Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) presents Marcela Cantuária: The South American Dream, the artist’s first solo exhibition in the United States featuring all newly commissioned works. The South American Dream will be on view March 23, 2023 through Spring 2024.

The work of Marcela Cantuária (b. 1991, Rio de Janeiro; lives in Rio de Janeiro) often portrays female figures who navigate regional, international, and social boundaries. Highlighting symbols from tarot and astrology as well as themes that reflect political and environmental activism in Latin America, Cantuária weaves together narratives of social spheres, political associations, and ethereal wishes. Cantuária’s vivid and colorful works are evidence of her versatility and investigations through various mediums and techniques, including painting, textile, and ceramics.

In her exhibition at PAMM, Cantuária invites the viewer to ponder the nature of the South American dream. Explored within the three main paintings, she accents the narratives of critical South American activists and environmentalists, such as Chico Mendes, Dorothy Stang,  Maria do Espírito Santo da Silva, Túpac Amaru, and Juana Azurduy de Padilla—all of whom pursued their dreams through resistance and by fighting for their countries and land.

The South American Dream features three large-scale oil paintings, a vibrant textile map of South America, a wood piece resembling an altar, as well as various panels along the walls of the gallery framing the exhibition. Throughout the space, an arched vinyl wallpaper encloses the paintings while recessed lights illuminate the paintings, creating a halo for each. Overall, the exhibition extends a feeling of sanctitude, inviting the viewer to reflect upon corporeal narratives, ambitions, and the potential of achieving each through faith.

More information on the event can be found here.