Returning to his roots and celebrating the spirit of resilience that it brings, artist José Parlá’s new two-part exhibition ‘Homecoming’ at the PEREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI is a testament to his personal connection to his native home of Miami and its community that has been so pivotal to the artist.

“Homecoming is deeply rooted in my journey, shaped by the rich history of my origins. In this new series, each painting is created as an homage to my native home of Miami,” explains Parlá. “By using a process of layering ink, paint, plaster, and collaged posters that were once posted on the city’s walls, each painting bears the imprints of the region’s displacement, immigration, adaptation, and the transformation of words into gestures, made using the names of localities, countries, and its peoples. These abstract gestural marks become indelible echoes in the tapestry of historical psychology and geography, serving as a poignant narrative.”

Uniquely, this two-part exhibition is a radical departure from the traditional use of space in a museum. For the first part, visitors observe Parlá’s dance-like technique in real time as he paints a site-specific mural, a rare experience to experience.

For the second section of the exhibition, the gallery is transformed and converted into Parlá’s studio. Visitors experience a room full of paint-covered tables, a lively vinyl Cuban-inspired records collection, and decades of Parla’s archival memorabilia. An artist with global collaborators and interests, Parlá lives and breathes his work, his connections and relations that make up his colourful world. This is evident in his use of colour, vibrant and energetic.

A true artist that expresses his thoughts, emotions and experiences through his work, Parlá’s work has a depth to it that manifests into an indescribable energy. It’s impossible to see his work firsthand and see through the layers of his thought process and presented expressions.

At Homecoming, visitors have a chance to delve deeper into the artists mind which went through a challenging time during COVID. After contracting the virus, Parlá remained in a coma for 4 months, where he suffered a stroke and significant brain bleeding. Overcoming this impactful time, Parlá is electric with his new works created upon returning to his studio.

“José Parlá’s practice and work appeals to a much broader audience than just the committed museum-goer,” explains PAMM Associate Curator Maritza M. Lacayo. “Homecoming celebrates an artist whose artistic career began in Miami while reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic. As a child of immigrants and having moved throughout his life, Parlá’s personal story will also echo those of our Miami community”.

Parlá’s exhibition celebrates his Cuban heritage and roots in Miami, all the best reflecting on his very unique viewpoint on life. This is an exhibition of the expressionist painter not to miss.

PAMM – Perez Art Museum Miami
1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Text: Monique Kawecki
Images: Courtesy the artist and Parlá Studios