Art in Caribbean culture is a vibrant tapestry of history, identity, and expression. It captures the essence of the islands’ rich heritage, from the vivid hues of carnival costumes to the poignant storytelling in photography and literature.
Join us on June 23 for a captivating journey through the eyes of local talents and discover the soul of the Caribbean through art.
Featured Artists
Photographer, David Muir
Celebrated photographer David I. Muir, a luminary in his field, embarks on a triumphant journey by releasing his latest masterpiece, Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition. Building on the resounding success of his prior work, Muir showcases his multifaceted talents as a photo artist, author, entrepreneur, and community leader. His passion for candid, cultural, and lifestyle photography infuses each image, elevating them to the realm of artistry.
Meet the Author, Book Signing. View Details
Island SPACE Jamaican Carnival Pop-Up & Mask-Making
Island SPACE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region in South Florida and the broader diaspora community. Through private and grant funding, they facilitate the creation of artistic, cultural, and socially conscious initiatives that educate the public about the valuable contributions and positive significance of the Caribbean community. Learn more about the year-round exhibits and upcoming events at https://islandspacefl.org/events/
Hollywood Arts Committee
The Hollywood Arts Committee (HAC) emerged from the desire of local residents to take greater ownership of the cultural and artistic activities within and around the City of Hollywood. Founded by Susan Buriak and Joshua Naville, HAC is a grassroots organization dedicated to cultivating community connections through service and the arts.
HAC’s mission is to empower creatives to become active stakeholders in their communities. The committee challenges its members to foster an appreciation for diversity and to deeply embed themselves in both local and regional artistic scenes. Join the journey of artistic exploration and community building by following HAC on Instagram: Hollywood Arts Committee.
Artists Representing the HAC
Alex Beckford-Knighton
Alex is an Afro-Latina fine art photographer and graphic designer based in Central and South Florida. Born in Brooklyn, NY, with both parents of Panama descent, she was able to foster rich family traditions and culture that became the foundation of the art company she founded, HER HEIR Art & Photography, which is most notably known for her work with Motherhood, Fatherhood, and the unique bond between parent and child. By thoughtfully weaving digital artistry and photography, Alex intertwines clients with jaw-dropping landscapes and animals from Afro-Caribbean nations. Her photos highlight ancestral heritage through the journey of parents with their children.
Her work’s mission is to entwine intentional messaging into art that tells a story infinitely for generations so the richness of culture and tradition is never lost. To learn more about Alex and view more of her work, visit Instagram @HerHeirPhotography.
Dorvilier C. Olivier (Haiti, Puerto Rico)
An American artist based in South Florida known for abstract and realism canvas paintings. Dorvilier has been a part of many group exhibits, art conventions, and one solo exhibit. He is a self-taught artist born in Brooklyn, NY, of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent. A major part of his INSPR.ation comes from subway graffiti, women, colors of the sky, Egypt, and Haitian art. His passion for art followed Dorvilier from his youth into his adulthood, ultimately leading to his becoming a full-time artist in 2016. He has expressed his art with canvas paintings, clothing, body art, creative directing, and photography. Always possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Dorvilier formed the brand INSPR. which ultimately umbrellas the different categories of work he produces. With the brand INSPR. he spreads a message of ‘Self Motivation, Self Dedication, and Self INSPR.ation’. Dorvilier continues his journey to becoming a well-renowned name to art galleries and collectors across the globe. You can stay informed about all of Dorvilier’s exhibits and art by following him on Instagram: @Dorvilier.art
Jimmy Camille (Haiti)
Jimmy Camille, also known as Artmonster3, is a young and upcoming artist from Pembroke Pines, Florida. He specializes in creative portraits of women of color, using various colors and textures to create stunning and expressive images. He is also skilled in drawing, painting, and digital art, and has a diverse portfolio of works ranging from realistic to abstract. Jimmy is passionate about art and uses it as a way to express himself and cope with his mental health challenges. He is inspired by his own experiences, as well as by other artists, such as Basquiat, Picasso, and Kehinde Wiley.
Jimmy has been featured on several podcasts, such as The Crystal Visions Podcast, where he shared his journey and his vision as an artist. He is also active on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, where he showcases his work and connects with his fans. Jimmy is a talented and ambitious artist who aims to make a positive impact on the world through his art. Follow Jimmy on instagram @artmonster3
Michael Mondestin (Haiti)
Michael Mondestin is a painter currently residing in Miami Beach, Florida. As a child in Haiti, he developed a strong appreciation for the arts, particularly paintings. Michael used to copy letters because he thought they were drawings, so people thought that he could write at a very young age. Though dreaming of painting, he did not pursue it seriously until finding a discarded canvas and easel in 2007 in Miami Beach. Seeing opportunities where others saw trash, he retrieved them, recognizing their artistic potential.
In his own works, Mr. Mondestin utilizes figurative abstraction to depict the metaphor of dance as representative of the invisible forces that subtly guide our daily routines, how we unconsciously dance to music. Music significantly influences his life and artistic perspective, seeking to represent through paintings the connection between music and human movement. Follow Michael on Instagram at instagram.com/mikadestin
Local Artists
Ranford Anderson (Jamaica)
I am best known for my lifelike, realistic pencil drawings. I wanted to be an artist back in high school but lost interest. After 11 years of not drawing, I started again in mid-April 2013. Upon seeing a YouTube video of a spoon being drawn, I convinced myself that I could draw it, and that is exactly what I did. After a few months, I discovered realism art. That’s when I got serious and started on this journey.
I previously used mostly people as subjects, however, not just to create a person’s likeness but to capture my vision and my interpretation of their inner self. Photos are an important part of my artistic approach, but the idea is to go beyond the flat photo surface. I meticulously add layers to create the illusion of a new reality not seen in the original photo.
I have been on a three-year hiatus, restructuring and experimenting with other techniques and mediums. I look forward to doing public exhibits again. instagram.com/ranfordanderson_art
Vee Charles (Haiti)
Vanessa Charles, aka Vee, is an Electric, Eclectic, Loud, and colorful artist. She is a self-taught artist from Haiti. She moved to Miami in her teen years, and forged an interest in drawing and painting. She went to school for fashion and gravitated toward the art and Illustration aspect of it. Her specialty is fabric painting, especially on denim clothing. She started pursuing art full-time after COVID-19 and keeps on growing in her art style.
Trudy DaCosta (Jamaica)
Trudy DaCosta’s artistic journey began in childhood with a passion for storytelling and drawing. From creating illustrated short stories to delving into comics and anime during middle school, art was her constant companion. In high school, she started to seriously hone her skills and explore different mediums.
Trudy pursued further education in Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale but had to pause her studies due to financial constraints. Undeterred, she served in the military for nine years with dedication and valor. Motherhood rekindled her artistic passion, and creating with her children reminded her of art’s joy and fulfillment.
As her children grew, Trudy reignited her artistic career, launching an online shop with her brother. Her eclectic works span traditional and digital mediums, as well as fiber arts. Balancing her roles as an artist, paramedic, and mother, Trudy’s art reflects her diverse experiences and resilience. She hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. www.facebook.com/trudy.dacosta
Kim Ferguson (Jamaica)
Artist Statement. Kim Ferguson is a Jamaican-born sculptor and ceramics instructor who found clay as a stressed-out undergraduate student in 2011. Ceramics has been a therapeutic and creative outlet for her ever since. Ferguson is a sculptural storyteller, translating abstract and often chaotic concepts into beautiful, functional designs. These three-dimensional stories discuss mental health and our connection to nature. Her whimsical works have been shown in various museum exhibits and juried shows.
Artistic Focus: The work reframes perceptions of chaos by translating that creative energy into positive and even whimsical sculpture. This practice posits an optimistic perspective on chaotic life events, colored by experiences of immigration, womanhood, and environmentalism. khaoscreates.com
Louiveste La Croix ( Haiti )
Louiveste La Croix, an Afro-futurism Haitian-born artist based in South Florida, is a visionary force in the world of contemporary art. As the Creative Director of the Express Culture Project and an esteemed Art Instructor, Louiveste embodies a commitment to cultural expression and artistic education.
Currently serving as Artist in Residence at Bailey Contemporary Art (BACA), Louiveste continues to push the boundaries of creativity and spirituality. With a profound belief in the power of creativity as a conduit for spiritual connection, Louiveste’s art transcends mere aestheticism. Each piece is a manifestation of their subconscious mind, meticulously crafted with pure intentions to convey life’s profound truths. Drawing inspiration from their Haitian heritage and Afro-futurist ethos, Louiveste seamlessly weaves together elements of tradition and innovation.
Through his artwork, Louiveste endeavors to unveil spiritual realities often concealed in the fabric of everyday life, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human experience. As an instructor, Louiveste imparts not only technical skills but also a profound reverence for the creative process, empowering students to channel their innermost truths into artistic expression. For Louiveste, art is more than a vocation—it is a sacred calling to illuminate the path toward collective enlightenment, one brushstroke at a time. https://www.louivart.com
Shantelle Silburn (Jamaica)
Art isn’t just something I do; it’s an integral piece of who I am. From custom paintings to digital designs, stickers, prints, and even crochet pieces, I’m always discovering new skills and hobbies. Wallflower Draws started as a way to share my love for all things art, and I love every opportunity I get to share it! Follow Shantelle on Instagram wallflower.draws