‘Magic City’ exhibition in Doral ponders the complexities of The 305
Many exhibitions revolve around Miami as a theme, but few are unafraid to trigger uncomfortable conversations about gentrification, climate change, and other pressing issues. However, we can’t have an honest conversation about our city without these topics crossing our minds. That’s why “Magic City: Contemporary Visions of Miami” feels like a true reflection of what Miami is; showcasing artistic representations of its nightlife, nature, architecture, immigration, recreational drugs, and the impact of severe weather.
Curated by Ronald Sánchez of Laundromat Art Space at the new Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) location at CityPlace Doral, the exhibition is a vivid exploration of the multifaceted essence of Miami.
As Sánchez explains, “The artworks are all carefully placed to guide the viewer through Miami’s many layers—from its vibrant nightlife and iconic architecture to the urgent realities of climate change and immigration.” The artists bringing this universe to life are Mark Herrera, Claudio Marcotulli, Dre Martinez, Pablo Matute, Stephanie Silver, Julia Zurilla, and Chantae Elaine Wright.
Transforming a 5,000-square-foot former restaurant into an experimental exhibition space isn’t a small feat, but Sánchez is no stranger to working in unconventional settings. As the founder of Laundromat Art Space (a former laundromat in Little Haiti), he has experience crafting unique environments that allow art to resonate differently with its surroundings. “I’m interested in curating in unconventional spaces because the work responds to the space and vice versa,” says Sánchez. For this project, he had to place walls on casters to be able to exhibit the artwork, and even covering a full open kitchen was part of the ambitious take on.
The exhibit activates two floors that can be experienced clockwise. On the lower level, there are paintings that capture the local nightlife, light sculptures reminiscent of the sun and local nature moments, small dioramas featuring iconic local buildings from Little Haiti, murals alluding to the local architecture, site-specific installations inspired by topics of immigration and multiculturality. On the second floor, there is an audio-visual installation created using historical footage that aims to bring awareness about climate change’s impact on Florida.
Marcelo Llobell, director at DORCAM, emphasized the importance of giving curators the independence to fully express their vision. “I wanted to give Ronald complete creative freedom. I have worked with him for many years, and I know he was the right person to curate this exhibit. At DORCAM, we don’t interfere with the creative process of the curators; we trust in their vision,” says Llobell. Founded in 2017, DORCAM is a nomadic museum dedicated to bringing contemporary art to unconventional venues throughout the west side of Doral, having called public parks, retail spots, and industrial properties home for the last seven years.
A standout piece in the exhibition is the work of Mark Herrera, whose art delves into the complexities of immigration. Herrera’s pieces reflect his deep connection to the immigrant experience, drawing from his own background as the son of Colombian immigrants.
“I think that’s where my skillset lies—trying to be a translator or some kind of liaison between cultures,” he says. His recent work is influenced by his current position as a reservist at the U.S. Coast Guard, where he witnessed the challenges faced by immigrants firsthand. “One of the main themes of my recent work is how in America, we often look at immigration as a problem, a challenge. But we’re also dealing with human beings, with stories. What I try to do is overlap those two perspectives—sometimes literally—in my art.”
The mixed-media installation that Herrera created for “Magic City” is titled “Haitian Father and Son,” and is made out of found objects off the shores of Key West, where he is currently stationed. The piece features a hand-sewn sail made out of different fabrics, improvised life vests made out of foam, flotation devices, and an image of a father hugging his son embroidered in the middle.
“In ‘Magic City,’ says Sánchez, “I wanted to offer a wide range of mediums—installations, mural paintings, assemblages, new media—to truly capture the diversity and complexity of Miami. This exhibition isn’t just about seeing art; it’s about experiencing the many facets of our city in a way that’s both thought-provoking and visually compelling.”
If you go:
WHAT: Magic City: Contemporary Visions of Miami
WHERE: DORCAM at CityPlace Doral, 8300 NW 36th St., Suite 216, Doral
WHEN: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Through Oct. 31.
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (305) 528-6212 or dorcam.org
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