Routes of our Path - Puerto Rican Artists In New York

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~ Routes of Our Path

Puerto Rican Artists:

Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Marcos Dimas, Elsie Deliz and James Reyes

Presented by :

Nelson Manuel Soto & Ki Smith

Eulogy for Ana Mandieta 1986 by Jorge Luis Rodriguez IMG_6910

Rutas de Nuestros Caminos

"Routes of Our Paths" premiered on April 6 2024.

The anticipation mixed with excitement roamed in the air the moment the clock struck 6 PM. Wine was set on the buffet table while nostalgic Puerto Rican music in the background played serenading every guest that walked in through the sliding glass doors ...

Opening Night

Wine was set on the buffet table while nostalgic Puerto Rican music in the background played serenading every guest that walked in through the sliding glass doors. Art critics, art lovers, friends, colleagues, family and curious visitors strolling around the neighborhood were all taken back by the outstanding artwork.

The Back Story

It was a sunny, semi-cold afternoon in November, 2023, that I went out for my initial meeting with a young man currently running a successful gallery space located in the Eastside of downtown Manhattan.

I was taken back upon my arrival by the front entrance to the Gallery. The door was a hand held slide door that opened up to an inviting space surrounded by seafoam white walls and the wooden floors that reminded me of the color of beach sand in Cancun.

The Gallery

Owner and creator Ki Smith, of Ki Smith Gallery, sat down with me to discuss the possibility of a collaboration exhibit that featured brilliant artists of color.

After hours of getting acquainted, I noticed in our conversation there were alot of similarity of ideas. Especially, creating shows that highlight legendary and unknown gifted artists of color.

Ki, born from a lovely Japanese mother and caucasian father, fully understands the importance of recognizing all artists of color.

The Artists

Our process began with contacting the artists of our choice, followed by scheduling a meet so we can review the artwork. In the end, I strongly felt that Ki being the owner of the space had the final decision of how our project would move forward.

Opening- Jorge with his sculpture Circle With Four Corners IMG_6741

Jorge Luis Rodriguez

Marcos Dimas

CAfED, was responsible for introducing 6 artists out of the 13.

Some responded to our invitation, a few did not and others were already booked for events. Ki and I remained in one accord sensing that this project was going to surprise us.

Elsie Deliz

James Reyes

Curation

It was February 2024 when Ki reached out to me announcing the decision made after several conversations with his brilliant curators Paige Haran and Rebecka Jackson of Grandma Collective.

The Final Selection

Due to the amazing artwork submitted for review, Ki felt that the artwork created a powerful story that led us to narrow it down to 4 incredible artists of Puerto Rican Heritage. The installation work with Ki, CAfED and Grandma Collective was now officially on.

The Exhibition Visitors

Art critics, art lovers, friends, colleagues, family and curious visitors strolling around the neighborhood were all taken back by the outstanding artwork.

Visitors felt connected through the artwork displayed in the Gallery as it shared stories of everyday people, religious symbols, a tapestry of a rich heritage, beauty, mystery and strength.

Intimate Interaction

Everyone had an opportunity to personally speak with the 4 chosen artists, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Marcos Dimas, Elsie Deliz and James Reyes. They took their time to answer questions regarding the artwork and shared their stories. The exhibition kept embracing visitors with such warmth that the night ran way past the usual closing hours of 9 PM.

the poets & closing

The exhibit closing ceremony held on Sunday May 5 2024 was extremely special.

It began with a warm greeting combined with a short speech by Ki Smith and passed on to a delightful hour of heartfelt poetry recited by local poetry artists Lydia Cortes, Ricardo Maldonado, Lara Mimosa Montes and Sheila Maldonado.

Actors Ed Cardena, Avery Nicole Soto and Mr, Mrs Jorge Luis Rodriguez IMG_7083

The late afternoon closing concluded with heart to heart conversations, photo shoots, and a final stroll through the main and lower level Gallery space admiring the artwork for the last time.

The Stories Were Told

Ki Smith opened his slide doors to welcome four Puerto Rican artists for the fist time so they could display artwork that shares their own Routes of Our Path.

A Special Shout Out

A special shout out to Ms. Mia Lischin and Emma Reed for overseeing every detail regarding our project and many guests with such finesse.

Congratulations goes to Ki and curator Grandma Collective for visually creating such a beautiful show throughout the 2 level gallery space. Once again, a special thank you to Ki Smith for totally trusting and clearly understanding from our first meet CAfED’s mission of creating opportunities for all women and artists of color.

Collaborating an art show with Ki Smith felt like writing a book or a play. Allowing artists of color to enter a beautiful gallery created by a man who also celebrates his Japanese American heritage, is a harmonious moment for CAfED to cherish forever.

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