As a self-taught visionary, Purvis defied traditional boundaries, carving out a unique place for himself as one of the most significant outsider artists of the 20th century. Through his singular voice, he captured the essence of Miami’s cultural identity and the challenges and aspirations of its people. The exhibition showcases works preserved in Martin Siskind’s private collection, many of which have remained unseen since the artist created them.
From his earliest years, with his Goodbread Alley street display of hundreds of small paintings, it was Young’s ambition to share his work with as many people as possible. His images cry out to be savored by a large audience, not locked up in storage. (…) Visitors to this exhibition will be beguiled by images that look as fresh as the day they were painted. They remain forever Young.
-Dr. Adrianne Von Lates
Born and raised in Overtown, one of Miami’s historically Black neighborhoods, Purvis drew inspiration from his surroundings, imbuing his work with the raw energy and vitality of his community. His studio—a treasure trove of salvaged materials, functional objects, and historical artifacts—became a reflection of his life, filled with evidence of his relentless creativity.
At the heart of Young’s work lies a profound engagement with social issues, articulated through deeply personal narratives. Themes such as freedom of expression, the role of women, religion, migration, and political realities feature prominently in his paintings and assemblages. These subjects, while rooted in his local environment, resonate universally, making his art both timeless and deeply human.
The collateral exhibition, Voices from the Edge, highlights the unfiltered creativity of artists working outside traditional frameworks. Curated in collaboration with NAEMI, this collective exhibition features bold works by Candice Avery, Jorge Alberto Cadi (El Buzo), Isaac Crespo, Sebastian Ferreira, Jorge A. Hernandez, Ramon Llosa, Echo McCallister, Milton Schwartz, Carlos Stella, and Misleidys Castillo.
These artists, many of whom navigate the challenges of mental illness, channel their inner worlds into deeply personal and authentic creations. The exhibition aims to challenge preconceived notions about art and its creators, celebrating resilience and offering an inspiring exploration of the transformative power of creative expression.
Pan American Art Projects was established in 2001 with the mission to exhibit and promote established and emerging artists from North, Central and South America, providing a context for dialogue between the various regions. We represent a strong roster of contemporary artists of the Americas and hold a collection of important works from Cuba, Argentina, the U.S. and the Caribbean. Our programming reflects these complementary arenas providing a comprehensive historical context for contemporary tendencies in the visual arts from these regions.
The gallery was born from the personal collection of our owner, Robert Borlenghi, who as a founding member of MOCA Los Angeles made his first trip to Haiti in 1990 and found many great artists that were relatively unknown to collectors in the U.S. He made it his mission to collect and exhibit underrepresented artists from Haiti, Jamaica and later Cuba. This mission then transferred to our gallery when we opened in Dallas in 2001, when we began adding actively represented artists from North and South America.
Open to all visitors from 11—4 pm. Progressive Art Brunch brings together participating galleries several Sundays throughout the year. The event highlights the current programming at each venue and enables visitors a more intimate look at the exhibitions on view.
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