Xavier Cortada, “Fearscape, Artículo XIII, and Alumbron” assemblages, 2001 (in the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design, Miami, FL).

In 2001, Xavier Cortada exhibited “No Tengan Miedo,” a solo show exploring the impact of Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Cuba and Cortada’s own accounts of what he saw while there. “No Tengan Miedo” was originally exhibited at the Latin American Art Museum in Miami, but now its title piece (a painting of the pontiff), twenty-two assemblages, and six “Estampita series” paintings are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design Miami-Dade College. All works from this exhibit can be seen online here.

After Cuba’s historic protests this summer where thousands took to the streets to demand freedom, patria y vida (homeland and life), Cortada feels John Paul II’s message still resonates: “Have no fear.” Twenty years later, and in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cortada presents “No Tengan Miedo,” a virtual exhibition, and his triptych “Fearscape, Artículo XIII, and Alumbron” at the University of Miami 2021 Faculty Exhibition at the UM Wynwood Gallery from Oct. 6 to Nov. 9, 2021.

“Back then, these works heralded the changes in Cuban civil society being ushered in by the 1998 papal visit,” said Cortada. “In the ensuing two decades, my optimism for a free Cuba waned… that is, until the launch of the #PatriaYVida protests movement a short few months ago: !Viva Cuba Libre!”

VIEW THE “NO TENGAN MIEDO” VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

On view:
October 6 – November 5, 2021

Reception: Saturday, October 9, 2021 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
University of Miami Gallery, Wynwood Building
2750 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 4
Miami, FL 33127

Face masks covering the mouth and nose are required for all visitors. 

The Department of Art and Art History in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Miami presents the recent works of its 2021 faculty artists. In celebration of the exhibition’s opening, there will be a reception for the artists on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Department of Art and Art History offers a wide range of media for the students to study and has been hiring faculty with the specific goal of creating a very diverse range of approaches to both the handling of materials and philosophies towards art-making; this faculty exhibition of full-time and part-time faculty will show that range of approaches.

The 2021 Faculty Exhibition will be on view until November 5, 2021, at the University of Miami Gallery located inside the Wynwood Building, 2750 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 4, Miami, FL 33127. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by prior appointment. *Hours may be subject to change; please call (305) 284-3161 to confirm times.

For more information and online offerings, please visit www.as.miami.edu/art or contact Milly Cardoso, Gallery Director at m.cardoso1@miami.edu. To stay up to date, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @umartgalleries and YouTube.