Clive Davis, Greg Schriefer, and Steven & Myrthia Manolis welcomed noteworthy Miami artists, socialites, collectors, and celebrities to the Manolis Projects Gallery to attend the launch “Mr. Freak & Lucy” unveiling the works of Fernanda Lavera. Greg manages the artist, and he and Clive have been big supporters of hers. They now are showcasing Fernada’s incredible talent, event, gallery, and private tours of her show through July 31 at The Manolis Projects Gallery. Her vibrant, larger than life, abstracted works that grace the gallery serve as a contemporary approach to neo-expressionism. Fernanda’s works are captivating, expressive, and enthralling to the eye.
“In this new series of works, including huge, captivating canvases that seem to explode with invention and fearlessness, she presents a novel vernacular that is overpowering and unforgettable” –Bruce Helander (Florida Artists Hall of Fame)
The Manolis Projects Gallery is the exclusive representative of Fernanda Lavera’s works in the United States. “Mr. Freak & Lucy” is now available for public viewing seven days a week. Many of Fernanda’s collectible works have sold within the show’s first week. We encourage all art collectors, seekers, and investors to visit now through the end of July. Fernanda’s works are becoming highly collected by the likes of the superstar, legendary music producer, and esteemed art collector, Clive Davis and billionaire political commentator, David Rubin.
“When I saw Lavera’s work, I immediately sensed she was the one….a second-generation neo-expressionist, with a feminine Latin twist, who could pick up where Basquiat left off and take it higher, maybe much higher. I love the stories behind her work!” –Clive Davis, Collector
We would like to extend a special invitation to all press for a private showing of her works, tour of the gallery with founders Steven and Myrthia Manolis, and exclusive in-person and virtual interviews with Greg Schriefer, Steven Manolis, and Fernanda Lavera herself.
This group show features the works of 38 collected, established, and burgeoning global artists, including 92 works (17 giant works from FL), of Steven Manolis, Connie Lloveras, Jojo Anavim, and many more.
“Mr. Freak & Lucy” – Thursday, April 22 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Manolis Projects: 335 NE 59th Street Miami, Florida 33137
ABOUT FERNANDA LAVERA
María Fernanda Lavera (b.1975-), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, discovered her fascination for art and painting through an aunt who imparted to her a love of sketching and textures.
At first glance, her paintings appear to be wall images, graffiti that draws attention to itself through its bluntness, its hypnotic colors, and a unique style, a good street artist needs to stand apart from so many others. By covering every centimeter of the surface with color and with the images of contemporary objects turned into reductions of themselves, becoming more symbols than objects.
The images appear to explode from the depths, releasing outlandish forms of intense colors that, in turn, generate contrasts of surprising expressiveness that seem to have been created by the artist’s unconscious sketches. This is when we glimpse the surreal world manifested by Lavera with an extreme passion and that informs the viewer – the spectator – of a certain state of inner turmoil. Among the recognizable forms are symbols, objects, and everyday contours that approach the realm of Pop Art. Her diverse range of themes ranges from psychedelic cartoons juxtaposed with figures of rabid cats and race cars, to the expression of visibly disturbing events. Watchful eyes and disproportionate and stooping witnesses seem to look on helplessly.
Lavera explains that she likes to let things happen intuitively, without a clear intent: she is fascinated by the effects of color, the play of light and shade that allow her to explore her moods freely. Painting is a visual conversation for her – a moment, a feeling, and, especially, an outlet that allows the possibility to express the mystery of life through a symbolic space of complete expressive freedom.
“I looked at my canvas and asked, can I be free like him? So I let my feelings inspire me, my emotions, and the colours and the shapes that dance in my own being. It gave me the courage to let me be me, who I was, and who I am. Here and now” – Fernanda
About Monolis Projects
Manolis Projects is Florida’s largest working studio and fine art gallery, located in Miami’s Lemon City neighborhood. We proudly feature unique paintings, sculptures and collectible limited edition works from over 40 artists from around the world. We focus on modern master’s and contemporary art, bridging the gap between established and emerging artists and collectors. J. Steven Manolis, a leading and critically acclaimed abstract expressionist artist, also paints and displays his own work.
Manolis Projects also hosts the East Coast’s only Artists’ Salon where artists come to exchange ideas and inspire each other and show their work. We curate three new shows every year. If you want to see a working studio gallery and what happens behind the scenes, this is the place to visit. The Gallery is open by appointment only, seven days a week.
J. Steven Manolis is a well-known philanthropist in the Arts, having served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the National Academy of Design in New York City and on the Board of Trustees of the Vermont Studio Center. Manolis also offers private curation services for collectors, architects, and designers.
“The gallery offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes view of a working studio + gallery.”
ABOUT THE OWNERS
Manolis Projects is a family business owned by artist J. Steven Manolis and his wife Myrthia Moore. Additionally, Myrthia’s sons, Jason and Brian are helping to bring Manolis Projects to the next level of service and expertise. We all have different roles.
Steven brings his business expertise and profound knowledge of art history and curation, both as an artist and as the former (1997-2006) Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Academy of Design in New York City. Prior to his Chairmanship, he spent 1987-1997 serving as a Member of the Advisory Board of the National Academy of Design. He also served as a Trustee and Development Director of the Vermont Studio Center, from 2007 until 2016. This is the largest international artist residency program in the United States. He was also a Trustee of the Emily Mason Wolf Kahn Foundation from 2007-2016.
Many of our gallery artists are members of the National Academy of Design (National Academicians.) Additionally, we strive to bring new artists who have the potential of becoming collectible artists. We want to help our clients invest in art they love and that has the potential to appreciate over time.
Myrthia has a background in finance and economics, as well as, having a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also an artist who designs jewelry.
Manolis Projects is located at 335 NE 59th Street Miami, Florida 33137, is open 7 days a week, by appointment only.
