“Human, so human” is art (and history) so worth seeing – Knight Foundation
Arts

“Human, so human” is art (and history) so worth seeing

Detail from “Human, so human” by Angela Valella.

There is a simply lovely exhibit called “Human, so human” that feels both futuristic and also is an homage to early 20th-century Russian and German avant garde art at the Farside Gallery.

It’s a solo show from Angela Valella, an artist, curator and this year’s winner of the Cintas Foundation grant, a well-deserved recognition for someone who has worked long and hard in Miami’s art scene.

In two rooms of the small house out near FIU, “Human” incorporates geometric designs reminiscent of the Bauhaus with sculpture, video projections, reflections and optical manipulations that are colorful, playful and complex at the same time.

In the main room on a table sits the main installation, accompanied by the tonal experimental music from the incredible Austrian musical pioneer Arnold Schoenberg (if you don’t initially get the early 20th-century influences here, you will when your ears perk up with this). Abstract geometric patterns move and dance around the wall thanks to a projection, while various version are mimicked on small plates, mirrors, little walls set on the table. Look down at any given point, and you will see another geometric performance, visible only from that perspective. The primary colors that are reflected and that are bouncing around make an electric visual. There are also small clay sculptures-in-the-making on pedestals, adding to the concept that we are seeing art that has long been formed and “discovered,” as well as art in the process of creation.

In the back room, literal paper pages, covered in colored geometric patterns, are laid out on another table, suggesting the physical and intellectual origins of the multimedia-driven manifestations in the front room. The exhibit is both beautiful and stimulating to contemplate.

As an added benefit, although none is really needed, in the dental office of Arturo Mosquera (who runs the whole complex) next door are new paintings from Valella’s son, Marcos, “Illusionist, so illusionist.” These are tight, clean, abstract paintings – a number of which are variations of a pea- and dark-green coloring – that allow the viewer to revel in the strokes and lines without being distracted by messy composition and unnecessary doodling. Both mother and son have pulled out the stops for this duo of exhibits, making it well-worthwhile for those who live on the “east coast” to trek out west for a visit (but by appointment).

“Human, so human” and “Illusionist, so illusionist” run through March 30 at the Farside and Art@Work galleries, 1245 S.W. 87th Ave., Miami; 305-264-3355.