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VISUAL ACTIVIST
CULTURAL PRODUCER
EDUCATOR
As a visual activist, I produce work at the nexus of contemporary art and activism, committed to creativity and social change. My artistic approach is born out of the inner voice of a critical thinker and my desire to bridge art with real life social justice issues related to governmental authority that causes unnecessary harm and suffering to groups, individuals, and states, such as genocide, state terrorism, drone attacks, police brutality and state surveillance. The work includes research and investigation while employing a wide range of media, including sculpture, printmaking, digital art, painting, drawing, collage, installations, digital photography and mural painting. I use art as a vehicle to engage, raise awareness, promote critical thinking, and build solidarity.
My interest in art began at a very young age, as a form of escapism.
That interest evolved into various post-secondary studies in several institutions. My practice today can be traced to my upbringing and experiences as a multi-ethnic Cuban woman, an immigrant and an industrial worker raised in Miami, a city of extremes, with inequities that are evident, in income, education and jobs. It is this experience of resilience, conflict, and otherness that have made it possible for me to identify with cross-cultural social issues. I speak English, Spanish and Haitian Kreyol.
I have kept a studio practice since 2004. The artist studio is a critical place for experimentation and research. An environment of discovery.
A place for reflection and the exchange of ideas. It’s the place where things come together, and important shifts and testing take place.
The Bakehouse Art Center, ArtCenter/SouthFlorida (Oolites), Laundromat Art Space, and more recently @ DVCAI -164 Studios. Always working within a community of artist. For me, art is not a lone wolf endeavor. Social interaction and having a community that shares creative ideals helps fuel the creative process supporting each other while promoting a healthy and equitable world.
This work is possible thanks to the support of several grants and artist residencies. These include the MIA Stipend Award (2022), Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant (2022, 2019), Artist Access Grant (2021, 2019, 2012), Wavemaker Grant (2020), Direct Support to Artist Grant, Oolite Arts (2019), The Ellies Creator Award (2018), South Florida Cultural Consortium (2018), and Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator Catalyst Grant (2017). Equal Justice Thematic International Residency, Vermont Studio Center, ProjectArt, and Art Center South Florida and DVCAI International Cultural Exchanges, 2012-2022. A special THANK YOU to DVCAI for their ongoing support.
Since 2008, I balance my studio practice with my position as a museum educator and thought leader at the Perez Art Museum Miami. Through the discourse of artistic practice, I continue to reaffirm my place in a larger community that transcends socially imposed geographical and ethnic borders envisioning alternative futures for humanity.
ROSA NADAY GARMENDIA
305 606 9241
DVCAI 164 STUDIOS
164 NE 56 Street, Miami, FL 33137