Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin
Art has always been a vehicle for social change, a medium through which voices are amplified, narratives are reshaped, and communities are united. On March 21st, 2024, the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (MoCAAD) welcomed artists, scholars, and activists to the premiere of The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables (2024), a documentary by Michael Anderson, Five-X Regional Emmy-Award Winning Filmmaker/Storyteller, and featuring the groundbreaking work of Marielle Plaisir.
This event marked a significant milestone in the museum’s journey to discover, commission, and preserve the work of the most advanced contemporary artists of the Global African Diaspora and Africa itself.
At the heart of this premiere was the unveiling of Marielle Plaisir’s latest masterpiece, “The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables.” Plaisir, a multimedia artist and activist, has long been dedicated to exploring the themes of domination, supremacy, and social justice. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, installation, film, and performance. Through her art, she delves into the complexities of colonialism, race, class, and the construction of identity.
Plaisir’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in research and documentation, drawing from documentary history, literature, and sound sources to craft visually striking and emotionally resonant pieces. Her ability to fluidly navigate various mediums allows her to create powerful visual experiences that challenge harmful narratives and offer glimpses of hope for a more equitable future. Marielle Plaisir’s solo exhibition “Strange Fruits” is currently on view at the Coral Gables Art Museum. Her new work “The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World” will join the “Strange Fruits” exhibition and will be on view from April 5-28, 2024.
The premiere of Plaisir’s exhibition was accompanied by a fireside chat featuring esteemed guests Dr. Dorothy J. Fields and Marilyn Holifield. Dr. Fields, a luminary in the preservation of African-American heritage, shared insights into her lifelong mission to raise awareness of South Florida’s black history. Her tireless efforts, including the establishment of Miami’s Black Archives and the designation of historic sites, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Similarly, Marilyn Holifield, a trailblazer in the legal profession and arts advocate, brought her unique perspective to the conversation. As the first black woman partner of a major law firm in Florida, Holifield’s journey exemplifies resilience and commitment to breaking barriers. Her passion for the arts, nurtured since childhood, underscores the importance of cultural expression in shaping identity and fostering social change.
To enhance the vibrancy of the event, independent recording artist Alexander Star graced the audience with a captivating performance. With a knack for merging entertainment with social impact, Star added an extra layer of depth to the premiere, echoing the themes of activism and empowerment woven throughout Plaisir’s work.
Beyond the physical exhibition, attendees were treated to a mix-and-mingle virtual reality art experience, marking a significant milestone for MoCAAD. The launch of this virtual reality and augmented reality museum experience signifies a bold step towards expanding access to art and culture on a global scale. Soon, audiences around the world will have the opportunity to engage with multilingual art, spoken word, and music experiences, further amplifying the museum’s mission of inclusivity and accessibility.
Communication students from United International College (UIC) were particularly drawn to attend this event due to the inherent interdisciplinary nature of their field of study. Communication encompasses various disciplines, including media studies, cultural studies, and public relations, all of which intersect with the themes explored in Marielle Plaisir’s artwork and the discussions at the premiere. By immersing themselves in this cross-disciplinary environment, communication students were able to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of how communication functions within the context of contemporary art and activism. Moreover, attending events like the MoCAAD premiere allows communication students to cultivate their critical thinking skills, enhance their visual literacy, and gain valuable insights into the role of communication in shaping cultural narratives and fostering social change. As future communicators, their participation in such events catalyzes their academic and professional growth, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to make meaningful contributions to society through their communication practice.
For faculty and students from art classes at United International College, this event also served as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of art and activism. Through Plaisir’s evocative artwork, Dr. Fields’ dedication to preserving heritage, Holifield’s trailblazing leadership, and Star’s dynamic performance, attendees were invited to reflect on their roles as agents of change in their communities and beyond.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us continue to champion artists, scholars, and activists who dare to challenge the status quo and envision a more just and equitable world through their creativity and passion.
Join us in exploring the intersection of art and activism at Miami MoCAAD, where every brushstroke tells a story, and every voice is heard.
