Jel Martinez

The Rozenblum Foundation and the Michael Margulies Artist Agency present “Futurespective” curated by Kiki Valdes

miami art guide_jelmartinez

Opening reception: February 14, 2013. 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Closing reception: February 28, 2013. 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

The Michael Margulies Artist Agency and Kiki Valdes announce “Futurespective,” a group installation focused on the exciting times in Miami’s art scene. From striving local talent to a growing impact on the international art conversation, “Futurespective” encapsulates Miami’s new era while highlighting significant developments in the city. The forward-thinking, emerging and mid-career artists showcased in “Futurespective” offer new, artistic perspectives by experimenting with contemporary media and exploring different themes to encourage new discourse.

The group show features works by local artists Christopher Carter, David Marsh, George Sanchez-Calderon, JeanPaul Mallozzi, Jel Martinez, Johnny Robles, Kiki Valdes and Ruben Ubiera as well as Argentine artists Nichola Constantino, Constanza Piaggio and Florencia Rodriguez Giles. Each one differs in practice; however, all share a forward-driven vision based on a pattern of new discoveries in the Miami art landscape. Curator and artist Kiki Valdes’ close connection to each member of the group allows Valdes to mix and match the works, “like a jigsaw puzzle,” until the vision of “Futurespective” comes to life.

Each member of the group interprets the theme individually, such as Christopher Carter’s heavy, powerful sculptures with deep roots in history or David Marsh’s abstract, visual paintings with layers, materials, techniques and the place of the painter himself. George Sanchez-Calderon’s large-scale projects engage in the modern condition while JeanPaul Mallozzi adds his distinct paintings of emotional observation. Jel Martinez puts an urban spin on art — going beyond graffiti with explorations of erasure, removal and texture. Johnny Robles’ work ranges from murals to the juxtaposition of delicate black and white renderings with bright colors and site-specific installations. Kiki Valdes’ expressionist paintings explore the multi-dimensional complexities of people, religion, American-life, sex, and superstition. Ruben Ubiera’s Post-Grafism, centered on urban life and the Diaspora culture of the city via installation and mixed media, adds to Miami’s present and future representation. Nicola Constantino, Constanza Piaggio and Florencia Rodriguez Giles add views from behind the lens. Constantino’s photography explores female identity and questions the ambivalent codes of conduct in modern society. Piaggio uses visual language to transcend barriers and explore the unknown while Rodriguez Giles examines transcultural themes such as spirituality.

The “Futurespective” opening reception will be held on Thursday, February 4th and run through Thursday, February 28th at the Arte City Building in Miami Beach.

Arte City Building
435 21st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.972.8962
www.marguliesagency.com

Jel Martinez