Sophia Noya | Staff Writer
FIU Pride Center invited LGBTQ and allied artists to display their work at the Quartz Queer Art Exhibition last Tuesday in the Graham Center ballrooms.
Funded by the Pride Leaders Program and collaborating with the Fine Arts Student Association, the exhibition included photography, paintings, digital media, and poetry.
“We wanted to amplify queer voices, and give artists a space where they could practice displaying their art in a more professional sense,” said Jose Ramirez, a digital media & TV production major who helped organize the exhibition.
The exhibition had pieces from artists across Miami, including from Miami Dade College. It was also a unique opportunity for Miami artists to connect and interact with one another, as well as a chance to display their work in a way some rarely get to do.
Guests admire art at the Quartz Queer Art Exhibition | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
“I thought the event would be a great opportunity,” said Sebastian Montiel, an art major, “I love a good excuse to print my art. It’s fun, I love seeing it printed. I usually don’t get to, since it’s digital art.”
Sebastian Montiel poses with his work | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
John Santana, a computer science major who also helped with organizing the event, emphasized the importance that Quartz be a supportive place for LGBTQ artists.
“Our intention was for queer people to spread their message. There is community everywhere you go, you just have to look for it,” Santana said.
Guests attending the Quartz Queer Art Exhibition look at paintings on display | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
Santana also explained the inspiration behind the name of the exhibition: “Our slogan was ‘queer art as you are’”, he said, “So, we got Quartz from that. It rolls off the tongue.”
For artists displaying their work, the exhibition proved to be an exciting way to be able to engage with both the local Miami and FIU art scene.
“It’s a nice opportunity to see the art happening within our generation,” said Isabella Gonzalez, an art major.
Although the exhibition accepted submissions from artists, photographers and writers outside of FIU, it was still an exciting occasion for FIU artists, whose activities and efforts are not often given the spotlight.
Juliana Triana, a studio art major and president of the Fine Arts Student Association, echoed this sentiment.
“Not many people know what art majors are doing at FIU. It’s important that everyone gets to see the creative side of our university,” Triana said.
Kyla Gray poses with her paintings | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
The exhibition also served as a source of inspiration and motivation for artists looking to have their art shown.
“I wanted to put my best foot forward into the art show. This is my first year of college. I haven’t painted in a couple of months, and I wanted to push myself to be better,” said Kyla Gray, an art major.
Exhibition organizers Cassidy Levine, John Santana, Jose Ramirez and Denise “Lin” Mendoza pose together | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
FIU students can join the Fine Arts Student Association on Panther Connect and keep up with events on their Instagram.
The Pride Center is a section of the Centers for Student Engagement, which is in Graham Center room 216.
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