The Front Room, curated by Pamela “Zee” Lopez Del Carmen, offers an invitation by visual artists Christina Friday, Loni Johnson, and Vanta Black to come home: a place of comfort, of safety, of raw intimacy, where one can be right or wrong and called out on it while never being put out. Together, these three artists use their distinct multi-disciplinary practices to erect and consecrate a space that centers liberation from the deep social practice of self-containment and self-negation.
“As you enter, take your shoes off and don’t you dare touch the porcelain dolls.”
A house is nothing but walls. However, a home is an intimate space that frees us from the labor of adaptation while also utilizing arrangement to guide interaction. “As you enter, take your shoes off and don’t you dare touch the porcelain dolls. This was the customary instruction-turned-mantra that we’d repeat along with our elders as we entered The Front Room. Our house rules would eclipse the ten commandments, even on Sundays,” – curatorial statement.
As you enter through the doorway, you’ll be transported to a place of belonging; where deep roots hold fast to the memories that spark connection across the most staple gathering place for the culture – The Front Room.The arrangement acts as a mirror, reflecting our placement and interaction with the world. Their collective work of material practice produces a place of reconciliation as we navigate through identity and memory.
“It is an honor to host these three artists at NWSA. They have forged their way in the art scene and we are very proud of their artistic accomplishments. In addition, this exhibition will give our current students an opportunity to see their prolific art practices,” explained O. Gustavo Plascencia, NWSA Dean of Visual Arts.
The NWSA visual arts division will also host an an exhibition cookout in the NWSA garden on Sunday, December 4; 4PM, to celebrate the contributions of these three artists and NWSA.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades.
Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
THE FRONT ROOM
November 18 – January 13; Weekdays 9AM – 4PM
New World Gallery
25 NE 2 Street, Lobby, Miami
Opening Reception: November 18; 6-9PM
Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus
500 NE 2 Avenue, Room 7128, Miami
Free and open to the public
The NWSA visual arts division will also host an an exhibition cookout in the NWSA garden on Sunday, December 4; 4PM, to celebrate the contributions of these three artists and NWSA.