The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., will open 4 new displays on Thursday, Jan. 2 from 6 to eight p.m. That includes dwell pigeons, evocative images, whimsical work and hanging sculptural works, the lineup highlights artists Duke Riley, Jeffrey Cardenas, Mena Ganey and a shared exhibition by Pamela Kostmayer and Jane Beck. The displays can be on view Jan. 2-30.
Sanger Gallery — ‘Buying and selling with the Enemy’ by Duke Riley
What if pigeons may problem the best way we take into consideration borders, historical past and politics? In 2013, Duke Riley did simply that. Celebrated for turning maritime historical past and concrete folklore into trendy narratives, artist Riley skilled a flock of pigeons to smuggle cameras and Cuban cigars throughout the 90-mile stretch from Havana to Key West. Via this audacious challenge, “Buying and selling with the Enemy,” Riley turned these unassuming birds into symbols of resistance, sparking conversations about surveillance, smuggling and Key West’s longstanding distinctive relationship with Cuba.
On the middle of the exhibit is Riley’s unique pigeon loft, constituted of discovered supplies and stocked with dwell pigeons. The artist housed 50 pigeons there in 2013. “The birds had been both ‘smugglers’ carrying contraband or ‘documentarians’ sporting custom-made cameras,” Riley remembers. “Eleven pigeons efficiently accomplished their mission. One documentarian landed on a yacht and shortly turned the topic of dialog.”
Along with the dwell set up, the exhibit consists of video of the pigeons’ historic flights, painted portraits of the person pigeons on repurposed Key West roof tiles, and associated works that delve deeper into the themes of migration, ingenuity and trade. Its resonance has solely grown lately, with the continued U.S. embargo, and the historic exodus of thousands and thousands of Cubans within the post-pandemic period.
Zabar Undertaking Gallery — “On the Reef” by Jeffrey Cardenas
With “On the Reef,” Jeffrey Cardenas takes viewers via the gorgeous coral reef ecosystems of the Caribbean, Polynesia and past. His images reveals the vibrancy, complexity and fragility of underwater worlds, celebrating their position in supporting marine life whereas prompting reflection on the pressing want for his or her conservation. A longtime Key West resident and seasoned sailor, Cardenas blends artwork and environmental advocacy with a poetic lens.
XOJ Gallery — “Object Permanence” by Mena Ganey
Mena Ganey’s “Object Permanence” explores nostalgia, id and notion via vibrant and eccentric works. Identified for her eclectic, pop-infused fashion, Ganey’s work mix neon colours, playful humor and weird however endearing characters to replicate on the absurdities of life and the tales we stock. Drawing on private reflection, Ganey examines how our histories form what we see and really feel, infusing every bit with a mixture of appeal, chaos and thought-provoking element.
Zabar Foyer Gallery — “Parallels” by Pamela Kostmayer & Jane Beck
Wooden and glass meet in “Parallels,” a poetic dialog between materials and type. Pamela Kostmayer’s sculptures, crafted from Dade County pine, classic wooden and metallic, mark a shift towards dynamic, three-dimensional works that invite exploration from all angles. Jane Beck’s fused glass creations have a good time mild, texture and transformation. Collectively, the 2 artists spotlight intriguing intersections of their processes, providing viewers a charming dialogue of craft and creativity.