What started as a way to support artists during the pandemic has now become a mainstay at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami.
Art on the Plaza (AOP), a series of public art installations on display at MOCA Plaza since 2021, continues this year with three exhibits exploring themes of spirituality, tradition, and transformation.
For three months, from March to September, the works of artists Yaniro Collado, Christopher Mitchell, and Nicole Salcedo will be featured.
Photo courtesy of the artist
According to MOCA curator Adeze Wilford, Plaza on the Plaza was also a way for the museum to present works during the pandemic, when staying indoors was impossible.
“Projects are becoming more and more ambitious and artists are really pushing the idea of what a public art installation can look like,” Wilford says.
The North Miami Public Art Series has become a platform for artists to experiment, challenge the norm, and engage with the public in unconventional ways. Its success lies in its ability to adapt and respond to the changing dynamics of the world.
Reflecting on this year’s artist selection process, Wilford details the program’s commitment to diversity and creativity. “Every year, Art on the Plaza is selected through an open competition by a jury. This year, we invited past Her AOP artists to help with the selection process,” Wilford says. “We wanted to share different ideas as well as revitalize the plaza grounds in a creative way.”
Wilford highlights the thematic threads that are woven into the works of this year’s artists. “Each of them is a historical and spiritual reflection on social and emotional change,” said Art on the Plaza curators.
Yanira Corrado’s “To those who cross the wind/Litmos para oya” is the first art installation in the square this year. This public art piece, unveiled on March 13th, depicts a collection of windmills installed within MOCA’s fountains. Wilford points out that the windmill has a pattern that references symbols from historic African American quilts.
A multimedia artist with roots in both New York and Santo Domingo, Corrado shares the inspiration behind his installations. “In my practice, I consider concepts that imply the recovery of a history that was once silenced by natural or human intervention,” explains Corrado. “With this work, I want to evoke a sense of wonder and happiness in everyone who experiences it, as well as curiosity about color choices and patterns.”
Discussing the symbolism embedded in his installations, Corrado emphasizes the importance of reclaiming ancestral stories. “The patterns embedded in some windmills have become markers of ancestral identity for many of us in the African diaspora. I believe that people must be nurtured in order to contribute to the development of society.”
“To Those Who Cross the Wind/Litmos Para Oya” will close on Sunday, June 16th.
Christopher Mitchell’s “Haitian Mermaids” opens on Wednesday, June 26th and will be on display until Sunday, September 8th. This photo series features portraits of community members transformed into life-sized mermaids dressed in vibrant Kanabal-inspired costumes.
A Haitian-American photographer and director passionate about documenting Haiti’s stories shares his perspective on his photo series. “The museum (MOCA) is located within a vibrant Haitian community, giving it a unique cultural context,” Mitchell said. “If it had been located in Jacmel, Haiti, local lore might have told stories of mermaids seen in the central fountain, imbuing the place with an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment.”
Photo courtesy of the artist
Mitchell navigates the complex emotions surrounding mermaids in Haitian folklore with a mixture of stories of praise and caution. “The appeal of mermaids lies not only in their breathtaking beauty and enigmatic mystique, but also in the dangers associated with their legends,” he elaborates. “Their fascinating stories and mystical atmosphere fascinate many, but they also serve as a reminder of the dangerous and cautionary tales woven into their lore.”
Talking about the technical process behind his life-sized mermaid portraits, the photographer emphasizes the fusion of reality and craftsmanship. “The top of each portrait depicts a person with great attention to detail, while the bottom is intricately crafted using artisan materials, evoking a unique aquatic aesthetic. ” says Mitchell. “The fusion of realistic and imaginative elements creates a mesmerizing and surreal experience in each portrait.”
The third and final installment of Art on the Plaza will be exhibited on Wednesday, September 18th. Created by Nicole Salcedo and titled “Earth Gate,” the installation invites visitors to cross “the threshold between the mundane and the sacred.”
Photo courtesy of the artist
Salcedo, a multidisciplinary artist known for her immersive experiences, provides insight into her artwork. “This installation was born out of a deep reverence for the Earth and a desire to create a space where visitors can experience a connection to the Earth through their imagination,” Salcedo explains. “I translated that feeling into familiar structures, gates, and thresholds through which people can symbolically move from one state to another, recognizing our role as stewards of the earth. I wanted to.”
Artists integrate various elements such as botany, fractals, electromagnetic physics, and animistic spirituality to convey their artistic messages. “Botany represents the physical manifestation of life, and fractals symbolize the underlying patterns and interconnections found in nature,” says Salcedo. “While electromagnetic physics speaks of invisible forces that bind us to the earth, animistic spirituality recognizes the inherent consciousness and spirit within all living things.”
The last Art on the Plaza of the season ends on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Through the diverse perspectives of Corrado, Mitchell, and Salcedo, Art on the Plaza invites viewers to “explore untold stories and spark meaningful conversations,” Wilford says.
“These installations contribute to the dialogue around cultural identity and heritage within South Florida’s arts community. Our goal is to create projects that will continue to exist long after the AOP season ends. ”
if you go
what: art on the plaza
where: North Miami Plaza Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th St., North Miami
when: Until January 1, 2025
Fee: free
information: 305-893-6211 or mocanomi.org
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