Latin American Art | Nicaraguan artist Ivette Cabrera

The importace of Latin American Art

Nicaraguan Artist in Miami

Latin American art is essential for its cultural, social, artistic, and economic value. It reflects the unique identity and history of the region, serves as a platform for social commentary and innovation, and contributes to the region's tourism industry and economic growth. Latin American art reflects the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region. It is influenced by indigenous, African, European, and Asian traditions, creating a unique and vibrant fusion of styles, techniques, and themes. It represents the region's identity, history, and values.

The main reasons for the importance of Latin American art include:

  1. Social Commentary: Latin American artists often use their art as a form of social commentary. They address issues such as political oppression, social inequality, and economic hardship, among others. Their works can challenge the status quo and inspire change, making them important voices for social justice.

  2. Artistic Innovation: Latin American art has made significant contributions to the development of modern and contemporary art worldwide. The region has produced many influential artists, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, and Fernando Botero, among others. Their innovative techniques and styles have influenced art movements globally.

  3. Tourism and Economic Development: Latin American art is an essential part of the region's tourism industry. Visitors come to see the works of famous artists and explore the cultural heritage of the region. This generates revenue and creates job opportunities, contributing to economic development

Ivette Cabrera is a Latin American artist that migrated from Nicaragua at the age of three. Her family history spans to the Island of Ometepe and her roots are from indigenous/black inhabitants of the island. Her family migrated to Miami in 1985 follwoing the aftermath of the Sandinista Revolution and teh Iran-Contra War. She grew up in Miami, where she became part of the thriving Wynwood Arts District. She studied Interior Architecture and Design and became one of the first trainees of the Revit BIM software program, studying in Boston, MA under one of the software developers. While in Miami, her artwork included paintings, drawings and murals. Exhibiting her artwork at various museums, she always maintained a sense of her purpose and voice in all she created. Most of her work related to revolutionary themes, and much of her artwork included the colors of the revolutionary flags of Nicaragua. The importance of Latin American Art in Miami was often invisible, she made a effort to create art that expressed the beauty and history of the culture.

In 2008, she opened a small 1,000 sq ft gallery in derelict arts district of Wynwood, Miami. At the time, the area hosted 2nd Saturday art walks and artists would open their spaces to collectors and art enthusiasts. Although the area had poorly lit streets, the warehouses were large open spaces that hosted interactive art exhibitions. It became the epicenter for a multinational large scale art project called Primary Flight that curated the Walls of Wynwood that bought over 100 different artists to paint the walls of the area. More artists were brought year after year, making Wynwood a tourist attraction over time. Unable to maintain rent, she eventually moved out of the space and traveled to Nicaragua to build a home for her mother.

In 2012, she opened an artist residency named Viophiia with a group of Latina artists who worked in various mediums such as photography, fashion and design. The group hosted various art exhibitions, community events, public murals and eventually their own small scale art fair named Vying. An artist residency program was established to give artists the experience of curating their own events, work on marketing materials and public relations. With Wynwood becoming increasingly popular, the rent hikes each year made running the space with limited funds impossible. Viophilia had to eventually close down in showcasing the last of their artwork for ArtBasel 2016.

Luckily for Ivette, she never let that discourage her from creating art. Having met Amir Shakir, whose art and music studio was across the street from Viophilia, she was able to translate art onto large walls, and they started creating murals together. In 2017, the artist duo formed the company The Color Dreamers. The name was inspired by their studies in color theory and the legislative measure called The Dreamers Act. Their first mural together was side by side on the Viophilia building. Ivette painted one of her Headdress art portraits, and Amir painted a robotic girl connected to the building's power lines.

Latin American Artist first art mural in Wynwood

Ivette Cabrera first large scale mural was in Wynwood on the Viophilia building. Using the colors of Nicaraguan revolution her headdress art gained attention from the artworld and her first museum exhibition was at Artis Naples Baker Museum in Florida.

Over the years the duo traveled to many states creating public art and eventually settling down in Miami creating art for various collectors, brands and developers. They were the first artists to be commissioned at Miami World Center and some of the first Wynwood artist to have full brand campaigns featuring their works. One of their largest works to date include a massive abstract artwork at Bezel Luxury apartments. The Color Dreamers have created sculptures and a few collaborative canvas artworks in their art studio. The Covid pandemic brought some hardships and the duo had a baby girl during that period. They managed to work on their fashion brand despite the hardship, however, and their brand is set to launch later this year. She is working with the best shoe manufactuers and artisans from Argentina and the leather is sourced globally including from Nicaragua. The brand TCD fashion is the first Miami born fashion house named House of Dreamers.

Today Ivette constinues to work on art in her studio. Her artworks continue to reference the Nicaraguan Revolution, identity and she emphasisis the importance of women in society. Her major plans are to open an Latin Art Museum showcasing art that pushes boundaries. Cabrera, feels that is important to continue the genuine true expression of creativity in all forms. The Color Dreamers is set to create their largest mural yet at Doral City Place in Miami. For more information on collecting her works please contact us here.

Dreamscape at Miro

Well it’s been awhile since I last posted any artworks. The good news is that I just gave birth to a healthy girl and I’m doing well. The journey has been a challenge but very rewarding!

Here are a few photos of the completed mural.

New mural completed in Wynwood Arts District

Created in Wynwood for Thor Equities in collaboration with Amir Shakir of The Color Dreamers. This mural is called “A love letter to Wynwood..” The idea for the artwork came about as we reminisced on all the amazing years we have spent in the artistic community. The mural offers words of inspiration to local artists and visitors. Integrating artwork unto buildings enhances the aesthetic environment of Miami’s thriving art neighborhood Wynwood. Here are a few photos of the mural from the street view.

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New Portrait of Indigenous Woman

New studio works. I know it’s been a while since posting on here. I have been busy with mural commissions with my team The Color Dreamers. I was able to take a break however and create my latest acrylic painting Aymara’s Freedom. My photographer friend stopped in while creating this piece and took a few photos of me working in the studio as well. I am really hoping to work on some more as I transition into a bigger art studio. Enjoy!

As a Latin American artist my work focuses deeply on the struggles of the people of Latin America. I feel that my Nicaraguan roots connect me deeply to the stories and history of my culture. I strive to depict there memories as they flow through me. I hope that this art reaches many, that the history is not forgotten and that I may provide a future for those seeking to speak their own truths.

Aymara’s freedom is based on Bolivian peoples struggle with the current coup d'etat of indigenous president Evo Morales. The woman represents the people of Aymara with the indigenous flag wrapped around her. The hair represents the lost African culture of our families, straight hair meaning that our ancestors were often raped which caused a mixed breed of people loosing our afro and darker skin. The chains that tie us to our past but do not free us from that awful truth. The light illuminates us with knowledge however and gives us wisdom to become warriors.

In the great words of the singer Sade, “teach my beloved children who have been enslaved to reach for the light continuously”

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My travel to Hastings, Minnesota for public art

My travel to Hastings, Minnesota for public art

Public Art Mural Commission on shipping container for the city of Hastings in Minnesota. The concept for this artwork was developed through the inspiration of Audubon’s Birds of America. Our current series explores the connection to nature along with the historical elements that make up the fabric of our heritage. I created this artwork with my partner Amir Shakir. We have a mural team called The Color Dreamers where we produce art together. This was our latest artwork .

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MOTH KINGDOM

Newly completed artwork!

My latest completion Moth Kingdom has been inspired by the patterns on the wings of various species of Moths. The process has been a a mix of crushing my own charcoal into powder, very fine tip Steadler architectural micron pens and tissue paper to replicate the exact pattern on the other side of the headdress.

Gold Leaf was the last element added to the artwork and I was referred to a process called Kirkane which is a Japanese technique that utilizes gold leaf to decorate Buddhist statues. 

The heart of an artist | The true story of a real life artist trying to succeed.

Creating art for 5 years now has had its struggles and challenges. In many ways I have felt that just when I think I am closer to my goals, I end up farther way from what I set out for. The main things that are a major challenge in creating art have been to maintain the strength and ability to stay true to your voice while the art market tries to dictate your direction. 

There are so many things that I never thought would be part of the process as an artist. I find myself spending many nights researching the topics I would like to discuss, photographing my work properly, engaging in social media, color correcting prints, mailing them, answering calls for interviews, submitting to art shows, public art calls, mixing paint, setting my work space up, sending newsletters out, looking for ads that are looking to hire artists, creating murals, setting up affordable options for buyers, updating my website, updating my collectors on new works, writing and rewriting my statement, framing art, promoting exhibits and the list goes on and on. There is so much that is involved in the art process that is not even the actual act of creating art that once can be left exhausted without resources. 

So how do I balance? Well I don't. I think its a lie to think that any artist has their life under control, you are met with the constant battle of wether or not to continue creating or quit and make real money. The truth of the matter is that the whole art world has created an intense illusion for artists. Its never been easy to compare yourself to those who have had more means, funds and privilege than you to succeed. Talent never mattered in this game, and the more and more you get involved in this world the more and more there will be resounding voices telling you to quit while you are ahead. 

Make some real money. I mean isn't that what everyone really wants in life anyway? The big house, the fancy car, the family and gong out to dinner parties every weekend? How can one maintain such a life when 80% of it is spent on art failures and not generating enough income to make that a reality? Truth is I don't know. And even though my short lived successes may appear to tell a different story, I struggle every day to maintain. 

In the end, I wont ever be sure if the struggle was worth it.  5 years later and I am still trying to figure myself out. All I can do is pour my heart into my work until I have nothing left to give.....

Adding Gold Leaf to Artwork | Fine Art Wynwood

Thought I'd give a quick update on how I add gold leaf to my artwork. Gold leaf really adds a new element to my drawings. You can see how the glimmer of the gold leaf transforms the fine art into something unique and special by adding a three dimensional quality to it. If you are interested in purchasing any of my works or visiting Wynwood studio to see the works in person use the contact form and reach out to me. If you would just like to send me a quick note thats welcomed as well!