We are delighted to announce that the Art Deco Museum is hosting a new exhibit through mid-November titled “Connecting Concrete: Modernist Architecture from Havana to Miami, photographs by Silvia Ros.”
Connecting Concrete explores the architectural similarities of two culturally rich cities: Miami and Havana. Miami-based Cuban American photographer Silvia Ros and Art Director Tim Hossler present a compelling project highlighting the shared heritage and distinct paths in the modernist architecture of these two locales. With a precise focus on detail and composition, Ros’ large photographs encapsulate the essence of these buildings, encouraging viewers to contemplate the intersections and disparities between these iconic locales.
“The exhibition will juxtapose images of modernist architecture from Havana and Miami, presenting them in thematic clusters to emphasize their shared characteristics and distinct features. From elegant high-rises to minimalist residential complexes, the photographs will illustrate how modernist design principles have influenced and defined the urban landscapes of these vibrant cities.” — Tim Hossler, Curator / Designer
Exhibit Themes:
1. Urban Identity: Explore how modernist architecture has contributed to the distinct identities of Havana and Miami, reflecting the cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts of each city.
2. Materiality and Form: Examine the use of concrete, glass, and steel in modernist buildings and how architects in both cities have employed these materials to create striking visual statements.
3. Social Spaces: Investigate how modernist architecture has shaped public spaces in Havana and Miami, from grand plazas to intimate courtyards, and the ways in which these spaces are utilized by residents and visitors alike.
4. Adaptation and Preservation: Consider the challenges of preserving modernist architecture in the face of changing urban landscapes and the efforts to adapt these buildings for contemporary use while honoring their historical significance.
October 10th: Opening Reception and Lecture
An opening reception and lecture will take place on Thursday, October 10th, 6pm-9pm, in partnership with the City of Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee. September 15th to October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Miami Beach – it’s a perfect time to celebrate the ongoing connection between here and Havana!
The Art Deco Museum is free to Miami-Dade Residents. General admission is $7.
About the Artists:
Photographer: Silvia Ros
Silvia Ros has a master’s degree in architecture and specializes in museum and gallery installations, architecture, and editorial photography. Her creative projects, including Concrete Miami, Cuba Modern, and Post 67: American Legion, American Stories have won numerous awards from the Knight Foundation and Oolite Arts, among others. In 2014, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s permanent collection acquired 86 of her photographs documenting the LGBTQA+ movement in the United States.
Curator and Design: Tim Hossler
Tim Hossler is an art director, exhibition designer, and writer. He is the former in-house art director for photographer Annie Leibovitz and helped create her memorable images, books, and exhibitions from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s. As an independent art director in New York City, he worked with many photographers, including Richard Avedon, Steve Hiett, and Martin Schoeller. He has served as design director at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) and art director of The Wolfsonian–FIU in Miami Beach. He currently teaches design culture and visual communications at the University of Kansas.
Exhibit Funding
This exhibit is made possible through the generous support of the Art Deco Museum Capital Campaign contributors, Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Beach, Miami Design Preservation League, and the artists.
