MIAMI.- He North Miami Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) announced its programming for this summer and fall.
Andrea Chung, with Between Too Late and Too Early; Smita Sen, with Incarnate; and Nicole Salcedo, with Gate of the Earthwill be the artistic works that will be presented at the opening, which will also take place during Miami Art Week 2024 with a public reception on December 3.
“We are thrilled to present these individual presentations, each of which reflects the diversity and creativity of contemporary art in South Florida and beyond, while also highlighting three local women artists from our community,” said Chana Sheldon, executive director of MOCA, in a statement. “Each presentation brings a unique perspective and innovative approach, offering our visitors the opportunity to engage deeply with themes of resilience, transformation, and the interconnectedness of our shared histories.”
Proposal for works in the museum
Andrea Chung’s practice mobilizes a wide range of materials, from sugar to cyanotypes, to explore the complex legacies of colonialism and its impact on island nations. Her use of materials is rooted in both creativity and necessity. In particular, she employs sugar, a central symbol of the transatlantic slave trade, to tell stories of resilience and resistance.
Along with Chung’s works, Smita Sen will premiere her first major solo exhibition, Embodiedwhich screens a wide range of media including body prints, 3D printed sculptures and film. This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Sen’s practice over the past five years, examining the complexities of the human condition and the role of art in grief and understanding.
These exhibitions highlight MOCA’s commitment to showcasing work by artists at pivotal moments in their careers while continuing its tradition of supporting South Florida talent.
As the museum approaches its 30th anniversary, these exhibitions invite reflection and meditation, exploring themes of resilience, transformation, and the influence of historical and personal legacies. Through a variety of media, the exhibitions emphasize the interplay between materiality and narrative to address complex social issues. Both exhibitions will be open until April 6, 2025.
Before the opening of the Chung and Sen exhibitions on September 18 Gate of the Earth, by Nicole Salcedo, will culminate as the final installation in the 2024 Art on the Plaza series. The proposal will offer the public a transformative threshold for visitors to traverse and honor the spirit of the Earth and the inherent interconnectedness with all beings.
Creating mandalas and other activities
In addition to the proposals mentioned above, MOCA will organize a program for the general public on September 27, inviting them to interact with the artistic work and build mandalas alongside artists Alex Zastera and Agua Dulce.
On October 12, MOCA will also host an open conversation about the 2024 version of Art on the Plaza, discussing the artists’ works and practices.
“Each of these artists uses their multidisciplinary practices to tell powerful stories: Chung through her exploration of colonialism and its effects on island nations, Sen through her examination of the human condition and healing, and Salcedo through the legacy of Cuban women artists,” said MOCA curator Adeze Wilford. “Bringing these works to Miami is particularly meaningful as they offer a unique opportunity for viewers to engage with contemporary issues, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection on the ongoing impact of many shared histories in our community.”
For more information on the museum’s programming, please visit mocanomi.org.