Review of Mosquera Collection Exhibit at Freedom Tower

Friday was the opening night reception of the Mosquera Collection exhibition. What a lovely event! First we were welcomed by a gorgeous glowing florescent pink Freedom Tower that exuded Art Deco flair!

Then the entire event was packed with movers and shakers checking out the extensive Cuban American collection of the Mosqueras. One floor was dedicated solely to paintings, mixed media and installations. Another floor was dedicated to films. The venue was beautiful and the event overflowing with art lovers. Overrall it was a truly magnificent artistic evening!

This is me in front of a Pablo Cano piece, who is known for his puppets and toyish art work and sculptures.

In front of a Soriano, one of the Cuban master artists. His art work exudes an ethereal and dream-like haze, and uses bright bold colors.

Abstract painting by Baruj Salinas. Salinas is one of the living master Cuban artists who is a true asset to Miami Dade College and the community teaching art technique classes.

Punching bags with the faces of major US and foreign political figures? This installation is by Antuan Rodriguez, a Cuban artist whose work has many socio-political undertones. He also had an excellent video in the exhibit also incorporating the punching bags.

Private Collection of Cuban-American art on display at iconic Freedom Tower

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

October 5, 2010

Miami natives Dr. Arturo and Liza Mosquera have a really expensive hobby -- they’ve been collecting art for more than 20 years.  Their passion has led to one of the most extensive private collections of Cuban and Cuban-American contemporary art in South Florida.

On Friday, October 8, Dr. and Mrs. Mosquera will be presenting the exhibition Ways of Worldmaking: Notes on a Passion for Collecting which highlights several works from their collection, at Miami Dade College’s Freedom Tower in Miami.

Over 85 works from 70 Cuban-American and Cuban artists will be exhibited, including Cesar Trasobares, Pablo Cano, Baruj Salinas, Arturo Cuenca, Liliam Cuenca, Pedro Vizcaino, Gustavo Acosta, Adriano Buergo, Heriberto Mora, Glexis Novoa and Antuan Rodriguez, among others. There are also important works by artists from the early exile group, many who are now deceased, such as Eduardo Michaelsen, Agustín Fernandez, Rafael Soriano, Guido Llinás and Jorge Camacho.

The exhibition recognizes the collectors’ contributions to the arts in South Florida and their support of both established and emerging artists. Over the years they developed relationships with many of these artists, which led to a greater appreciation and understanding of collecting.

Dr. and Mrs. Mosquera began collecting art in 1989. In 2000 they created a quarterly exhibit called “Art @ Work” hosted at Dr. Mosquera’s orthodontic offices, which steadily grew in popularity and reputation. They later opened the Farside Gallery adjacent to the orthodontic practice as an alternative art space to feature additional artists.

Collection pieces range from paintings, sculptures, photographs, video and installations. The exhibition is curated by Cristina and Vivian Nosti, a sister team known as DUO NOSTI for professional purposes.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition period will run through November 6, during which there will be a series of panel discussions with the collector and many of the artists featured in the exhibition.

Ways of Worldmaking: Notes on a Passion for Collecting

Exhibition Opening Night

Where: Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, 7 pm - 9 pm

Admission: Free

For a link to the article on www.ArtistaMundo.com: Mosquera Collection Exhibit

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.