New MOCA Exhibitions Uncover Histories of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Personal Resilience
Opening November 6, the two shows engage melting sugar, 3d geologic modeling, and dance, to enliven histories of the transatlantic slave trade, personal injury, and family memory. They also mark a solo debut for South Florida artist Smita Sen, and the largest institutional presentation of Andrea Chung’s work.

Working across multiple mediums including intimate collages that use archival images and mixed media, to large scale installations and multichannel video, Chung’s work investigates the colonial as it relates to motherhood, Blackness, the impact of trauma and the imagination. Using concepts like Drexciya as a springboard, she re-contextualizes history and offers alternate possibilities for self-concept.
Meanwhile, Sen’s forthcoming exhibition will explore and feature the artist's use of her dance-based performances and how she developed sculptures and drawing based on her movements in her early and most recent works. Her work at MOCA is an attempt to understand the resilience and malleability of the body by continuously finding support in its healing mechanisms. While these presentations open to the public next week, they’ll be celebrated during Miami Art Week in December with an opening reception on Tuesday, December 3 from 8:30pm–10:30pm. Please RSVP here if you’re interested in attending!
Alongside these exhibitions, MOCA is also hosting a suite of public programming as listed below.
MOCA Programming
miniMakers: Making Lightboxes inspired by the work of Nicole Salcedo – November 2 – 2-4 PM
Join us as we explore the work of Nicole Salcedo, learn about lightboxes and understand the cutting process. Together, we will create a 3D story light box cutout inspired by the artist's art work. This class is free for children 6-12 and their caregiver. RSVP Here.
Sunday Stories – The Light Within You – November 3 – 10:30 – 11:30 AM
It's story time at MOCA! Join us as we read “The Light Within You”, learn about the Hindu festival of Diwali, and create our own special "inner light" night light. RSVP here.
Art Insights: MOCA Members – Play-House – November 7 – 6:00 -7:30 PM
*Note: details may be subject to change
Join exhibiting artist Germane Barnes and MOCA Curator Adeze Wilford for a conversation about his Welcome to Paradise installation, Play-House - a recreation of the Shotgun Home, centering the African American contribution to American architecture through play. For this very special edition of Art Insights, Barnes' gallerist, Nina Johnson, will host MOCA members at her gallery. At Nina Johnson Gallery, 6315 NW 2nd Avenue. Thursday, November 7 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM. MOCA Members+ ($250) and above: Free. MOCA Dual/Family ($100) members and below: $20. RSVP here.
MOCA Makers: Body Casting with Shawna Moulton– November 9 – 1 – 3 PM
This month, join artist Shawna Moulton as she leads a hands-on workshop in plaster casting, inspired by the evocative work of exhibiting artist Andrea Chung. Participants will have the chance to create personal sculptures, learning to mold and cast hands to produce detailed and expressive artworks. Under Shawna's expert guidance, you'll explore the beauty and complexity of the human form, forging a deep, personal connection to the art-making process. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to materialize your artistic vision and celebrate the human body through sculpture. RSVP here.
The Reset – November 16 – 10 AM – 4 PM
Are you ready for a Reset? Come spend the day at MOCA for a free community event centering joy, healing, and art. This is a celebration dedicated to people and organizations advancing justice in our city! A party that brings together social change leaders, artists, healers, and you, the beautiful people of Miami! Come enjoy a unique gathering filled with wellness offerings like reiki and sound healing, amazing performances by DJ FlyGuy, The People's Choir, and Jacareo bringing bomba y plena vibes.
Guests will enjoy food, museum tours, art making, a panel discussion with important voices, live art, and much more!
RSVP here.