Colombian Independence Day Reception
Wednesday, July 20
ArtCenter/South Florida
924 Lincoln Road (2nd Floor Windows)
Between Michigan and Jefferson Avenues
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
www.artcentersf.org

Found Objects, Found Identity: Made In Colombia Installation By
Cecilia Moreno-Yaghoubi For Colombian Independence Day
On view July 8, 2011 to August 8, 2011

In celebration of Colombian Independence Day, Cecilia Moreno-Yaghoubi unveils Made in Colombia, a thought-provoking installation that explores the immigrant experience of self-discovery through displacement. Giving new purpose to found objects, the mixed media artist has culled discarded dolls, shoes, clothing and other things that will be suspended in ArtCenter/South Florida’s 2nd Floor Vitrine Windows, creating a layered effect of floating, tactile memories.

“When I moved to the United States in my early adulthood, I felt rushed to assimilate and lose my accent,” said Moreno-Yaghoubi. When questioned about her nationality: “A lady asked me where I was from and when I said Colombia, her face turned sour, ‘you mean the cocaine country’?”

Finding her own voice beyond the melting pot that is the United States or the blanket labels attributed to Colombia, Cecilia began using found objects in her artwork as a visual metaphor, one that reclaims identity and restores integrity. In juxtaposing one vintage item with another, some of pieces have been touched-up and been made to look new again, further sharing possibilities of transformation.

Through a combination of influences, Cecilia Moreno Yaghoubi’s concepts have traveled from the lush and beautiful landscapes of her homeland to riskier, mixed media work. Cecilia premiered her painting at “Origenes Latinos/ Latin roots” gallery in Chelsea, NY in 2005 and has since exhibited throughout New York and Connecticut, including the Cork Gallery at Lincoln Center, the National Academy of Art Museum and at the Colombian Consulate of New York. She has been featured at Opera Gallery, Miami, and opened a solo exhibit named “Girl from Cali” at the Colombian Consulate in Coral Gables. Cecilia was selected to participate in the Biennale in Florence, Italy; in ArtCenter/South Florida’s windows program and at the prestigious International Kids Fund’s annual Latin American Auction. For more information please visit www.ceciliamyart.com.

Established in 1984, ArtCenter/ South Florida (located at 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach) is a non-profist 501(C)(3) organization that provides subsidized studio and exhibition space as well as teaching opportunities for emerging and career artists in their facilities at 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. The mission on the ArtCenter is to advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts and culture in South Florida while providing affordable programming and work-space for professional artists. ArtCenter/South Florida is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. For further information please call 305.674.8278 or visit the website at www.artcentersf.org.