“Inside Out Parade” is a captivating and thought-provoking onsite art installation. It conveys the idea of revealing and exposing the inner truths and complexities beneath the surface, suggesting a transformational journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It also hints at challenging societal norms and expectations. The installation is on view at the “Take Me, Take This” exhibition at Miami International Fine Arts from June 15th to July 15th.
During my solo show, “Sans Stereotypes,” I wanted to create an interactive installation adorned with multiple labels. These “tags” contained words that had always bothered me, such as “BUT YOU DON’T LOOK GAY,” “ESO ES ONLY FOR MACHOS,” and “EL AMOR REAL NO EXISTE,” as they were commonly used in society to assign stereotypes. These labels had nothing to do with who I was as a person. Yet, many people were quick to judge me based on these superficial assumptions without genuinely knowing what lay beneath the surface. The exhibition “Sans Stereotypes” aimed to challenge these preconceptions. I emphasized the importance of approaching each individual with care and consideration.
During a panel discussion and subsequent interactions, I realized that the issue wasn’t the labels themselves but how we, as human beings, confront the judgments of others. It became evident that our strength lies in moving forward boldly, regardless of what others think of us. This realization inspired me to recreate the installation. So I took it to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where I simplified the labels to only words such as “Gordo,” “Marico,” “Flaco,” y “Negro” which elicited humorous responses. Furthermore, at Pinecrest Garden last year, I created an installation with a performance piece that involved me being inside a cage and metaphorically exploring the karmic consequences of our actions.
Upon bringing the installation to Miami’s Pinecrest Garden, which attracted a more diverse audience, including young adults and children, I noticed a genuine curiosity among people wanting to understand the message beyond the labels. It made me realize that the installations successfully provoked thought and opened up discussions. They remained displayed for nearly six months, and @ProjectMyLabel collected more than 300 responses while I documented some interactions on the Instagram account dedicated to the project.
Among the myriad of labels, two messages particularly resonated with me. One was in English: “Truth Will Set You Free.” This phrase aligns with my current mindset as I strive for authenticity and truthfulness in all aspects of my life. The other Spanish message read: “Se tú mismo en cada momento.” This simple yet powerful message captivated me, as it emphasized the significance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. It is crucial to remember these messages for ourselves.
Motivated by their impact, I incorporated these two phrases into an activist t-shirt design. I dye them using organic materials, as I believe decisions regarding one’s sexuality are inherently natural and should be treated with acceptance and respect. Instead of placing the stamp on the front of the T-shirt, I positioned it on the inside, close to the heart. This design choice signifies that the message of activism is personal—an internal dialogue that I wish others to embrace as well. It serves as a reminder that the opinions of others should hold no sway over our own realities. What truly matters is how we confront and shape our own truths.
Don’t miss this remarkable exhibition that celebrates diversity, challenges social norms, and embraces the power of queer narratives. The opening of “Take This, Take Me: Embracing Queer Narratives” is free to the public and will take place on June 15 from 6-9 pm at MIFA. It promises to be a stimulating and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and the general public.
For more information, contact MIFA:
Email: info@mifamiami.com
Website: MIFAGALLERY.COM
Address: 5900 NW 74th Ave, Miami, FL
Telephone: 3054700009