The importace of Latin American Art
Nicaraguan Artist in Miami
Latin American art is essential for its cultural, social, artistic, and economic value. It reflects the unique identity and history of the region, serves as a platform for social commentary and innovation, and contributes to the region's tourism industry and economic growth. Latin American art reflects the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region. It is influenced by Indigenous, African, European, and Asian traditions, creating a unique and vibrant fusion of styles, techniques, and themes. It represents the region's identity, history, and values.
The main reasons for the importance of Latin American art include:
Social Commentary: Latin American artists often use their art as a form of social commentary. They address issues such as political oppression, social inequality, and economic hardship, among others. Their works can challenge the status quo and inspire change, making them important voices for social justice.
Artistic Innovation: Latin American art has made significant contributions to the development of modern and contemporary art worldwide. The region has produced many influential artists, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, and Fernando Botero, among others. Their innovative techniques and styles have influenced art movements globally.
Tourism and Economic Development: Latin American art is an essential part of the region's tourism industry. Visitors come to see the works of famous artists and explore the cultural heritage of the region. This generates revenue and creates job opportunities, contributing to economic development
Ivette Cabrera is a Latin American artist that migrated from Nicaragua at the age of three. Her family history spans to the Island of Ometepe and her roots are from Indigenous and Black inhabitants of the island. Her family migrated to Miami in 1985 follwoing the aftermath of the Sandinista Revolution and the Iran-Contra War. She grew up in Miami, where she became part of the thriving Wynwood Arts District. She studied Interior Architecture and Design and became one of the first trainees of the Revit BIM software program, studying in Boston, MA under one of the software developers. While in Miami, her artwork included paintings, drawings and murals. Exhibiting her artwork at various museums, she always maintained a sense of her purpose and voice in all she created. Most of her work related to revolutionary themes, and much of her artwork included the colors of the revolutionary flags of Nicaragua. The importance of Latin American Art in Miami was often invisible, she made a effort to create art that expressed the beauty and history of the culture.
In 2008, she opened a small 1,000 sq ft gallery in derelict arts district of Wynwood, Miami. At the time, the area hosted 2nd Saturday art walks and artists would open their spaces to collectors and art enthusiasts. Although the area had poorly lit streets, the warehouses were large open spaces that hosted interactive art exhibitions. It became the epicenter for a multinational large scale art project called Primary Flight that curated the Walls of Wynwood that bought over 100 different artists to paint the walls of the area. More artists were brought year after year, making Wynwood a tourist attraction over time. Unable to maintain rent, she eventually moved out of the space and traveled to Nicaragua to build a home for her mother.
In 2012, she opened an artist residency named Viophiia with a group of Latina artists who worked in various mediums such as photography, fashion and design. The group hosted various art exhibitions, community events, public murals and eventually their own small scale art fair named Vying. An artist residency program was established to give artists the experience of curating their own events, work on marketing materials and public relations. With Wynwood becoming increasingly popular, the rent hikes each year made running the space with limited funds impossible. Viophilia had to eventually close down in showcasing the last of their artwork for ArtBasel 2016.
Luckily for Ivette, she never let that discourage her from creating art. Having met Amir Shakir, whose art and music studio was across the street from Viophilia, she was able to translate art onto large walls, and they started creating murals together. In 2017, the artist duo formed the company The Color Dreamers. The name was inspired by their studies in color theory and the legislative measure called The Dreamers Act. Their first mural together was side by side on the Viophilia building. Ivette painted one of her Headdress art portraits, and Amir painted a robotic girl connected to the building's power lines.
Latin American Artist first art mural in Wynwood
Ivette Cabrera first large scale mural was in Wynwood on the Viophilia building. Using the colors of Nicaraguan revolution her headdress art gained attention from the artworld and her first museum exhibition was at Artis Naples Baker Museum in Florida.
Over the years the duo traveled to many states creating public art and eventually settling down in Miami creating art for various collectors, brands and developers. They were the first artists to be commissioned at Miami World Center and some of the first Wynwood artist to have full brand campaigns featuring their works. One of their largest works to date include a massive abstract artwork at Bezel Luxury apartments. The Color Dreamers have created sculptures and a few collaborative canvas artworks in their art studio. The Covid pandemic brought some hardships and the duo had a baby girl during that period. They managed to work on their fashion brand despite the hardship, however, and their brand is set to launch later this year. She is working with the best shoe manufactuers and artisans from Argentina and the leather is sourced globally including from Nicaragua. The brand TCD fashion is the first Miami born fashion house named House of Dreamers.
Today Ivette constinues to work on art in her studio. Her artworks continue to reference the Nicaraguan Revolution, identity and she emphasisis the importance of women in society. Her major plans are to open an Latin Art Museum showcasing art that pushes boundaries. Cabrera, feels that is important to continue the genuine true expression of creativity in all forms. The Color Dreamers is set to create their largest mural yet at Doral City Place in Miami. For more information on collecting her works please contact us here.
