artworks will be featured in an exhibition scheduled for 2021, and they will then be displayed at various locations throughout the airport.
The 14 contemporary artworks – consisting of paintings, photographs, and works on paper – were selected during a rigorous selection process by a six-person panel comprised of local art and museum professionals, including curators and public art program administrators. The jurors, in MIA’s first-ever call to artists announced in July, reviewed 253 submissions by 157 artists. Entries for consideration had to be existing two-dimensional artworks created within the last three years by artists with demonstrated experience in public art and/or with a history of exhibiting artwork at galleries, museums and alternative art spaces. The artists also had to be living and working in Miami-Dade County.
“The goals of this acquisition initiative are to showcase the broad and diverse spectrum of talent that our local art community has to offer, and to divide our funding among multiple working artists at a time when there are less opportunities,” said Gendry Sherer, MIA Fine Arts & Cultural Affairs Division Director. “We are also proud to continue presenting exhibitions through MIA Galleries, where South Florida artists can exhibit their work daily in front of an international audience.”
The final artists selected compose a diverse group from varied artistic practices: Maria Theresa Barbist; Lujan Candria; Amalia Caputo; Cara Despain; Annick Duvivier; Carol Jazzar; Regina Jestrow; Monica Lopez de Victoria; Addonis Parker; Najja Moon; Ian Patrick O’Connor; Christina Pettersson; Silvia Ros; and Tom Virgin.
“I want to thank MIA so much for this opportunity in having my artwork displayed at the airport,” said Duvivier. “You brought a ray of sunshine and encouragement into my life in a time of doubt and uncertainty.”
Lopez de Victoria added: “I am thrilled to have my artwork selected to be included in MIA’s permanent collection. I am grateful that institutions like MIA are investing in Miami’s artists. It is a crucial time to make a difference in our local creative community. Every bit goes a long way.”
About MIA Galleries
MIA Galleries is Miami International Airport’s Arts & Exhibition program. Founded in 1996 and organized by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Division of Fine Arts & Cultural Affairs, MIA Galleries seeks to enhance the passenger experience by creating a visually engaging environment that is contemporary, thought-provoking and reflective of our South Florida community.
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