Sergio “Valenz” Valenzuelo

SPECTRUM MIAMI AND RED DOT MIAMI PRESENTS SERGIO “VALENZ” VALENZUELO

Attendees invited to meet the world-renowned abstract artist from Guatemala, as part of a full day of interactive programming, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Photo Credit: Redwood Media Group

Miami, FL – Saturday, December 9th, 2017: Thousands of art enthusiasts attended the second full day of Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami to discover more than 75 modern and contemporary galleries from the Florida region and around the globe, representing over 500 leading contemporary artists from primary and secondary markets, within the walls of the only three shows under one roof.

On Friday evening, local Miami producer and fashion curator, Celia Evans of Planet Fashion TV, put on a stunning presentation at Red Dot Miami entitled ‘Art After Dark’ that showcased art-inspired fashion through the ages. The invitation-only VIP event featured models on top of especially created boxes, transformed with designs from various labels from the seventies, eighties, nineties and today. DJ entertainment and live music were enjoyed by a crowd of hundreds who gathered around the main entertainment area to catch a glimpse of models wearing retro designs and t-shirts with bold fashion statements.

Today’s third complete day of programming invites attendees to meet the acclaimed abstract artist from Guatemala, Sergio “Valenz” Valenzuela – a contemporary artist who tells stories with everyday objects, primarily expressing them with graphite and acrylic on canvas. His medium to large abstract artworks prominently feature elements such as chairs, ladders, and beds. These recognizable structures serve as a way for the artist to signify the opportunities, growth and dreams we all carry as individuals. Valenz’ wall art has been featured in over eighty group shows and thirty solo exhibitions in South America and around the world. Among numerous recognitions and awards he was selected as the winner of the “Young Artist” award in 2005, and granted a scholarship to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts, Valen.

Programming highlights for Saturday, December 9th at Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami, include the following.

SPECTRUM MIAMI2:00 p.m. ART TALK / LIVE DEMONSTRATION: ARTIST TRISTINA DIETZ ELMESArt Talk Stage, Booth 918, sponsored by Artblend Growing up in Asia, Tristina Dietz Elmes soaked up the oriental culture, developed an appreciation for the arts, and formed an innate sense of balance and color. Learn how she incorporates the ancient influences into her modern experiments in color, and watch her unique painting technique as she uses her hands, large brushes, and other media techniques with the floor as her easel.

3:00 p.m. MEET THE ARTISTS: i+CONNECTi+CONNECT, Booth 704 Witness a live demonstration of the i+CONNECT Interactive Art Gallery. Experience a deeper connection with artists and the story behind their work with this high-tech fine arts platform. See virtual introductions to artists, their studios, methods, and portfolios, complemented with live online consultations.

6:00 p.m. ART TALK / LIVE DEMONSTRATION: ARTIST ASBEL GOMEZ DUMPIERREArt Talk Stage, Booth 918, sponsored by Artblend  Cuban artist Asbel Gomez Dumpierre has a philosophy: “I believe art is the aesthetic testimony of our existence.” In this Art Talk interview, we’ll explore that philosophy and see how art has influenced his life, his teaching, and his career. We’ll also be his muse while he shows us his talent and paints for us.

RED DOT MIAMI 3:00 p.m. MEET THE ARTIST: VALENZArte Collective, Booth R205, R305 By using elements such as chairs, ladders, beds, monocycles, trapeze artists, swings, and machines, Valenz tells stories about life. The chairs signify, according to the context, opportunities and the patience required for them to step into our lives. The ladders represent our desire to climb, to continue our personal growth. Beds represent periods when we sleep and dream, things we cannot share with anyone else. Playful characters are representative of the uniqueness and singularity of each of the moments that we experience throughout our lifetimes and the game that life is. Come meet Valenz, and share some of the game with him.

6:00 p.m. MEET THE ARTISTS: ARIEL ORTEGA & NASRIN SHEYKHIABRA Gallery, Booth R203 Influenced by his native Colombia, Ariel Ortega is unable to detach from the history of his native land and uses it as a driving force to work harder and bring his inspiration to others. In this way, he feels his art accomplishes its mission. For Nasrin Sheykhi, her works do not fall into just one category. Painting, caricature, illustration—each work beckons the viewer to come closer to catch the references to architecture, music, cinema, literature, calligraphy, physics, psychology. The pieces are alive with movement and hidden meanings. Come meet these innovative artists and see what influence their art makes upon you.

7:00 p.m. MEET THE ARTIST: MARIELLE PLAISIRContemporary Art Projects USA, Booth R215Upon first glance, you see the depth of the narrative in each of Marielle Plaisir’s exquisite tapestries and unique paintings. Meet Plaisir and hear her story, her influences, and inspirations. The essence of her artworks is theatrical—and we are drawn into the story and drama of each one. As a French-Caribbean artist, she blends life and fiction into her use of textiles, fibers, and fabrics and brings social commentary to each piece. Her surrealist approach allows her to move from the reality of life to the capacity of imagination.

Spectrum Miami includes this year’s Art Labs, featuring “Our Path” curated by Sculptor James West; “A Walk In the Clouds” curated by Noor Blazekovic; “Rainbow Ribbon Magic” curated by Sarah Stieber and Theresa Fulton, and “Art Fusion With Life Is Art” curated by James Echols. This year’s Art Talks are sponsored by Artblend and selected by gallery owner and curator Michael Joseph, that include discussions and live demonstrations throughout the week by artists Jason Sauer, Gustavo Fernandez, Rafael Vera, Gaston Locklear, Nino Liguori, Tristina Dietz Elmes, Asbel Gomez Dumpierre, Grant Cleveland, as well as by members from the New York Film Academy faculty and alumni.

This year’s Spotlight Artists Program provides collectors with a focused look at several prominent artists who will each be creating a site-specific exhibition. Spotlight Artists for 2017 are Paul Chang, Shannon DeFreitas, Robert Peterson and Thomas Wargin. The LaunchPad Artist Program showcases an emerging and unrepresented artist who is selected to create an exhibition at the show, resulting from collaboration among local art institutions, galleries, and Spectrum Miami. This year’s LaunchPad Artist is Alicia Rodriguez, an emerging glass sculpture artist.

ArtSpot Miami will be celebrating its fifth anniversary within Spectrum Miami, December 6—10, 2017. ArtSpot Miami is a specially curated show by Aldo Castillo, an international art dealer and curator. A forward-thinking art show exhibition specializing in modern and contemporary art with an emphasis on international and Latin American artists.

At Red Dot Miami, this year’s Spotlight Gallery Program takes a focused look at several cutting-edge galleries chosen by the Redwood Media Group selection committee. Featured Spotlight Galleries for 2017 are JG Fine Art Lemon Frame Gallery, Steidel Fine Art, Contemporary Art Projects USA, and Vehement Art.is year’s Art Lab is curated by Celia Evans, founder of Planet Fashion TV, who continues with the highly popular “Art Loves Fashion” installment, featuring fashion shows, cocktails, and a live performance by a special celebrity recording artist. The exciting evening of entertainment and style will take place during a new annual event being introduced at Red Dot Miami – “Art After Dark” taking place on Friday, December 8th. Sponsored by Louis Jadot Wine, Fortune International Realty and Canvas Condos, this debut cultural affair will be attended by the who’s who of Miami’s art scene, as well as by Miami’s movers and shakers from the luxury lifestyle industry.

General Admission tickets for Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami are $25 for one day and $75 for the Opening Night Preview Party with a five-day pass. Tickets grant access to Spectrum Miami, Red Dot Miami and ArtSpot Miami. For further information on the shows or to purchase tickets, please visit spectrum-miami.com, reddotmiami.com, or artspotmiami.com.