Celebrate International Museum Day at MOCA North Miami on May 18
Manuel Mathieu’s first major, solo presentation, World Discovered Under Other Skies and Dwelling on the Invisible brings together new works alongside his signature visual oeuvre in a compelling examination of the long-lasting repercussions of the Haitian Revolution and the country’s quest for self-determination. On view through October 2024, the paired exhibitions are a riveting demonstration of the interplay between an artist’s chronicles of his audience, and their own histories.
Manuel Mathieu – Collection Focus: Light Play.
Alongside Mathieu’s presentation, the museum also invites a reinterpretation of iconic pieces from its permanent collection in a new group show, titled Collection Focus: Light Play. Organized by MOCA curator Adeze Wilford, the show brings together 9 contemporary artists—Petah Coyne, John Espinosa, R.M. Fischer, Nancy Haynes, Julian La Verdiere, Dennis Oppenheim, Joan Robey, Sarah Seager, and Jo Nigoghossian—to consider the past and present relevance of the museum’s legacy.
Installation views: Left: Manuel Mathieu, World Discovered Under Other Skies and Dwelling on the Invisible. // Right: Collection Focus: Light Play.
Bringing art works off the walls and outside, the museum is also hosting its annual Art on the Plaza and Welcome to Paradise series. These public installations can be seen on MOCA’s front plaza and in the outdoor courtyard, currently featuring works by local artists Yanira Collado and Alexandra Fields O’Neale. Both distinctive works invite the community on a journey through Miami’s rich history with the African Diaspora through symbolic, interactive monuments that represent joy, protection, migration, spirituality, and the cycles of life.
Left: Yanira Collado: For those who transcend in the wind/En los Ritmos de Oya/Nan ritm yo Oya. // Right: Alexandra Fields O’Neale:Bound//Unbound.
Additionally on view is Our Minds, an exhibition curated and created entirely by students from MOCA’s Teen Art Force program. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the program’s two-decade history of nurturing young talent – for the first time, the students are exhibiting their work in the museum. This showcase of their work offers the public a glimpse into the creativity, growth, and achievements they've cultivated through the program.
The exhibition, on view through October 6, explores a variety of themes and emotions that are characteristic of teenage experiences, such as societal perception, self-discovery, overwhelming emotions, and experimentation.
Film Screening: The Foreigner’s Home, narrated by Edwidge Danticat – May 22, 7pm
This thought-provoking documentary delves into the complex intersections of art, politics, and identity through the lens of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. Narrated by internationally-acclaimed author Edwidge Danticat, alongside Morrison's profound insights into belonging and displacement, the film asks viewers to explore the universal experiences of being an outsider in a world marked by cultural boundaries. Register here.
Art x Couture Night at MOCA:
Join us for an extraordinary evening of art, fashion, and music at MOCA's Art x Couture Night on May 31st! The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in MOCA's Paradise Courtyard for the Annual Teen Art Force Fashion Show, where guests can experience the creativity and talent of MOCA's Teen Art Force Fashion & Textile Design students as they model their own handcrafted designs. Enjoy food, music, and fun as we recognize their hard work!
JAZZ at MOCA celebrating Haitian Heritage Month with Inez Barlatier – May 31, 8pm
Join us as we celebrate Haitian History Month with the talented Inez Barlatier, an international touring musician, actress and teaching artist of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent. Seating starts at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Register here.