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The Florida museum debut for Carlos Estevez opens Sept. 12 through Jan. 3. “My obsession,”
says Cuban artist Carlos Estevez, “is to peer into both worlds: the internal world of human nature and the invisible, spiritual universe that surrounds us.”

Equal parts scientist, philosopher and visual alchemist, Carlos Estevez opens the doors to his cabinet of curiosities examining humanity’s relationship with the universe at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU, the Smithsonian Affiliate in Miami (his Florida Museum debut).

His artistic quest is anchored in philosophical inquiry and inspired by occult traditions such as alchemy. Mystical visions of objects believed to possess transcendental powers over the world take center stage.

The opening reception is free and open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 12 (4–7 p.m.) and the museum is located at Florida International University, 10975 S.W. 17 St. (map/ directions). On view through January 3, Carlos Estevez: Celestial Traveler will be featured as one of the museum’s offerings during Art Basel season.

Encompassing over 2,000 square feet, the exhibition spans nearly 20 years of the artist’s trajectory with more than 35 works of art (many on view for the first time), including mixed media sculptures, assemblages, installations and works on paper.

Mosaic Mural, 711 Third Avenue, New Yorl, 1956 (detail) by Hans HofmannCelestial Traveler refers to the centerpiece of the exhibition, a kite representing the pursuit of dreams as it travels between concrete experiences here on earth and sojourns to surrounding ethereal worlds.

This work, courtesy of the Valdés-Fauli / Boren Art Collection, serves as a metaphor for the exhibition and the artist’s perspective on life’s ephemeral nature.

“The first Florida museum solo exhibition of this artist is long overdue, which is why we are especially delighted to bring Carlos Estevez: Celestial Traveler to fruition in our galleries,” said Museum Director Dr. Jordana Pomeroy.

“Happily, his work defies easy categorization and joins a centuries-old conversation about the role of art as a spiritual conduit and illuminative focal point in our daily lives.”

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