Oolite Arts hosts Feels Like 97° Exhibition in Miami Beach 

Photograph by Esdras Thelusma, featured in new Oolite Arts exhibition. Image courtesy the artist.

Esdras Thelusma portrays the up-close and personal aspects of photography.

His work views Florida natives in their most vulnerable states.

“When I take a photo, I like to make them uncomfortable. I’m literally all up in [their] grill, nostrils, and all,” he said. “That is when I know I have snapped the perfect shot. It’s one thing to see someone from a distance but when you close the gaps, it forces a greater understanding.”

Thelusma’s piece is now on view at the Feels Like 97 Degrees° lens-based exhibition with Oolite Arts.

The free event features artwork by several artists including  Jerry Carnation, Angel Lauren Garcia, Ivete Lucas, Patrick Bresnan, Monica Uszerowicz, and Sofia Valiente.

The pragmatic collection, curated by visual artist Michelle Lisa Polissaint, offers insight into socio-economic issues including race, class, gentrification and diversity. 

The pieces will be on view  by appointment at 928 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach through January 23, 2022.

“Spectators can step into the significant stories that South Florida artists need to tell concerning their neighborhoods plagued by the effects of climate change and gentrification,” said Polissaint.

The layout of the artwork is intentional.  

“In this setting, you are faced with different panels of work. Each side is cognizant of the other. As you move around you can gain a different perspective of Florida.” 

“Untitled Misael Floating” by Phillip Karp. Image courtesy artist.

Artist Phillip Karp presents a distinct 2018 archival pigment print from 35mm film in the exhibit entitled “Untitled Misael Floating.” 

Karp captures a moment that many can relate to under the Florida sun: the heat.  For many, it can be too much to bear.  Many venture off seeking ways to cool off and keep their composure. 

His image features a man submerged in water, his body covered in floaties.   “It gets really warm in Florida and many times we are trying to find an escape, a way to cool off,” he said. 

Monica Sorelle. Miami Hues 3, 2016-2017. Digital photographs, Courtesy of the artist.

Monica Sorelle’s “Miami Hues” shifts from homes, storefronts, and nature, displaying an assortment of orange, pink, black, and brown. The Instagram project is Sorelle’s conception of a Miami Monument.  It’s constructed of a barred door, white awning, and colored concrete. 

“This work is symbolic of my journey to loving where I came from,” she said. “After going to college to pursue my art and coming back, I realized [that it] had always been right in front of me.” 

Terence Price II. Eatonville • Fish Fry, 2017-2021. Video. Courtesy the artist

 Terrance Price II’s video piece entitled “Eatonville • Fish Fry, 2017-2021” documents the natural bustle of family events over a four year period. The intensity to prepare, assemble and entertain within the community. It is happiness, home, divine culture, and generational traditions.  

 “It all started with my grandfather,” said Price. 

“He would film everything, and I mean everything! Family events were wholesome, and I wanted to keep these memories relevant. You see the smiles on the people’s faces. The loud music and great food. These are the moments I live for.” 

For more information on the exhibit visit https://oolitearts.org/exhibition/feels-like-97/.

Shanieya Harris is part of the Artburst Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring Cohort for 2021. Learn more about this initiative HERE.

This blog item is presented as part of the Artburst Miami Mentorship Program.

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