Rocky, Lost In Cinema, 2013

Ivan Jorge Roque, also known as The Lost Artist, is a Cuban-American urban artist hailing from the inner city community of Carol City, Florida. Next week, Ivan Roque’s Lost in Cinema series opens at Nac Gallery up in the FTL. Get to know Ivan Roque in this exclusive interview after the jump…

Also See: Ivan Roque: Lost In Cinema

INTERVIEW

Tell us a bit about yourself and your young career as an artist.

My name is Ivan Jorge Roque, also known as The Lost Artist or The Lost One. I am a Cuban American urban artist from Miami, FL but was raised on the northern side of the county in the land known as Carol City. My favorite color is black. I feed off chaos, roses are beautiful and my mind is quite lost. 

When it comes to my career I have to say I’ve been truly blessed with the opportunities that I have been given. It has been a lot of hard work but I really feel like I am on a completely different level mentally, spiritually and artistically than I was last year.

In a matter of a year I’ve been able to gain a public installation by the City of Surfside, I’ve worked alongside some of Miami’s biggest artists, was one of eight artists chosen out over 80 applicants nationwide to be a part of Pop Up Pianos Miami during this past Art Basel Miami Beach, was able to gain my own studio, being invited to do shows outside of Miami and now I am having my own solo show all at the very young age of 21 something that is very rare to see especially in the visual arts field.

You are from Carol City. How has your neighborhood shaped your art?

Carol City has played a big part in my way of thinking and within my work. Growing up in the city you see a lot of things that can easily affect you in many ways. Luckily, although I lived in Carol City, I went to school in Hialeah but seeing my friends that had gone to our home school turn out the way they did was really sad. Most of them had either been locked up, were in gangs, got pregnant at an early age or did and sold drugs so most of their lives were practically over before they even started. I’ve had my own problems when I’ve been jumped, and when I was a kid I even had a gun put to my head. Let me tell you that really does f*** you up.

How does it affect my work? You just have to look at it. My work is dark like the hood, you can see that it comes from a dark place. I listen to a lot of hip hop which inspires the complex storytelling and ideas that I am trying to convey within my pieces. Carol City plays a huge role in the inspiration to my art and I will represent until I die because I want people to know the greatness and genius that can come from the inner cities and to serve as role model for kids that were like me and show them that they can rise above it, get out of there, and hopefully go back and make it a better place.

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Lost In Cinema, 2013

Are you inspired by your Cuban heritage?

I am very inspired by my Cuban heritage although I really don’t show it in my work but is rather reflected in my work ethic. My father came here on a raft and built himself from the ground up. His will and determination was like no other and he was a proud Cuban man. He and my mom raised me on arroz y frijoles negros.

My dad always told me that I had to work for everything I wanted so that’s probably why I’ve been able to accomplish what I have in such a short time and it is thanks to my environment and that instilled Cuban drive that rushes through my blood day in and day out.

What do you think about what’s happening in the art scene in Miami and Fort Lauderdale? 

I think the art scene is great. It is coming up very fast, the art is spreading from Wynwood into different parts of the city and country such as Little Haiti, Downtown, Bird Road and other such areas that art really didn’t exist in and if it did it wasn’t thriving like it is today. The only thing is that I feel we need to get more collectors from across the world to come and see all the mad talent that lives here.

Look at artists like Typoe, GG, Ruben Ubiera, Ahol Sniffs Glue and Johnny Robles, these guys are taking it to completely different levels and that’s just a small list of many of the other greats that exist in Miami. This is South Florida where it has always been about beaches and beauty but thankfully I think we can throw in culture and art into the mix as well. After all this is home to one of the biggest Art Fairs in the world.

Gladiator, Lost In Cinema, 2013

How did you link up with NAC?

I was GG’s assistant before anything and he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and taught me how to truly be an artist. I learned more from him than I did from school so I have to say thank you to GG. y I met Vincent Harrison and Karla Livingston, the gallery directors of NAC through GG while working at his studio.

I didn’t start to work with them until approximately eight months later, after I had I had started building my own name. I approached them and they agreed to allow me to show with them and I have to say they are honestly the best gallery I’ve worked with so far. 

Your solo exhibition “Lost in Cinema” opens next week. Can you tell us more about the show and your initial inspiration? 

I’m quite excited for this show. I really do think that I’m taking it up a notch with this one, especially since it is my first show. “Lost In Cinema” features sixteen brand new pieces that will include installations, paintings and even some mural aspects. I don’t want the experience to be solely visually, I want it to be sensory as well. You will know what I mean when you come to see the exhibit and experience it for yourself.

The initial inspiration is simply the powerful medium that is film. Movies make you feel, they make you cry, they make you mad, they make you happy, they instill fear and most importantly they play a big role influencing today’s society.

Can you elaborate on your characters “Lost” and “Found?”

“Lost” and “Found” are my two halves and I believe everyone else’s as well. I created “Lost” and “Found” back during High School but put them aside until I finally decided on the direction of my career. They are a devil and an angel.

Why? First off let me say that I believe that there is good and evil in all of us and all depends on which side has more control. Morality plays a big role in my work. What is right and what is wrong? “Lost” is the representation of mischief, chaos and rebellion while “Found” on the other hand represents innocence, honesty and loyalty.

Let me explain the concept further. When you are lost within something you are so into whatever it is that you become consumed within it, whether it be work or pleasure. To be found is when, finally, people realize what they are trying to do and who they really are. That’s why I have the saying “Forever Lost Finally Found.”

How do you interpret film through your art?

Through collage, the characters and by truly capturing the spirit of each respective film within my work. The collage is like the film itself, the character are the actors and the details are what makes it come to life, they are the special effects.

Scarface, Lost In Cinema, 2013

Which films did you choose and why?

The films I have chosen are Scarface, Rocky, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Natural Born Killers, Back to The Future, King Kong, The Godfather, Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, E.T., Jurassic Park, Nightmare On Elm Street, Gladiator, Cheech and Chong, Friday the 13th and Titanic.

The reason I chose these films is that I want to celebrate cinema and some of its most iconic movies. It was an extremely hard list to come up with. I was changing the movies on the list like crazy and the process nearly gave me a headache but it was still a lot of fun. 

King Kong, Lost In Cinema, 2013

We hear you are creating a special on site installation. Can you hint on anything as yet?

Yes I am but the only hint I will give is “VHS and Johnny Depp.” Nothing else. You will have to witness it for yourself.

Do you have any other news or interesting detail you would like to share?

“Lost In Cinema” will not just be any regular art exhibition but truly an experience for all to enjoy. I would also like to add that this event will mark the beginning of a new era in art an era in which the lost ones will finally arise from the shadows as they make their way to be found.

Also See: Ivan Roque: Lost In Cinema

Contributed by Hank Justice

Let’s be honest. When most people hear the words “grizzly” and “bear” used together, they think of an actual grizzly bear. You know, the adorable North American brown bear typically found in western North America. However, Grizzly Bear (with a capital G and B) are actually, as many of you may know, quite the opposite.

They are Edward Droste (vocals, keyboards, omnichord), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass, backing vocals, various instruments, producer), and Christopher Bear (drums, backing vocals). And yes, their name is a nickname that Ed had for an old boyfriend of his.

So what does their music “sound” like? According to the “Pitchfork, Stereogum, Rolling Stone and Consequence of Sound” type of music publications (which I’m not here to emulate in anyway, by the way): Psychedelic pop, folk rock, indie rock, folk rock, psychedelic folk, neo-psychedelia, psychedelic rock, experimental, experimental rock, art rock, and lo-fi.

Now you’re probably asking yourself how one band possibly incorporate all these different “genres” into their music? The answer is quite simple. They make music that defies labels.

Grizzly Bear is Edward Droste’s musical brainchild. Their first album, 2004’s Horn of Plenty, is consisted of a unique mix of just Edward and Christopher’s sounds. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that they recorded their first record as a quartet: the critically-acclaimed Yellow House (which was aptly named after Edward’s mother’s house where it was recorded). He also admits that he dreaded the idea of being a solo act and that he felt that this music sounded better with a full band and that this is when they discovered their distinct sound.

So it should be noted 2008 was a particularly awesome year for this band. These four talented individuals got to open up for Radiohead (who actually loved their music) during the second leg of their tour of North America that summer. The success from this tour led them to retreat to Cape Cod, where their third album Vectatimest was conceived and completed in 2009 and saw much praise from the press and Billboard as well.

Fast forward to 2012. The band took the internet to showcase “Sleeping Ute,” a song from what came to be Shields, the band’s fourth album. They included a full tracklisting of the album along their tour dates for it. It leaked on the internet on September 4th (as many albums do this day and age) and was finally released on September 18th. Check out “Sleeping Ute” and two other favorites from this amazing album below.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

Stemming from Jessy Nite‘s fascination with text, NiteWriter.co is a typography studio devoted solely to the heritage and discipline of hand-drawn type. 

Jessy Nite’s work has graced brands across the globe (including yours truly – Tropicult.com) with her playful colors, keen eye, and razor sharp skills. Now, Jessy Nite is offering custom lettering, illustration, interactive and digital capabilities to the masses! Vist the brand spankin’ new NiteWriter.co then click & drag around to explore Jessy Nite’s typographical porfolio.

That’s not all the Benevolent Ruler has been up! We caught up with Jessy Nite who apparently has also been teaching the art of typography and hand lettering to international students at the Miami Ad School.

Q&A

How did you begin to incorporating hand lettering – typography into your artwork? 

I almost never use real fonts. Everything is hand lettered in my work! As a kid I was always doodling letters…

I recently traced it allll back to two things though: First, the alphabet book my second grade teacher gave me as an end-of-the-year gift and secondly, the titles from TV Land’s Block Party Summer.  Of course, I realized all of this later.  

And yes, I am now, and always have been, a hard-core draw-er. I have boxes full of my old sketch books…all in chronological order.

What/who inspired you to use and explore typography?

Well my background is fine arts and though I loved to draw letters, I never knew what “typography” was.  When I started learning about design everyone kept saying “Type is the most important thing to becoming a great designer!”  I always want to be the best, but I had no idea how to pick out a font like the other kids so I just drew what I wanted them to look like.  Thats when I found out about the added value in custom work.

What is the greatest challenge in creating interactive/digital capable typography?

Biggest challenge? Programming!

Drawing the lettering is the fun and awesome part, but getting them to work is something totally different. I am very lucky to have talented friends who help with the technical side of what it do, and that’s what makes NiteWriter so special — we can make all kinds of things!

@JessyNite

How did you end up teaching typography?

I think teaching is just a part of me…

My mom is a real-deal educator and I have always wanted to give back to others in the same way that she does. I often say that if I was super rich, I’d just be a student forever and take classes on how to do everything – and so maybe that’s also why I’m drawn to education.  

Another reason is that the art of hand-made anything is slipping away. I teach my students to use both typeface and hand-drawn elements; they’re so talented that I don’t want them to limit themselves.

Why did you launch the typography studio – NiteWriter.co?

I’ve been working on tons of commercial projects over the past few years in addition to exhibiting my contemporary art work, and wanted to create a space where people can see a full picture of what I do. And it’s not just type work; from illustration and custom art to identity, branding and experiential campaigns, NiteWriter.co is everything you would get from a full-service design studio.

I suppose this is just my “coming out” party!  I want to let everyone know how deep my work can go and how much value there is in custom-made elements.

Will you still be creating artwork, participating in exhibits and/or painting murals?

Of course! I am different from a lot of artists because I have my hands in everything, but will never stop creating my own work. I have been working on new sculptural pieces, installations, paintings, experiences and more.

What does the rest of 2013 have in store for Jessy Nite?

I am currently working on a large installation for an S+A Architects project, which will be revealed at the end of May and is one of my biggest and most challenging pieces to date.

This September, I also have an installation at the Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood, and will be working toward a solo show with them next year. I have a few other fun things in the works, but like to keep it under wraps until it’s all official…

All I can say is stay tuned!

@JessyNite #Instagram

Ivan Roque’s Lost in Cinema is a series of 16 works based on the artist’s characters Lost and Found. Using collage and painting Roque pays tribute to 20^th century cinema greats such as Al Pacino’s “Scarface,” Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky,” series and the cult classics “King Kong” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Ivan Jorge Roque, also known as “The Lost Artist,” is a Cuban-American urban artist hailing from the inner city community of Carol City, Florida. Currently a student at the Miami International University of Art & Design, Roque is an emerging urban pop artists to watch. He has been working steadily and has accomplished quite a repertoire at an early age.

Roque has participated in a number of group shows, has had a public installation commissioned by the town of Surfside and was chosen for the Pop Up Piano Series during Art Basel Miami Beach 2012.

Ivan Roque’s collages present his interpretation of the world. The artist explores morality and questions definitions of right and wrong within the context of contemporary American society. He created the characters “Lost” and “Found” as a representation of the two halves that make up every individual, good and evil, mischief and innocence, rebellious and loyal.

The new works present a move towards a new direction for Roque as he pushes his limits in “Lost in Cinema.” Movies are a source inspiration for the artist and he appreciates the medium’s ability to convey messages. Roque sees film as moving paintings with endless possibilities for interpretation. This association started the idea to merge cinema and fine art into this new series, which will be accompanied by a surprise site specific installation at Nac Gallery.

NacGroup is a global entity that consists of a group of like minded individuals with a shared passion and purpose, who have rejected today’s accepted conventional wisdom as it relates to how a gallery should operate. Nac Gallery, a division of NacGroup, provides a vehicle for emerging and mid-level career artists to reach their respective audiences in a targeted and effective way. Nac Gallery is a fine art gallery located in the North Beach Arts District of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Contributed by Monica Torres

It’s now May and we already miss O, Miami.  For a month, the O, Miami Poetry Festival went wherever people went.

Sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, organizers P. Scott Cunningham and Melody Santiago Cummings brought poetry into public places, both common and special to Miamians. Places one would normally go to for poetry like Books and Books, and the B-Bar at the Betsy Hotel, as well as unlikely places for the elusive art form like El Palacio de Los Jugos, The Swap Shop and Publix, they have a sense of humor.

The festival pumped through the arteries of the city’s heart, our treasured hang out spots. From their “Poets that Rock” concert at Churchill’s Pub, a staple of the city’s rock music scene to avant-garde gallery spaces like the MAM and The LAB Miami, they blurred the city lines, involving many different types of people. And, location to location, they strung together a love poem to the Magic City.

In the shadows of the night, they went to dance clubs like The Vagabond  for their signature “Stone Groove” on Tuesdays, where with Afros in sun-glasses-at-night, in a lounge-style vibe, soul-filled poets rap dirty lyrics in a smoke-filled air, not for the faint of heart.

Martha Raoli’s Winning Airplane Poem

O, Miami hosted their own unique events like Poetry Fusion and Pin Up Pop Up Poetry. And, they popped-up, with their classic, art-deco red typewriters, ready to make poetry at happening festivities like Big Night in Little Haiti and Sweatstock, Sweat Record’s 4:20 Block Party.  They even put poetry across the sky.

With it all they set out to bring a poem to everyone in the city…

To many events the festival brought typewriters were people could write a short poem to keep. And, if you were brave enough to bust out a lyrical masterpiece on the spot, you got a tote bag with a fill-in-the blank poetry game, “I will die _____/in the sun”.

The lines on the bag were chosen by O, Miami founder P. Scott Cunnigham. They are from his favorite Donald Justice poem “Variations on a Text by Vallejo,” in which the poet exclaims, “I will die in Miami/ in the sun.” (I write this as it’s very rainy outside).

“I will die in a tote bag /in the sun.” Ian Michael

Below is a poem written by a tourist visiting El Palacio de los Jugos with her family, on the same day of the O, Miami Kick-off Party. The organizers chose to have the kick-off there because it’s so Miami of course!

That’s So Miami

Not only did they expose people to poems, but they got us making poetry together. The month long poetry competition, “That’s So Miami,” where people were challenged to write short poems starting or ending with the phrase, “That’s so Miami,” got over 2000 entries.

Moreover, the contest had a twitter, tumblr and instagram component, where people were asked to hashtag #thatssoMiami pictures (below) and short poem tweets.  The winners are to be published in a book titled, “That’s O, Miami.” Look out for it soon!

Another song of the city was seen on O’Miami’s black and white posters, hung along Biscayne Blvd. On them was the following verse, ”I ride for / I lie for / I cry for Dade” and “No ifs, ands, or, buts, I’m from Dade.”  Their effect was either to appease or annoy lonely drivers battling their daily dose of the city’s dreadful traffic.

But, I can’t imagine I’m the only one who wondered, “Is that poetry?” Actually, they are lyrics from a Pitbull song, “Welcome to Miami.“ I have never considered him a poet, but, hey, try defining poetry. Its inexplicable nature, like love, is part of its beauty.  And, in poetry there are no rules, perfect for Miami, a city where people like to make their own.

But, the posters hung high, reminding everyone that the Spring festival brought poetry, good or bad, to our hot, humid air, giving us a strange sense of pride about being from Miami and a reason to celebrate the nuances of our city. Speaking of pride, the ultimate test of pride for the 305 was to get some ink. At their Animal Spirits event sponsored by the Ocho Placas Tattoo Company, Miami lovers got to choose a $10 tat from the following so Miami symbols.

Poetic Fusion: Dance & Poetry

Another unique aspect of the festival was collaborating with established artists to fuse poetry with dance, art, film and music. One of the festivals most unique, smaller events, which I got to attend was Poetic Fusion. At The LAB Miami, an organic synthesis between poetry, dance, and music was the experiment.

The choreographer, Adriana Pierce from the Miami City Ballet, said she used the intonations of sound and musicality of the poet Barbara Lisette Anderson’s words to conjure up a ballet routine. I got the chance to talk to the poet and snapped a vine, see below. Local poets and dancers fused their passions at this event, which had a colorful botanical theme, fitting for the Spring.

Visual Art & Poetry

At the Art Center on Lincoln Road, Pin Up Pop Up Poetry was another cool event created by Beatricia Sagar, poet and resident artist.  I got to chat with Beatricia.

“When you’re in the zone with poetry or painting, you are coming from the same place.” Beatricia Sagar

Throughout the month, people were invited to drop by and pin up poems on the walls.  And the turn out was great. Over 300 were pinned up, and they documented everyone who stopped by to pin up a poem, leaving a permanent record of Miami as a city of poets.  The event culminated with a reading of multi-cultural poets, including Haitian poet Max Freesney Piere, author of “Soul Traveler,” who shared his love of Miami, as well as visiting poets of various ethnic backgrounds, such as AIRIE (Artist in Residence in Everglades) resident, Mary Kate Azcuy.  Her poetry isn’t about Miami at all, but having spent time in the everglades, she was inspired by the city like many other poets and artists. Her poems can be found in the Andrei Kodrescu’s “Exquisite Corpse.”

Till next year or two! O, Miami, we bid you farewell! We can’t wait to see what you do next! Let’s keep it going…Put it in a comment below and share it with us (0r even better, share an original poem about the Magic City)!

For more information or to get involved with O, Miami visit their site and check out the University of Wynwood.

Daft Punk’s highly revered and mega catchy new single “Get Lucky” featuring Pharrell Williams on vocals and Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers has been out since April 19, 2013. And since then, it’s broken chart records and people just can’t enough of it. A plethora of remixes and reworks have already surfaced, but today, you’re in for a treat for one straight out of the 305.

It comes to us from none another than Miami DJ and producer Brett Thorngren, better known as COSMO of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Records.

Brett and Del Francisco provide us with a surprise not too far into it and truly manage to successfully add their touch to the track. Check it out and make sure you dance wherever you are!

If you’re a local music and/or party lover, chances are you’ve heard or seen Astari Nite‘s name on a flyer or Facebook event. Well, this energetic, Miami-based new wave/indie/post darkwave band is definitely no newcomer. Mychael Ghost (vocals), Albert Grey (guitar), Illia Tulloch (drums), and Miquell Monch Sallons (bass) have been rocking stages since the fall of 2007.

They have gotten the distinct privilege to open for major acts such as Assemblage 23, Modern English, Andy Rourke of The Smiths, Apoptygma Berzerk and Stars. This band is currently a favorite of Miami’s The Kitchen Club event, and with good reason.

Today we celebrate the release of Astari Nite’s first single “Pyramids” from their upcoming debut album.

Astari Nite’s brief but expanding discography includes their 2010 self-titled debut that features the single “True Romance” (there was an excellent full-length video created for it – below). This was then followed by “Astrid” off of their 2011 EP release Requiem Mass. Their other hit single titled “Waves” was released in 2012 as a teaser for their first full length album slated for the spring of 2013.

Up next, a couple of tasty treats!

INTERVIEW

First, an interview with vocalist Mychael Ghost.

Your band name. Tell us the story of how you guys came up with it.

I believe each band member has a different idea in their head in regards to this answer but here is mine… I have always admired the original painting, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and in fact, I use to have a decent copy of it hanging on my wall many years ago. I would often lose myself in a daydream while gazing at it so the name always stuck in my head. When it came time to name our band, we were in agreement, and our drummer Illia finalized the spelling.

What would you say your songs are about for the most part?

Love, deceit, fact and fiction an imaginary world.

Who would you say are your greatest musical influences?

I’ve always admired The Cure, New Order, The Sundays and Depeche Mode. Later in life I found myself listening to Placebo, Interpol, The Strokes, and most recently Tegan and Sara has joined my collection. I do care for many other artists but these just seem to be on top right now.

Do you have a favorite song you have ever written? Why?

It’s a bit strange; I am finding that when writing a song sometimes you just don’t know the meaning once you begin and it takes time for the whole story to play out… you know what I mean? I always admired our song “Astrid,” which is about a friendship that comes to an end. It’s about the time when there is no pulse left from either of the two people involved and it is the end.

What’s the most bizarre that’s happened to any of you or all of you while you’ve been on stage?

When opening for the band Stars at The Culture Room, there was a moment when midway through their set they took the time to actually thank Astari Nite for performing with them.

What’s been your favorite city to perform in thus far?

New York City was a magical place where I met some amazing people that I hold very dear to my heart.

What musician, dead or alive, would you interview if you were given the chance?

Robert Smith

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m really into comic books and I also find sleeping quite enjoyable.

What was it like working with Grammy award-winning producer Steve Thompson (Blondie, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Metallica) to record your first full-length album?

In life its obvious we all get taught lessons; Astari Nite was very fortunate to have a wonderful teacher. Steve has a way with words and he makes ideas that I never knew existed come to life. He is a magical person and I feel safe saying that he is also my friend.

What do you guys have planned for the future (near and far) that you can tell us?

Currently, we are in the process of filming a video for our new single “Pyramids,” as we anticipate the release of our record which should be sometime in autumn. There are several other things that come to mind, however, a piece of paper states I can’t say anything at this time.

Here’s your second tasty treat – “Pyramids,” Astari Nite’s first single released today from their upcoming debut album!

@astarinite43 #Instagram

The new artworks in The Valdeziacs are in itself is a nod to childhood nostalgia; the work transforms the characteristics of well-known and loved cartoon figures into complete abstraction.

Here’s what he had to say…

Which Disney/Nickelodeon characters inspired the pieces in the series?

The paintings to me don’t have any specific cartoon characters. But, the work of John Kricfalusi for me was a starting point. People seem to bring up Ren and Stimpy when they see the paintings. It’s really about painting a familiar feeling someone gets from cartoons and using it to address painting and abstraction.

How successful I will be? I can’t say but that’s really what I’m exploring. I’m attracted to form, and some cartoon forms are quite interesting to me. The act of painting and the places it can take me is really what inspires what I’m doing. The cartoons are more of a visual tool to get the paintings going.

What do you think about the more recent characters Disney/Nickelodeon have developed?

I don’t really follow current cartoons very much. Isn’t Disney Channel just a bunch of teen live action shows these days? (laughs)

I only know that because I have some younger cousins. I’m sure whatever is out there is brainwashing the kids, in a good way of course. (laughs)

Are there any 3 dimensional works in the exhibition? Have you ever considered sculpting your characters?

This is a straight up painting show. No sculptures. I have no intentions of doing any sculpture. Would I like to? Sure why not but it’s not my focus at the moment. My mind is on painting. You can get lost in the world of sculpture and painting. They are limitless in my view. It’s wonderful and it can be a lifetime of work. I respect sculptors very much. When I do more sculpture I want to devote a great amount of time for it. I know I might need to get fabricators to make the sculpture, which seems to be common practice.

Which artist(s) have inspired you?

Obviously, Philip Guston. His later work was very revolutionary and you can see the Robert Crumb/underground comics influence happening. As always Gorky, De Kooning and Picasso. I also follow Joyce Pensato, Eddie Martinez, Rosson Crow, Erik Parker, Taylor McKimens etc. All great artists. In between painting I have had a little David Lynch movie bug as well.

Why did you title the current exhibit The Valdeziacs? How many pieces will you be exhibiting?

Joe Margulies. He’s the brother of my art dealer/agent. He was seeing the work I was making and kept calling the work “The Valdeziacs.” It reminded him of the 90′s cartoon Animaniacs. The work quickly pulled him to his childhood. I never watched and never used that show as a starting point. But, I liked that he thought of that cartoon when he was looking at the work. It pulled him to when he was a little kid. He’s thinking about it, yet I never pained any of those characters.

I find the connection of childhood memories in his visualization of the paintings great. I will be showing 11 works and 12 to 20 smaller works which to me are more like studies for the bigger work.

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ABOUT

Kiki Valdes is a Cuban American expressionist painter born in Miami, FL and based in New York. Valdes’ work explores the multidimensional complexities of people, religion, American-life, sex, and superstition. His canvases tend to overlap on top of various unresolved paintings and capture a sense of association, rhythm and conflict.

Kiki often refers to his paintings as studies; instead of art history’s draw toward the female or still-life, Valdes explores the use of 1990’s cartoons with expressionistic tendencies. His appropriation of Disney/Nickelodeon characters is a starting point for him to redefine his understanding of the subject. The work can best be described as a marriage between abstract expressionism, cartoons and Caribbean folklore.

Sketches

Many of the current paintings move into a new direction for the artist. Cartoon characters provide the first entry point to Valdes’ complex explorations of layered cut canvas collages, abstractions and figurative cartoon imagery. He paints the excited, cryptic images of bubbly faces and toon masks to convey a feeling of childhood nostalgia as a visual tactic to address space and form.

Kiki Valdes sees the cartoon imagery as a way to communicate and connect with a wider audience by conjuring memories. Cartoons have seeped into our consciousness since childhood and the artist uses those recognizable images and memories as prop for questions about painting and our obsession with the familiar.

Certain qualities like curves, exaggerated eyes and big mouth emphasize the duality of his compositions and create a battle between the familiar graphic figuration and what is familiar in painting.

Valdez creates a place where darkness and light meet. He merges both and they open a dialogue and leave space for interpretation.

KIKI VALDES: THE VALDEZIACS (SOLO EXHIBITION)

Opening Reception: Saturday April 27^th 7-10pm (through May 10^th)
101 Exhibit – 101 NE 40^th Street Miami FL 33137 [Map]

Ingredients

• multiculturalist band members:
  • Gordon Myers(Bass/Vocals)
  • Carlos Bedoya
  • Rudolfo Zuniga (Drums)
  • Aaron Lebos (Guitar)
  • Didi Gutman (Synth)
  • Aaron Johnston (Programming)
• ^1/3 (tbs) Electro Pop
• ^1/3 (tbs) Nu Wave
• ^1/3 (tbs) Dance
• 1^1/3 (tbs) Rock
• 1^1/3 (tbs) Disco
• ^1/3 (tbs) House

Now, they may represent Miami, but their EP was produced by none other than the Brazilian Girls’ production team Jesse Yusef Murphy, Didi Gutman and Aaron Johnston as well as Wayne “The Brain” Allison. Myers wrote all the lyrics for the EP, and they did collaborate with several prominent Miami musicians (e.g. Tony Laurencio aka Smurphio of Afrobeta). Be on the lookout for another EP from the Hongs that is set to be released in summer or fall of this year.

This is how they best like to describe themselves: “Multinational Dance Conglomerate: Spreading the dance/rock/electro/house hybrid – one toe at a time.” The Hongs’ live performances have been described as high-energy and upbeat due to the perfect combination of electronic sounds with traditional instrumentation, which Myers and the rest of the band are quite fond of doing.

Speaking of Gordon Myers, he took some time out of his busy schedule as a kick-ass the Hongs member to answer some of our questions. Check out the interview below…

INTERVIEW

Why the Hongs? How did you guys come up with such a unique name for the band?

Well, I can give you the Wiki behind the name — The Hongs were conglomerates of major business houses in colonial Canton, China then later Hong Kong. They controlled the money, the economy, and well the entire country pretty much. The reality is much simpler than that. When we were starting the band, the three of us were up in NYC heavily smoking cannabis and ya’ll know what happens to your eyes when you smoke. ..Thus, The Hongs – Multinational Dance Conglomerates, were born.

What was it like working with the Brazilian Girls’ production team?

Amazing! Doing it again next month. I’m going to be flying up to NYC for a few days to hang out with Didi and Aaron and hopefully lay down a few unreleased tracks we’ve been working on.

Do any of your members DJ? If so, do you see yourselves doing it at different venues from time to time?

Yes, I do… not very often but yeah, I would be down to play at more local spots around town, why not?

What’s your favorite record and/or track of 2013 so far?

The Strokes – One Way Trigger

What are some upcoming releases that you’re looking forward to listening to?

That’s easy. Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories! Hands down! I was in the Coachella crowd when the video first popped up… I was speechless!

Do you guys think SoundCloud is revolutionizing the way that people share and listen to music?

The internet is a powerful medium for discovering just about anything. Up until a couple of years ago, your best option may have involved setting up a Myspace profile and throwing some music on. Nowadays there are so many options to choose from. It’s not hard to skip the record labels and sell and distribute music on your own which is so great for everyone involved.

SoundCloud is the easiest to use free music upload service. It takes just a couple clicks to upload a song and once you do, you can embed your music everywhere and anywhere. People can download it, stream it, and if you choose you can even allow people to remix it. It’s also a great way to connect with other musicians, follow artists you like, and create a small community around your songs. I personally love it that you can allow people to comment anywhere in the song. It provides me and other musicians personalized feedback.

Speaking of SoundCloud, Gordon gave us a track to release exclusively for you Tropicult readers! It’s on our SoundCloud (below) for you to download and share!

If you could be any musical instrument in the world, which one would it be and why?

I’d say the drums. Drums have been around for thousands of years, practically since the beginning of man. Drums made with alligator skins have been found in Neolithic cultures in China dating to at least 5000 B.C. ! They’ve also been used in all kinds of rituals and mysticism for centuries which is pretty dope.

@HongsMusic #Instagram

Gabriel Gimenez aka GG has become a recognizable face in the Miami art scene. His art has made its way into many collector homes via his representation at Nac Gallery in Fort Lauderdale and his murals grace many walls such as O Cinema in Wynwood. GG’s main character, Fedo, stares at patrons in many bars with his signature disproportioned black eyes and wacky mouth.

The Fedo stickers have made their way around the world and the face can be seen in cities like New York, London and San Juan. Fedo has taken on many forms recently and for his latest solo exhibit GG used the character to paint a series favorite icons and characters from Andy Warhol to Mickey Mouse.

A collaboration with Del Toro shoes has pushed GG to a new level of recognition past the borders of the art world so I sat down with the artist to find out what he has been up to.

You recently had a solo exhibition at Nac Gallery in Fort Lauderdale. Tell us a bit about the exhibition please

The exhibition was called “Popular Demand” and it was based on characters from the popular culture that have inspired me in different ways.

Why did you choose iconic characters?

The reason why I chose iconic characters is because for a while my art has been inspired by characters from the popular culture but I had never done cohesive exhibition about it before.

Do you have a favorite?

My favorite piece from the popular demand series is “The Joker” (right).

You have done another recent series that is more abstract, whimsical and subdued in color. Why the departure from your bold style?

Yes, I have been working with new elements in my paintings. I am still keeping the bold style characters but adding the new loose elements.

Its a way of keeping my mind stimulated and also looking for an evolution of my work. As an artist I think I should always strive to find evolution and not monotony.

You did a collaboration with Del Toro shoes. How did the connection come about?

I have been doing murals and showcasing work in Wynwood for three years already. One day Matt Chevallard, the creative director of Del Toro shoes, saw my work on Instagram and got in contact with me.

What inspired the design for the Del Toro shoe?

The collaboration was created with the purpose of starting a movement in the Miami art scene and giving the opportunity to local artist to showcase their work in different ways.

What does your Del Toro shoe look like?

It’s a being wing tip sneaker with a red embroidered bull character on the outside heel that I designed.

You also did t-shirts and sneakers. Are those still available?

Yes. The new T-shirts will be released next month, May 2013. [Store]

What are you currently working on?

I have a solo show that I’m preparing for in New York which will open on June 15th, 2013.

Select Murals

Random Artwork

Featured Fine Art

On their 15^th birthday Locust Projects has good reason to celebrate! They recently moved into a new 5,000 square foot exhibition space at a prime location in the burgeoning Design District (near the delicious Harry’s Pizzeria) and they have new projects in the horizon.

Chana Budgazad Sheldon, Executive Director, took the time to tell me about the organization’s mission, show me the space and some recent Locust Projects: rainbows in bus shelters, a subtropical paper wilderness, and recycled vinyl art.

They sound like images out of poetry, but, those are actually images of works Locust Projects has actualized: 1111 Out of the Box: The Billboard Project & The Bus Shelter Project by Agustina Woodgate, Drawn form the Everglades by Wade Kavanaugh, Stephen B. Nguyen, and  Limonene by Hannah Whitaker. These exhibits all have one thing in common: they present an interplay between the outside world  and the artist. In this case, the outside world is the city of Miami.

Sometimes the art is brought to the city where it is in need of beautification-bus shelters, garbage-and sometimes the city is brought into the gallery as the source of beauty itself-the wilderness.

Locust Projects, a not-for-profit exhibition space, explores an artist’s relationship to their community, thereby encouraging symbiotic growth.  If the artists nurtures the community, the community will nurture the artist.

“One of the unique parts of the talks is that visiting artists are given a tour of the city. They are taken in a car to visit the studios of about 5 local artists, so they get to see the city in a very different way,” Chana Budgazad Sheldon

In the Locust Talks, discussion flourishes between visiting art professionals and the local art community. Not only are ideas exchanged, but support, encouragement, and inspiration are transferred.

“It’s a great way to nurture local talent and assist them in building connections for possible future exhibits.”

The second of three talks this year welcomed Lauri Firstenberg, director and chief curator LAXART, Los Angeles, CA. It took place April 18th. The third talk will be in September, so make sure to check out the Locust Projects website for more information.

Chana and I sat in a small, cozy room in the gallery, where some classic pieces, including one of Augustina Woodgate’s bus-shelter rainbow posters, are displayed along with shelves filled with numerous art books. The room makes up the  Locust Projects Library. The brand new library room consists of a work space with a table and chairs. A few classic books caught my eye.

 ”We built a library space  so that anyone in the community can come exchange ideas, think, read, research, create  and hang out”

The library was donated by Debra and Dennis Scholl.  It  is open to the public and now includes more than 1,500 art books.

Out of the Box (OOTB): An art gallery, despite the creativity represented by the works hung within its walls, can often itself become a sort of box, where creativity is often obstructed by the walls or conventions that embrace it. Creativity is nurtured by a community. Art can’t exist within a vacumm. Locust Projects Out of the Box project address the need of artists to go out of the box, not only the literal box of the gallery, but of convention.

With funding from the Knight Foundation, Locust Projects chose a  local artist, Augustina Woodgate, to create art in a public space.

“The artist wanted to put rainbows around the city.”

In the recent Bus Shelter Project, iridescent pieces that reflect the electromagnetic-spectrum were placed in 50 bus shelters and 2 billboards; there is a  physics and technically behind the pieces necessary to realize Woodgate’s desire to put rainbows in these unlikely city spaces.

In its spirit of serving the community, Locust Projects is also sponsoring summer workshops with high school students, The LAB (Locust Art Builders). Fifteen students from all the schools throughout Miami are chosen.  They are led by a mentor who doesn’t direct them, but simply oversees them.

“We throw the students together in the space and just have them come up with something. Part of it involves learning to have your voice heard in a large group.”

Here’s a sneak peek at an exclusive photo-gallery of Locust Projects best moments in its 15 years:

…But instead, she’s stuck on this train to nowhere.

Models Alexis Correa & Sean Bennett

You may have seen them around town and about, from monthly pop-up shops at Lester’s Dandy Rock, to Second Saturday Wynwood Style Market, its hard to miss the dope duo behind Nic Fit Vintage. Sergio and Nicole are making their mark in Miami’s fashion scene, bringing rare 90′s and psychedelic vintage to the masses.

As a long time follower and buyer, I’ve always loved their music-driven style and recently had the opportunity to catch up with Nic Fit to ask a few burning questions. I was especially thrilled when they gave me an exclusive look at their retro-inspired Spring/Summer 2013 Look Book!

 Satisfying your vintage fix!

How did you get started  selling vintage?

Sergio: I started from going to concerts in Middle School and buying band t-shirts. In my late 20′s I had way too many t-shirts and decided to list them on eBay. From there, I started selling all kinds of vintage clothing and business just kept growing.

Nicole: Sergio wanted to integrate women’s clothing into his store, so I decided I would focus on that. And to us, starting a family business made sense.

Nic Fit, very dope name, how did you come up with that?

Its a song Sonic Youth covered on their 1992 Dirty album. Its actually from a DC hardcore band, called The Untouchables. Both versions are awesome. Nic Fit is short, sweet, and to the point.

1980′s Starter Jackets
San Francisco 49′s, Boston Red Sox & Miami Dolphins

Influence-wise, you guys seem to really reflect a unique look. Who or what influenced your aesthetic?

We’re really into early 90′s music and fashion, late night MTV, Spike Jonze, Frank Kozik, and psychedelia.

Rare Vintage (1992) Sonic Youth Vans Sneakers

Your top coveted/favorite pieces?

A vintage Sebadoh T-shirt that we got Lou Barlow to sign at Grand Central when they played here, my paper thin “Ball of Confusion” Love and Rockets t-shirt from the 80′s, our collection of Miami Heat Starter Jackets, and a pair of very rare Sonic Youth vans sneakers from 1992 Dirty album.

1980′s Start Jackets
Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bulls & Oakland Raiders.

Where can the masses find you for some dope vintage?

This Saturday at Radio- Active Records in Fort Lauderdale for Record Store Day (April 20^th 9am -5pm).

Every Second Saturday of the month at Wynwood Style Market for art walk, by appointment (email: sales@nicfitvintage.com) or online: Website /Etsy / Ebay.

DOLL QUIZ

Nicole – Nic Fit Pop Up Shop
@ Swamp Stomp Music Fest

Get to know Nic Fit Vintage a little more in the Doll Quiz…

Name: Sergio & Nicole   Location: Miami, FL

Occupation: Owners of Nic Fit Vintage

Hobbies/Interest: Picking, traveling, and concert-going.

One Item In Your Wardrobe You Can’t Live Without: My 1970′s Italian boots handed down from my mom. (Nicole)

Top 5 Artist/Songs On Your iPod: Dead Skeletons, “Slyd” by !!!, The Clash, Mudhoney, The Black Ryder

Keep a watch out for these dolls in the next C-Heads Magazine!

PhotoShoot Sneak Peak
Photographer Jim Malucci Stylist Jessica Bosch (Ford Artists)

Logo by Edau

Don’t forget to check out Nic Fit this Saturday, April 20^th at Radio-Active Records for this years Record Store Day event, vintage, records, raffles and more! (see: Facebook Event)

FOLLOW NIC FIT:  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Stay tuned for more upcoming Dopedoll Fashion Chronicles exclusives!

It’s that time of year where vinyl fanatics and live music lovers get their fix at Sweat Records’ 4^th Annual Sweatstock.

In honor or Record Store Day, Sweat Records brings you some of the best local acts of Miami, delicious food  and of course vinyl!

This years Sweatstock is headlined by Otto Von Schirach and includes performances by ANR, Beatmachines, This Heart Electric (Age of Aquarius Release Party), Komakozie, The Astrokats, to name a few.

In between the live music madness, catch DJ sets by Juan Basshead and MC Jumanji, Ray Milian, Never Yawn, Sun of Soul, and Mamey Disco.

As if that wasn’t enough Sweat Records is also providing some extra goodies for all you Sweatstock attendees, which includes; free panther coffee, Live Nation ticket giveaways, Crossfit 305 mini competitions, Casa de Ha-Ha comics, and many more surprises that you’ll only see if you attend. The block party is free for all ages!

SCHEDULE

Here’s the lineup for all three stages of the festival so you can plan your day.

MUSIC FESTIVAL FASHION GUIDE

Contributed by Lauren Ann Wolfe

“Through sounds a static of blossoming beings conjure new remedies.”

FOLLOW L.A.W. BLOG | FACEBOOK  | TWITTER |  INSTAGRAM

Tomorrow FUNDarte opens the doors of the Black Box Theater at the Miami Dade Auditorium for Miami On Stage 2013. The  three day event (Thursday, April 18^th to Saturday, April 20^th) features musical performances by unique, eclectic Latin artists including female vocalist Leslie Cartaya,  jazz master Alfredo Chacon, and rapero Mr. Haka, who mix their ethnic roots with mainstream pop to create new sound.

Simultaneously, a unique kind of audio/ visual artistic magic will be popping up in public spaces around the city. The installations are a part of the new public intervention project mujer_cita_MIA by celebrated multi-media artist and feminist activist Dinorah de Jesus Rodriguez.

Dinorah de Jesus Rodriguez’s “mujer_cita_MIA,” is a project which addresses social issues of significance to women.  Videos will be screened outdoors on the façade of the building, as well as in the lobby of the theater and inside the Ladies’ Room during each concert. The work showcases some of Miami’s most beloved female choreographers and dancers: Niurca Marquez and Lucia Aratanha

Watch: Dinorah’s installation piece SONAMBULA featuring Betty Boop:

mujer_cita_MIA addresses issues such as rape, gender discrimination, and domestic violence. Art has the power to create dialog and change the world. With the recent alarming headlines surrounding sexual assault, this project comes at a time when creating dialog is important to promote healing, empowerment and change.

In 2009, the Obama administration made April national sexual assault awareness month in response to this societal ill.  And, college campuses around the country, including the MMC campus at F.I.U., are addressing the problem through projects such as “Take Back the Night” and a flag display  on the campus’s main lawn.  These projects are conducted by the Women’s Center, which reports current astounding statistics: 1 in 4 college-aged women will be sexually assaulted.  But, statistics are not just numbers.

I feel a personal connection to Dinorah’s project  because I am one of the 1 in 4. I experienced sexual assault as an undergraduate at F.I.U, barely out of my teens.  In my case, as in many of the cases, including those of the recent teenagers, such as Rehtaeh Parsons (RIP), alcohol incapacitation was involved.

In my case there was only one perpetrator, but a girl encouraged his behavior. But, most of the trauma occurs later in the form of victim blaming, lack of perpetrator repercussion, and in the tragic case of Rehtaeh Parsons, bullying, even by former girl-friends, was involved.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone.  Please reach out  because silence is our worst enemy.  Only through dialog can the society become the type of place where teenage girls full of promise don’t feel the need to commit suicide because some boys (and some of society) think it’s not such a big deal to sexually abuse them when they are incapacitated.  It’s also a lesson for women, girls and their parents: alcohol should only be consumed  in the company of trusted family and friends.  Yet, society also encourages the behavior.  It’s a difficult terrain to cross for many young innocent women just starting their lives, but crossing with knowledge leads to empowerment.  

“Their grace and power – both physical and spiritual = bestows the piece with the empowering serenity and strength that I hope to bring to the hearts and minds of my audiences, to women everywhere, to the Ladies’ Room.”

The installations will be shown on the facade of the Black Box Theater of the Miami Dade Auditorium, in the lobby, and in ladies restroom.  Yes, that is right, the ladies restroom, an unexpected place where in between make-up touch-ups, vulnerability often leads to shared intimacy.

Dinorah de Jesus answered a few questions about this important work…

What inspired muter_cita_MIA?

I was raped in June of 2012 for the third time in my adult life, and as a result of that experience, I knew I needed to do a piece on this. shortly after that, those horrifying rapes happened in Dehli and then Steubenville, and I became consumed by the news on Twitter. The concept of the videos made to be screened in the ladies’ rooms and the idea of creating an account dedicated to feminist activism on Twitter came about kind of simultaneously, and mujer_cita_MIA was born.

It has always been a dual-purpose project: one aim is political activism, the other aim is fine art. I envision  mujer_cita_MIA as a conceptual gathering place for women in Ladies’ Rooms across the city of Miami, a place where our stories are shared privately among ourselves, where there is no shame or guilt surrounding what happened to us, a place of strength. i am trying to recreate that strength and serenity through the dance imagery in the film.

Why use dance and film as mediums? 

Video, film & moving image make up my artistic language, so it’s only natural that i should say whatever I need to say in this language. Dance, however, is a universal visual language and this piece really needs to transcend anything that could divide or separate women in any way. Dance is also about the body, about its capacity for strength, recovery, resilience and power.

I am celebrating the fact that even though our bodies have been abused, our spirits prevail & continue to carry those bodies. We are still sensual, beautiful, undefiled, powerful. That is what I’m celebrating, and i think dance is the perfect language to convey that.

What is it about public restrooms that make a good space for the presentation of this art?

I’m all about exhibiting my art in unexpected public spaces, taking it out of the elite infrastructure where fine art normally lives in confinement based on economic class and social access. The ladies’ room is for everyone. In the ladies’ room, we’re playing pretty much on level ground: all of us are biological equals.

It is a place of fleeting intimacy among random strangers, a place of personal, private sharing in the public realm.  It’s a women-only space, so it just feels like a safe space in which to share these very vulnerable stories.  I wrote a lot on my reasons for using the Ladies Room on my blog.

Why not place the art in men’s restrooms? Don’t you think this work is also significant for men as for women as rape and domestic violence is not just a women’s issue but a human issue?  

Your story mentions something that i think is at the heart of the whole matter, a very key point: the fact that another woman or girl was involved in encouraging the rapist and then blaming you for what happened. i had similar experiences.  I also noted how in the case of these high school rapes/suicides, the GIRLS are the ones doing most of the bullying & slut-shaming. MOTHERS are raising sons that think it’s the victim’s fault. When a mother tells her daughter “don’t dress like that,” she’s teaching the daughter to judge and blame herself and other women.  It’s a circle, and women are at the heart of perpetuating the rape culture. Pretty horrific.

Until WE wake up and see it for what it is, it cannot change.  That is why it’s so important to educate and reach young women, and that is why i’m focusing my message first on girls and younger women, and then on men. I do plan to make the work available for men online and in other venues (for example, men can see it in the lobby at the Miami Dade County Auditorium Black Box this coming Thursday, Friday & Saturday as part of FUNDarte’s Miami On Stage).

However, the stories are private stories that women might not want to share in an open, mixed public space. The Ladies’ Room keeps our stories safe within our own space, it stresses the point that this is for US.  Eventually I would like to create a similar work targeted specifically at men, but i’ll probably want to develop that in collaboration with a male artist and figure out the most effective public spaces to work in.  It might not necessarily be the men’s bathroom.

Why use social media such as Facebook and Twitter as part of the exhibit?

I think the online feminist movement, also known as the Third Wave of Feminism, is particularly strong, and its strength are not necessarily rooted in White Academia any more. The movement is global, and there are a ton of great feminist bloggers from countries in Africa, India, and Latin America working in the online sphere to raise consciousness and incite social action on a number of topics.  

On social media, and Twitter in particular, I am in dialogue with these women daily, i feel that I am connected to a global movement that is propelling the change i want to see in the world.  i was inspired to use Twitter as part of my Artivist practice in this work after seeing the documentary about Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei and the way he’s using social media as an arm of his conceptual public art projects.

Why do you think mujer_cita_MIA is important in today’s world?

In my opinion the Paradigm Shift that the Mayas predicted for this New Age is precisely this: Feminism, or the reclaiming of the female force on our planet. I think feminism is truly the path to revolutionary change on earth. Gender discrimination is the oldest and most pervasive oppression known to humanity. If we can uproot and change this, we can arrive at true equality among all humans, across all barriers.  

We cannot arrive at Humanism while more than half of all humans are still lacking basic human rights and dignity, while more than half of all humans live under the constant threat of gender violence. This is the first step to an egalitarian, humanist society.

More:  Website | Facebook | @mujer_cita_MIA | Tickets