Doral honors migrants with unveiling of sculpture celebrating contributions, resilience

Verónica Egui Brito
·2 min read

The city of Doral honored the strength and determination of migrants, who make up the municipality’s majority, on Friday with the unveiling of a two-year art project, a sculpture that celebrates the resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of migrants to the Doral community.

The project, which began in 2022 with a competitive Call for Art, culminated Friday with the unveiling of the “Migrante Monument.” The 16-foot metal structure, coated with layers of marble powder and white cement, was created by Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez, 45, who migrated to Aruba in 2003.

Gonzalez told the Miami Herald his work is an “autobiographical form of my integration into the Kingdom of the Netherlands.” The sculpture, which he called “an asexual humanoid,” features two key elements: a briefcase and a paper airplane.

The City of Doral unveiled the “Migrante Monument,” a bronze sculpture symbolizing “strength and determination,” created by Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez. From left to right: newly elected Councilwoman Nicole Reinoso, Mayor Christi Fraga, artist Nelson Gonzalez, Sandra York, Nelson Gonzalez’s agent, and Councilwoman Maureen Porras.
The City of Doral unveiled the “Migrante Monument,” a bronze sculpture symbolizing “strength and determination,” created by Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez. From left to right: newly elected Councilwoman Nicole Reinoso, Mayor Christi Fraga, artist Nelson Gonzalez, Sandra York, Nelson Gonzalez’s agent, and Councilwoman Maureen Porras.

Gonzalez said the paper airplane “poetically represents the dreams and aspirations of childhood, which many of us carry with us as motivation to migrate.” He also noted the symbolic connection between Doral and its proximity to Miami International Airport. The briefcase reflects the city’s business-focused identity, emphasizing its growing role as a hub for commerce.

Doral Mayor Christi Fraga described the monument as “a symbol of hope and unity,” saying it reflects the “diverse tapestry” of Doral’s community. She noted that the piece captures the essence of a city where people from all walks of life come together to build a brighter future.

Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, and Doral are sister cities, fostering cooperative relationships across areas such as culture, business, and government. It was through this partnership that Gonzalez learned about Doral’s competition for artists.

The City of Doral unveiled the “Migrante Monument,” a bronze sculpture symbolizing “strength and determination,” created by Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez.
The City of Doral unveiled the “Migrante Monument,” a bronze sculpture symbolizing “strength and determination,” created by Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez.

For Gonzalez, it is no coincidence that his work won the competition, as the most defining aspect of Doral’s culture is its migration history —70% of its population is foreign-born.

The budget for acquiring artwork was set at $300,000. Gonzalez’s sculpture cost $275,000.

“The contribution this artwork offers is the reconfiguration of the recent history of Doral, a city that has evolved over the past 20 years,” Gonzalez said.

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