The Radical Act of Being, and Remaining “Here”
What does it mean to be Present in a space that resists you? Local artists considered this question and more generally the phrase You Are Here for Dimension Variable’s December exhibition under the same title.
The phrase, commonly seen on directional signs in commercial buildings, announcing ones’ relation to physical architecture and geography, was intended to invoke a broader sense of presence–the history they’ve left behind them, and their continued resilience to BE here. The “here” in question, of course, is Miami, and more specifically, Miami’s artist community, which is in a constant battle to assert itself past the ubiquity of Art Basel.
The international art festival draws hundreds of thousands of art collectors and industry professionals to the city. But critics have long said that they are often precluded from the big fairs and markets. Many end up becoming art workers and handlers–leaving the luxury schmoozing to the out of towners, and even worse, the highest bids leaving town as quickly as Miamians are able to deconstruct those illustrious white tents. As Miami’s cost of living continues to sky rocket, and affordable housing and studio options are few and far between, Miami artists are being pushed out of the city, some to Broward, others outside of the state, forced to find a city that can support their practice–a city where they can be there enough to do the work.
You Are Here was curated in conjunction with Making Miami in the Design District, timed to celebrate Miami’s artists and cultural producers that earned the city it’s international significance amidst Art Basel’s festivities. This exhibition serves as a homage to the creative forces that have propelled Miami onto the global stage.
The artists showcased in this exhibition demonstrate a profound awareness of the “here and now” by virtue of their very existence within this space. Their physical presence serves as a testament to their commitment to Miami, weaving a narrative that intertwines with the architectural and cultural fabric of Miami. Yet, their significance extends beyond the present moment; they are custodians of a historical legacy, leaving behind a rich tapestry of connections that span both time and space.
Onajide Shabaka, whose piece Tapawatra carries the message when traveling downstream, 2017 was on view at You Are Here, is one of Miami’s most prolific artists. His work lines the walls at Coconut Grove Library, Dimensions Variable, at the Walgreens on Miami Beach, and so many more. Without knowing it, you have likely encountered Shabaka’s work–Shabaka’s work has been there with you.
Shabaka imbues a sense of history and nature in his work. But, the artist’s journey mirrors the evolution of Miami’s artistic identity. Born in Cinncinati, Ohio, but grew up in San Francisco, Onajide Shabaka migrated to Miami in the late 1970s, seeking refuge from the stifling grip of racism that plagued their artistic aspirations. Their odyssey through different locales, from rural Fort Pierce to the vibrant streets of Miami, is emblematic of the diverse experiences that converge within the city’s borders.
“…my work, in its engagement with nature, history, technology and ritual – allows the viewers to experience a more holistic view of the world,” Shabaka said.
However, it was the allure of Miami’s multicultural ethos that reignited his artistic flame, prompting a renaissance in his creative journey. Amidst the backdrop of Art Basel’s meteoric rise, Shabaka found a sense of belonging within Miami’s burgeoning art scene, forging connections with fellow artists and cultural patrons.
“It’s about relationships,” said Shabaka. “It’s about building relationships. And so, that’s what I’ve tried to do. This is who we are, we’re all living together. “
The artist’s oeuvre, characterized by intricate patterns reminiscent of nature’s beauty, is an ode to lived environments. Drawing inspiration from Suriname’s lush landscapes and the intricate architecture of ant colonies, his work embodies a symbiotic relationship between art and nature. Much like the ants toiling and creating homes in the soil, Miami’s are working to build something of the city. Through serpentine designs and organic motifs, he invites viewers on a journey through Miami’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. The designs were first inspired by a sculpture assignment he was given in 1972.
“For me, it’s a conversation coming from nature itself,” said Shabaka. “A way for nature to speak.”
As Miami stands on the cusp of unprecedented growth and transformation, the artist’s vision offers a glimpse into the city’s future trajectory. Rooted in a deep appreciation for Miami’s multicultural heritage and a commitment to fostering community cohesion, he embodies the spirit of resilience that defines the city’s artistic soul.
“It’s always nice to be able to go out and have a conversation among artists,” said Shabaka. “Not necessarily a physical conversation by mouth, but through art practice, have conversations about relationships, because they’re all relationships. We were all there together.”
Looking ahead, Shabaka envisions a future where every individual can thrive, unencumbered by systemic barriers or environmental crises. Their words echo a sentiment shared by many in Miami’s artistic community—a collective aspiration for a future where creativity knows no bounds and where the vibrancy of the city’s cultural landscape continues to flourish.
Shabaka has tried several times to leave the city, but always ends up staying. “You Are Here” transcends its utilitarian origins to become a rallying cry for Miami’s artistic community. Through the voices of visionary artists like Shabaka’s, the exhibition becomes a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping the city’s identity. As Miami embarks on its next chapter, one thing remains certain: the indomitable spirit of its artistic pioneers will continue to illuminate the path forward, guiding the city towards a future brimming with creativity and possibility.
Alexandra Martinez
Alexandra Martinez is a Cuban-American writer and filmmaker whose reporting spans such topics as immigration, the affordable housing crisis, and art-washing. Her reporting has been featured in Burnaway Magazine, Hyperallergic, and Art News, among others. Alexandra’s directorial debut on the intersection of healthcare and homelessness, “El Soldador” premiered at the Miami International Film Festival in 2024. She received a B.A in Film Studies from Columbia University and lives in Miami with her young daughter, where she enjoys tending to their native pine rockland garden.
