El Espacio 23's new exhibit explores the meaning of territory with 150+ works
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Two pieces featured at the new exhibit at El Espacio 23. Photo: Sommer Brugal/Axios
In the chaos of Art Week's countless exhibits exploring a range of topics, local art collector and philanthropist Jorge M. Pérez hopes visitors and locals will make time for the new exhibit at his Allapatah gallery, El Espacio 23.
- There, they'll find 150 pieces by more than 100 artists from around the world, including Miami-based artists making their institutional debut, all exploring the lands we live in.
Why it matters: "A World Far Away, Nearby and Invisible: Territory Narratives in the Jorge M. Pérez Collection" invites visitors to contemplate the meaning of territory.
- The exhibit features pieces exploring shared spaces, the idea of belonging, and how land and boundaries shape identities, cultures and histories.
The big picture: The exhibit, on display through August, is the gallery's sixth show. Each year, beginning in November, the space presents an exhibit exploring a different theme, always showcasing about 150 artists.
- For the gallery's inaugural exhibit, the theme was "isms," with pieces tackling issues such as sexism and capitalism. Another year focused on the body.
What they're saying: "We really do a huge amount of research [through the year] on what topic we want to present," said Pérez, CEO of Miami-based development company The Related Group.
- This year, the concept centered on landscapes before evolving into territory and how humans fit into it.
- As a result, the exhibit includes pieces depicting landscapes — trees, birds, water — while others speak to the ideas of territory.
- Pérez highlighted a piece by Claudia Coca titled "La piel de mi reino," a charcoal drawing he described as a clash between European colonizers and indigenous populations.
The intrigue: Every exhibit includes a range of artists: Those whose work is globally recognized are often paired with a newcomer or young artist, or perhaps someone deceased.
- "We like to see the conversation" between the new and the old, he said. "In this century, how do they relate?"
Zoom in: This year's exhibit is split into four chapters: The Pulse, Landscapes in the Making, Whispers from the Land and Shelter Among the Scars.
- It was curated by Claudia Segura Campins, from Barcelona, along with the curators of the Pérez Collection, Patricia M. Hanna and Anelys Alvarez.
Between the lines: Every exhibit brings in a curator from around the world to help present the selected topic, Pérez said.
- The gallery also brings along "the best writers on the topic" to describe the exhibit to enhance the experience.
Zoom out: Pérez says there are several messages visitors can take from the exhibit, such as what is happening to Earth, from fires to overconsumption and the damage it causes.
- It also explores how our environment impacts mankind, and how "we're politically screwing it up."
The bottom line: While Pérez recognizes the beauty in the pieces, he said this year's exhibit isn't something viewers should experience solely for the beautiful colors.
- "It's much more about the message."
If you go: El Espacio 23 is at 2270 NW 23rd St.
- Open weekly Thursday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. Admission is free.