Island Origins Magazine - Fall 2019

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CONTENTS Fall | 2019

20 SONYA SANCHEZ ARIAS UPCYCLED TREASURES

LIVING COLOR

THE ART OF CARIBBEAN MIAMI 2

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TTIX: WHERE CULINARY ARTS MEET CULTURE

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CREDITS PUBLISHER Calibe Thompson BRAND STRATEGY David I. Muir EDITOR Sonia Morgan ART DIRECTOR Vladan Dojcinovic CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Monique Williams Monique McIntosh Sonia Morgan Shelly-Ann M. Parkinson Steve Bennett Ghenete ‘G’ Wright Muir David I. Muir Calibe Thompson

CULTURE 6. Beat of a Nation INVEST 12. A Collector’s Mindset HEALTH & BEAUTY 14. Challenge Yourself, Change Your Life INSPIRATION 16. Healing Arts 19. Tools for Creativity STYLE & DESIGN 30. The List: Artsy Accessories TRAVEL 32. Sophisticated Palettes TASTE THE ISLANDS 36. Restaurant Review: El Otro Tiesto 38. Recipes: Trinidadian Recipes 40. Restaurant Listing 42. EVENT CALENDAR FINAL THOUGHT 48. A Spectacular Canvas

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David I. Muir Mark James Ron Deal Bart Mervil Dangerwing Photography Louis Davis Duveuil Valencia Diana Solis Diego Perez Chastity Pascoe Sanchez Arias Photography Ravindra Ramkallawan Photography Steve Bennett | UncommonCaribbean.com TJ Brown Xavier Russell Anna Keith RJ Deed Christina Esposito Eric Greaves ON THE COVER: The Arts Issue Trinidadian-American artist and photographer Sonya Sanchez Arias is saving the world one upcycled work at a time. Her masterful pieces include stunning jewelry, sculpture and photo-art created from discarded and reclaimed objects (page 20).

Photography by David I. Muir. Styling by Tanya Marie Design. Accessories by Sonya Sanchez Arias.

Copyright © 2019 by Island Syndicate. All rights reserved. Island Origins Magazine is published by Island Syndicate. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a review. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at Island Syndicate, 1310 SW 2nd Ct #209, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Printed in the United States of America.

Island Origins Magazine ℅ Island Syndicate 1310 SW 2nd Ct #209 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 417-812-5663 | islandoriginsmag.com support@islandsyndicate.com

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CULTURE // BEAT OF A NATION

BEAT

OF A NATION

FORGED FROM SHEET METAL AND THE RESISTANCE OF A RESILIENT PEOPLE, TRINIDAD’S STEEL PAN IS LAUDED AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT NON-ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CREATED IN THE 20TH CENTURY. INTERNATIONAL PHYSICISTS HAVE STUDIED THE INSTRUMENT FOR DECADES TO DECODE ITS HARMONIC COMPLEXITY—THE CHEERFUL, INTOXICATING TING, TING, TING THAT HAS GARNERED WORLDWIDE APPEAL AND HEARKENS TO ISLAND REVELRY.

W

WRITER MONIQUE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY MARK JAMES

hile it has been seeping into mainstream music—pop, rock, jazz—pan remains an essential part of festivals and intense competitions like Panorama—a pan-players’ event that is a staple at Caribbean carnivals throughout the world.

BIRTH OF A SOUND Africans who were brought to Trinidad in the 1700s carried with them their tradition of melodic drumming. The practice was banned by the colonizers in the 1880s because the music seemed to incite street riots.

In their defiance, the Africans’ descendants gathered into secret bands that used utensils, garbage can lids and other scrap metal to make music. Between 1935 and 1945, these ‘iron bands’ discovered that different rhythmical sounds emanated from raised parts of these metals in comparison to the areas that were flat, and a new instrument was born.

Trinidadian instrument maker and pannist Dr. Elliot “Ellie” Mannette is credited with creating the modern-day version from a 55-gallon oil container with a concave top on which to play the tones with rubbertipped sticks.

PANORAMA AND CARNIVAL According to Selvon Nanan, manager and member of Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, a winner of the 2019 Miami Carnival Panorama, “From the 1950s to 1980s, steelbands were the only bands on the road for Trinidad Carnival, then DJs took over. Now, only 10 percent of the music comes from steelbands.”

Even though pan music has declined in prominence during the main road march, the Panorama event remains a highlight of Carnival week-

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end at the Mecca of Caribbean carnivals—in Trinidad. Fans of the pan gather there annually to hear beautifully arranged renditions representing genres from calypso to classical. Musicians from Japan, Sweden, the U.K., Canada and beyond gather to compete with other bands in hopes of attaining international bragging rights by securing a win. The event is streamed live online and fans around the world can cheer on their favorites.

The music is attracting renewed interest. “There has been a great transformation,” Nanan says. “Many more teenagers and young adults are playing than ever. More girls.” Public relations manager for Miami Carnival, Yvette Harris, agrees: “We have seen an evolution. Fortunately, more young people are participating and interested in delving into the culture.”

With the reemerging popularity of pan music and Panorama, Harris says the Miami Carnival committee tweaked the 2019 lineup to accommodate more of it. “Normally, Kings and Queens are first, then Panorama. But this year, [Panorama] starts at 5 p.m. and goes on. It will bring in a diverse audience of people, non-Caribbean and Caribbean. A good showing of people who just enjoy music and have an appreciation for pan music.”

A GLOBAL PHENOMENON Steel pan is taught in schools around the world, and the melodious timbre of the instrument is also found in songs by international pop musicians including Prince, 50 Cent and Nick Jonas. Celebrities like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Usain Bolt have brought the festivities of Carnival to the mainstream—their beautiful costumed dancing and appearances accompanied by the steel pan’s unmistakable sounds.

FEATURE // ART OF CARIBBEAN MIAMI

CURATING THE ART OF BLACK MIAMI

n a e  i r a C WRITER MONIQUE MCINTOSH

THIS DECEMBER, art aficionados will descend on the Magic City for Miami Art Week—a collection of art fairs, museum exhibitions, gallery shows and cultural events surrounding Art Basel Miami (December 5-8). The event has become fertile ground for a new generation of influential curators celebrating Caribbean art—breaking up the old guard of institutional gatekeepers.

Now art lovers can discover a plethora of Caribbean voices from several exhibitions, many nurtured under the Art of Black Miami umbrella—a city initiative celebrating diverse artistic view-

points from across the black diaspora. By promoting these groundbreaking showcases, the program also seeks to highlight the diverse creative communities thriving in Miami’s heritage neighborhoods, from Little Havana to Little Haiti.

Before the shows begin, meet some of the curators broadening the Caribbean art landscape, and learn what they have in store this year in Miami. Whether academics, gallerists, or artists in their own right, these voices are reframing conversations about art, celebrating more inclusive and diverse viewpoints.

DEBORAH JACK Water between us remembers...

Maria Elena Ortiz and Marsha Pearce Curators of The Other Side of Now: Foresight in Contemporary Caribbean Art, Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Since its inception, Miami’s flagship museum has embraced the city’s status as a global crossroads with diverse programming. This is thanks in large part to talented curators like the minds behind this new exhibition celebrating contemporary Caribbean art—PAMM Associate Curator Maria Elena Ortiz and University of the West Indies (St. Augustine) lecturer Dr. Marsha Pearce.

Hailing from Puerto Rico and Trinidad respectively, both aim to reframe Caribbean art beyond the colonial histories that have traditionally divided national identities.

“Right now, there is a very strong

LAVAR MONROE. Church in the Wild

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longing among artists from different Islands to connect with one another,” notes Ortiz. In response, they have experimented with moving away from the conventional curatorial use “of predetermined categories,” explains Pearce. “We instead posed questions to the artists, and allowed themes to emerge from their work, finding shared concerns that cut across

linguistic and physical boundaries.”

Both curators also seek to challenge stereotypical ideas surrounding Caribbean art, highlighting more abstract and experimental works. “We’re still fighting existing expectations of what the Caribbean aesthetic should look like,” says Pearce. “So we’re always thinking about how we can expand these perspectives.”

ON DISPLAY: For The Other Side of Now (running through June 7, 2020), the curators invited 14 artists from across the Caribbean to produce work imagining the region’s future. “So much Caribbean art feels entangled with questions about the past, in ideas of trauma and catastrophe,” says Ortiz. “We wanted to explore how contemporary art in the region is moving beyond these tropes.” pamm.org

Pati Vargas Curator, Futurama Art Galleries

Long after the doors close on Miami Art Week 2019, the local art scene will continue to thrive, sustained by a vibrant community of creators. This is the driving inspirational force for Pati Vargas, curator at Futurama 1637 Art Galleries. Founded in 2011, the institution is dedicated to celebrating and advancing Little Havana’s cultural legacy, from launching educational outreach programs, to providing affordable studio space and curating shows for local artists. “We’re grateful to be able to give these opportunities to young artists, who all become part of our family as they grow,” says Vargas. “We are here to help and guide.”

Honing her skills for years promoting musicians at Miami Records, she brings this same

passion for promoting new voices to the visual realm. At Futurama 1637, celebrating Caribbean artists has become a central theme. This environment is a familiar stomping ground for the Ecuadorian native, who grew up among Caribbean communities in Brooklyn, New York. “My youth was filled with so much Brooklyn fun, rooted in Caribbean culture,” she recalls.

ON DISPLAY: Vargas’ popular showcase Umbrellas of Little Havana returns December 7-9 at Futurama 1637. The exhibition features 40 commissioned umbrellas painted by local and international artists, many from Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Honoring the neighborhood’s rich history, these artists use the unconventional canvas to poignantly explore themes of homeland, notes Vargas. “For his umbrella, artist J.Roberto painted the buildings he saw when he recently visited Cuba after many years of exile.” futurama1637.homestead.com

Mikhaile Solomon

Prizm Art Fair has become essential viewing during Miami Art Week, highlighting exciting voices throughout the African diaspora and filling the gaps often left by other showcases. This mission to expand the spectrum of artists on Miami’s international stage has been a personal one, says director, Mikhaile Solomon—a Miami local with roots in St. Kitts. “We want Prizm to be a catalyst for Caribbean and Pan African artists, encouraging stronger discourse about their work.”

Since launching in 2013, the event (which runs December 2-9) now features curated exhibitions and presentations by an international selection of galleries.

The fair is aesthetically diverse, presenting performance art and film screenings. Its programming also promotes further dialogue through panels; past speakers include Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Cullors and famed artist/ scholar David C. Driskell.

In a short time, the fair has al-

PHOTO: RON DEAL

Founding Director of Prizm Art Fair 2019

ready helped diversify international art spaces, with past artists now featured in major museums. “It’s been very humbling to see artists that we’ve worked with gain such recognition,” says Solomon.

“People are really starting to pay attention to places like the Caribbean, and are seeing their visual art narratives more critically.”

ON DISPLAY: Responding to today’s political and social upheaval, particularly against marginalized communities, Solomon is co-curating Prizm’s central exhibit under the theme Love in the Time of Hysteria. “We want the show to explore how these divisive dynamics affect our ability to love each other,” explains Solomon. “And we want to explore what movements could rebuild a community rooted in love.” prizmartfair.com

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PHOTO: BART MERVIL

FEATURE // ART OF CARIBBEAN MIAMI

Ashlee Thomas and Bart Mervil

range of artists, inspired by their own diverse backgrounds; they have roots in Panama and Haiti, respectively. Past shows featured several emerging Caribbean voices, including Jamaican artist Matthew Flash, and Haitian-American artists Brenda Presil and Nate Dee. “We’re really about looking for people who are telling their own narrative,” says Thomas.

ON DISPLAY: Returning for its fourth edition, MUCE presents “Now Or Neverland: Ode to Hip-Hop Art Festival,” running December 1 to January 30. The show seeks to celebrate the genre’s impact beyond music, and how it became a generation’s introduction to artistic expression. “Everything about hip hop was an artform — the graffiti, the clothes, the breakdancing, the album covers,” explains Mervil. “All those have become elements of art today.”

Discover more exhibits and events celebrating artists from the Caribbean and across the black diaspora by visiting ArtofBlackMiami.com.

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Sponsored Editorial

Historically black communities are always vulnerable to the tides of Miami’s gentrification. Now Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE), founded by Ashlee Thomas and Bart Mervil, serves as a creative anchor in Little Haiti. Part gallery, part cultural facility, MUCE “is a platform for artists across the African diaspora,” explains Thomas. “We saw very few spaces for the culture, so we decided to build something of our own.”

The partners first launched MUCE in 2015 as pop-up gallery experience, before opening a permanent space this year in a converted Range Rover shop. Dubbed “the campus,” MUCE rejects the staid atmosphere of conventional galleries, programming both artist exhibitions and immersive community events, from drum circles to free dance classes. “Luckily our local leaders understand when building neighborhoods, art is the perfect place to start,” notes Mervil.

Thomas and Mervil also seek to complicate monolithic myths about blackness with a global

PHOTO: BART MERVIL

Co-founders, Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE)

INVEST // A COLLECTOR'S MINDSET

A COLLECTOR’S

MINDSET WRITER SONIA MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Rosie GordonWallace

Ludlow Bailey

AT THE TOP END OF THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR GLOBAL ART INDUSTRY ARE UBERWEALTHY COLLECTORS AND INVESTORS WHO WILL SPEND MILLIONS ON A SINGLE PIECE. IN FACT, IN 2017, THE 1982 UNTITLED PAINTING OF A SKULL BY LATE CARIBBEANAMERICAN ARTIST JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT BECAME THE MOST EXPENSIVE PIECE EVER SOLD AT AUCTION BY A U.S. ARTIST, AT A RECORD-BREAKING $110.5 MILLION.

A

t the other end of the spectrum are art lovers who would like to secure original work but may have limited budgets or have no idea how to navigate the art world. To shed some light on the issue, we spoke to art advisor and curator Ludlow Bailey, managing director of Contemporary African Diaspora Art (CADA) and Rosie Gordon-Wallace, founder and senior curator of Diaspora Vibe Gallery and Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator (DVCAI).

STATE OF OUR ART “The Caribbean is now becoming more aware of how to promote its creativity in the visual arts. And Miami is becoming somewhat of an epicenter for Caribbean art,” says Bailey, who helped artists

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like St. Lucia’s Jallim Eudovic to find his way into the global market. Eudovic was later tapped by the Chinese government to create a bronze sculpture for the largest sculpture park in the world, Changchun International.

Recently, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) received a $1 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to help fund the museum’s Caribbean Cultural Institute. Bailey and Gordon-Wallace, both Caribbean-Americans, will curate exhibitions this year: Roots of the Spirit in Broward October 12 through December 27 and Inter | Sectionality: Diaspora Art From the Creole City in Miami November 14, 2019 through March 20, 2020, respectively. Then, there’s Miami Art Week in December,

where there will be myriad opportunities to buy Caribbean art.

WHY INVEST IN ART According to recent research by University of London professor Semir Zeki, simply viewing art can increase dopamine in the brain and even give a feeling similar to being in love. Gordon-Wallace explains that art stimulates conversation, and based on the type of art collected, dictates a certain lifestyle. Of course, with the potential for value appreciation, smart buying and careful timing will likely mean financial benefits if an artist or work becomes more valuable.

“The collector is an investor in the genre [or multiple genres]— an intellectual investor, an economic investor and an investor

in the culture—who will do due diligence, and, before even buying the first piece, will have a conversation with the artist,” says Gordon-Wallace. She implores buyers to visit art exhibitions with a collector’s mindset, with “wisdom, experience and knowledge.” However, she advises you don’t have to be a collector—or have unlimited cash—to start acquiring pieces that you love. Be deliberate, but trust your instincts and buy what you like.

SMART ART BUYING Acquiring great pieces for reasonable prices also requires a savvy approach, Bailey says. For example, buy work from leading art students, before they come to market.

Gordon-Wallace encourages would-be buyers to set a realistic budget, start visiting public places that have openings, and speaking to the artists, whenever possible.

“The repeated practice of learning about the people who created the work moves you from someone who wants ‘a little thing’ on your wall to someone who is collecting work,” she concludes.

HEALTH // CHALLENGE YOURSELF

CHALLENGE YOURSELF,

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU START SHEDDING UNWANTED POUNDS:

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

SET GOALS This is an important first step in any weight loss journey. Your goals should be smart: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited.

CREATE AN EXERCISE REGIMEN Create and write down a balanced plan that starts and progresses slowly, that can be built into your daily routine, includes different activities, and allows for muscle recovery between sessions.

INCORPORATE YOUR FAITH OR FELLOWSHIP Having a strong support system and following religious guidelines for diet and self-care are just some of the benefits of incorporating faith or fellowshipbased principles into your weight loss journey.

CHANGE YOUR DIET The key to successful weight loss is a consciousness of what and how you eat. Harvard Medical School maintains that “The best diet for losing weight is one that is good for all parts of your body, and not just your waistline.” So choose a diet that works for you.

WRITER SHELLY-ANN M. PARKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

IN DECEMBER 2017, PRINSTON JEAN-GLAUDE, CEO OF PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE CENTERS, WAS IN HIS MID-FORTIES AND IN RELATIVELY GOOD HEALTH. HOWEVER, HE WEIGHED 212 POUNDS AND WAS SLIGHTLY EMBARRASSED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO BEND OVER AND TIE HIS SHOELACES. HE CHALLENGED HIMSELF TO LOSE WEIGHT IN A HEALTHY WAY. ease Control and Prevention (CDC). This presents a serious public health crisis that has become an epidemic, and is linked to a number of health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease and stroke, as well as certain types of cancer. However, losing a small percentage of total body weight can positively impact blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure and decrease certain risk factors for some chronic diseases.

Primary Medical Care Centers invites you to make an appointment or walk-in to either their Miami or Lauderdale Lakes location to have one of their friendly healthcare providers assist you in getting started on your weight loss journey. Are you up for the challenge?

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Sponsored Editorial

“CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO WEIGHT LOSS success,” says Prinston, who began his journey by setting a weight loss goal of 195 pounds for 2018, which he achieved by December of that year. He created an exercise regimen and based his diet on the biblical Daniel Fast—eliminating meat, sugar, and rice. For 2019, he set a weight loss goal of 180 pounds and has already lost 10.

Over 70 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over are overweight, according to the Centers for Dis-

CHALLENGE OTHERS TO JOIN YOU Challenging others to join you in your weight loss journey may not only spark some friendly competition, but also encourage a sense of community and accountability. Prinston’s wife, Edwige, and sisterin-law, Alie, both accepted his challenge this year and have already achieved their weight loss goals so far!

Always consult with your doctor first to discuss your personal health options and to find the right regimen that works for you.

FEATURE // HEALING ARTS

HEALING

ARTS WHEN MY BROTHER RICH BEGAN HIS MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN EXPRESSIVE ART THERAPY IN THE EARLY 2000S, I THOUGHT—REALLY? ART THERAPY? AS LIFE WOULD HAVE IT, YEARS LATER I FOUND MYSELF IMMERSED IN A WORLD WHERE THIS DISCIPLINE, WHICH I CONSIDERED INCONSEQUENTIAL, WOULD PROVE TO BE A HEALING FORCE FOR MANY OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE GROWN TO RESPECT AND ADMIRE. WRITER GHENETE “G” WRIGHT MUIR ONE OF THESE PEOPLE is artist Niki Lopez, who has struggled to overcome unspeakable trauma for years. For me, the situation is personal, because I have seen it up close—in her eyes, in the crying eyes she paints, in the smiling mask she wears to get through the days, and the distorted ones she sculpts.

It wasn’t something she spoke about initially—the emotional, physical and sexual abuse she endured growing up in a religious cult. But after we became intimate, she opened up to me and started sharing the nightmares of her childhood.

By way of her survival story, I’ve learned that art is a tool that can be used to cope with physical, emotional and psychological damage. Niki, and some of the other brave women in my circle, have shared stories of how artistic self expression has helped them heal.

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From 'Feral Feminine,' a collaboration between Niki Lopez, Nikki Detour Butterfly and Dangerwing Photography

Niki, who is of Panamanian, Jamaican and Cuban descent, used art to help her survive the 14 challenging years she spent in the cult.

She confided, “I remember I would always draw eyes that were crying that bled into an ocean. I would write. There was nothing I could do about my situation.”

Homegrown was her first piece directly related to that time in her life. It’s a sculpture of her as a child wearing a hijab—a head covering Muslim women and girls are traditionally required to wear.

Behind the sculpture are handwritten phrases like “I was chosen?”

“Can they hear me?” and “where are my crayons?”

“Through art, I was able to start addressing my traumas and eventually got into counseling. This was 15 years after escaping the cult, but it started coming out in my work. And then I started sharing and people were impacted.”

Her signature mask Healing from Within is the first work in which she dealt with mending these wounds. “This is about the work I’ve done from the inside. This is when I really started to shift my life.”

In addition to making art, Niki hosts workshops and talks, creating safe spaces for herself and others to discuss topics considered taboo.

PHOTO: DUVEUIL VALCENA

Niki Lopez

Nzingah Oniwosan

Homegrown

PHOTO: DUVEUIL VALCENA

PHOTO: LOUIS DAVIS

As a child, Haitian multi-disciplinary artist Nzingah Oniwosan was physically and emotionally abused by her mother, who suffers from a mental illness, and was molested by a close family friend.

“Had it not been for art, I would have probably killed myself or would not have been able to survive. It was an escape from reality.

I created a world that I didn’t have. My work was very pretty and I cared about perfection.”

While she was growing up, she was forbidden to dance by her religion. Today she dances passionately in celebration of her freedom from the emotional bondage of her early life. Some of Nzingah’s work addresses the trauma directly—her poetry, a one-woman show, and art exhibits that “unpack what we don’t talk about as survivors.”

“If it wasn’t for the art, I wouldn’t be the version of the person I am today. Art helped me cope. Prior to getting counseling, it allowed me to channel what I was feeling.”

Shels

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Sonia Baez-Hernandez

Sonia Baez-Hernandez was a professor at the University of Chicago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The illness itself was perhaps not as traumatizing as the way she was treated by the healthcare system as a black woman, as a Latina woman (of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent), and as a person without health insurance.

She recalls getting an over-the-phone diagnosis, and the doctor scheduling surgeries without informing her about the details of the

Dancer Will Power

procedures. She advocated for care with dignity and used art to help her navigate her experience.

Sonia began photographing and video recording herself through chemotherapy, surgery and all other details associated with cancer treatment. She produced the film Territories of the Breast which shares her personal narrative and the stories of other cancer survivors. “My first work following the experience was about the pain and suffering encountered but never expressed. All these violations of rights. The

PHOTO: DIEGO PEREZ

Reconstruction II

PHOTO: DIANA SOLIS

FEATURE // HEALING ARTS

modification of my body.”

For her visual installations she began working with Barbie dolls. “I wanted to talk about how we think about perfect bodies through the doll.

Talk about the fear women have with breast cancer—fear of making love, being seeing without breasts, without nipples, with scars.”

Her work with the film allowed her to share breast cancer as a collective experience. “People feel moved and connected to the work, not just for breast cancer. It’s universal—the fragility of life.”

Chastity Pascoe

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apart, covered with separate pieces of fabric.

“This piece allows me to share trauma and be present to the trauma.” Looking at the piece you recognize her sadness, her need to be seen and desire to be protected.

Creating art has been a means of coping for Chastity, who says, “There are so many problems, but art gives me the opportunity to focus on the specific issue that I’m making my work about.”

Together

PHOTO: CHASTITY PASCOE

Chastity, who has ancestry from Jamaica and The Bahamas, describes “trauma related to racism and misogyny” consistently present in the day-to-day lives of black people and women in America.

She points to the environmental impact of spaces “not being created with us in mind and spaces created to exclude us.” She recalls her first encounter with racism at eight years old, in a new school where she was the only black student.“There was an expectation that I’d fall into the angry black girl trope. My peers expected aggression out of me that I hadn’t previously felt pressured to express.”

At present, Chastity uses artistic sculpture as an outlet for her feelings. She says her art is visually beautiful but hopes it also comes off as alarming. “I want to stir something, some sort of urgency.” A dichotomy of raw emotion juxtaposed against the subtle backdrop of everyday objects and shapes is apparent in her work.

For her piece Together she lay on the floor and created a cast of her body, then duplicated it to look like two bodies sleeping far

TOOLS FOR CREATIVITY Sponsored Editorial

WRITER ANDREW LEONE PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

G

ive a child a set of crayons, some colored pencils and a sheet of paper or coloring book and magic is bound to happen. Even the most active child is likely to slow down and engage with these tools of creativity and self-expression.

That is why art is an integral part of the social and academic devel-

opment of all children.

In a recent interview, Dr. Timothy Leistenr, Ed.D., formerly a Programs Manager at the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), discussed the way children use art as storytelling.

“It’s amazing how they layer the story on the same canvas. They may start with a house or play-

ground on a sunny day with grass, flowers, children and adults, then suddenly they may overlay approaching clouds to tell the story of a storm coming, and then they might add rain drops and so on…

Even before they learn to read and write they expand their literacy skills using art.”

In Broward County, arts are

used for expression and selfexploration as part of the CSCfunded MOST (Maximizing Outof-School Time), Youth FORCE (middle school after school), STEP (special needs), and Respite programs. Small group and individualized art therapy is available for children with special needs through the Cadenza Center for Psychotherapy and the Arts, Inc., among others.

Other programs that use art to address trauma and engage youth in family strengthening and diversion programs are provided through the newly established Eagles’ Haven Wellness Center in Coral Springs and the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, as well as Smith Community Mental Health. At Eagles’ Haven in particular, they have brought in a variety of outside vetted resources including art services for their wellness programs.

For more information about art focused programming for children and youth throughout Broward, visit the Arts Education Directory on www.broward.org/ Arts/ArtsEducation, maintained by the Broward Cultural Division.

FEATURE // UPCYCLED TREASURES

UPCYCLED

TREASURES

PHOTO: DAVID I. MUIR

WRITER SONIA MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY SANCHEZ ARIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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AT THE CORE OF SONYA SANCHEZ ARIAS’ ARTISTRY IS HER ABILITY TO COMPLETELY TRANSFORM THE MATERIAL SHE TOUCHES. SHE SEES WORTH IN DISCARDED BITS AND BOBBLES OF EVERYDAY LIFE AND, THROUGH UNBOXED IMAGINATION, USES THEM TO CREATE REMARKABLE MIXED MEDIUM ART AND ACCESSORIES. HER WORK, WHICH HAS BEEN EXHIBITED IN TRINIDAD, EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES, DISPLAYS A MASTERY OF REPURPOSING AND INJECTING LIFE INTO THINGS CONSIDERED USELESS— RESHAPING TRASH INTO ARTISTIC TREASURES. islandoriginsmag.com

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celebrated sculptor, photo-artist and costume designer, Sanchez Arias is renowned in regional circles for works including her signature fine art sculptures, hand-crafted high-end paper dresses, photo artistry, jewelry collections, and even carnival regalia.

Back when she lived in Trinidad, her first major exhibition, a photography collection featuring exquisitely styled images of small children covered in mud called Earthlings, was featured in the late 90s at the island’s Angostura museum. As local recognition for her style and mixed medium creations grew, she was tapped by the most titled carnival king in Trinidad, Peter Samuel, to conceptualize colorful, intricate costumes for his carnival bands—a commision that resulted in her iconic Skullduggery designs.

Earthlings For three consecutive years she was invited by the president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts Miami—and commissioned by various agencies—to participate in the organization’s annual Fashion of Paper runway shows. Here she created paper dresses that are arguably her most recognizable works.

In just the last three years, she has exhibited multiple times at Trinidad’s prestigious Y Art Gallery, host to many of the Caribbean’s most illustrious artists. Her works have been exhibited as far away as Barcelona and Germany, and as close as The Box Gallery in West Palm Beach and at Island Syndicate’s Caribbean-American Heritage Month installation—The Island Imprint—in Fort Lauderdale.

Gallery: From the Fragments collection While her followers adore her upcycled and reclaimed art and wearables, she sees herself simply exploring creative possibilities and doing what makes her happy. “My art is really therapy for me,” says Sanchez Arias, explaining that while the commercial photography business

she runs with her husband Fernando provides their daily bread, it’s her personal art that gives her “total freedom to create. There are no rules—if there are rules, I can break them if I want.”

CREATIVE UPBRINGING The South Florida-based artist, was born in Trinidad and Tobago to an acclaimed artist mother and a bullfighter father from Spain.

Her mom, Judy Sanchez—known in Carnival circles as Miss Judy—was best friend and collaborator to iconic fashion designer Meiling, who has outfitted Caribbean and international celebrities, and Emmy Award-winning designer Peter Minshall, who showcased costumes from Trinidad at the opening ceremonies of the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic games.

Anya Ayoung-Chee, Meiling, Peter Minshall and Sonya Sanchez Arias Miss Judy, Sanchez Arias says, “made all of Meiling’s accessories for years and created Peter’s kings and queens costumes.”

“My mother would take us (Sanchez Arias and her siblings) out into nature.” They would collect barks, leaves, seeds, pods and her mom would illustrate how these items could be used, reused and upcycled into works of art.

It is against this backdrop that Sanchez Arias developed a respect and appreciation for nature and a passion for preserving the environment.

In Sanchez Arias’ hands, items such as plastic utensils, water bottles, trash bags, rubber tubing, and an array of found and synthetic objects are made into both thought-provoking mixed medium art and stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry. Simple paper becomes elaborately designed, themed dresses with movement—yet structurally sound enough for models to sashay down the runway, uninhibited.

MULTICULTURAL, INTERDISCIPLINARY Sonya Sanchez Arias has lived in Florida for some 20 years. She recalls the culture shock of moving from the Caribbean to the U.S. and having to explain her accent and unabashed Caribbeanness—because her look doesn’t fit the stereotype people expect.

“Trying to be Caribbean-American is sometimes a different experience for different people, because you don’t want to lose those things that make you Trinidadian, or Jamaican, or Caribbean, and you want to be proud to be American—but you don’t have to choose.

People, especially from the Caribbean, need to know that—this is our country [too].”

Her mixed medium work covers pressing societal and personal issues, and is meant to stimulate discussion and inspire introspection.

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FEATURE // UPCYCLED TREASURES

SKULLDUGGERY AND PAPER DRESSES Sanchez Arias’ artistic imagination and skill as a costume designer emerged fantastically in these pieces she fashioned for Trinidad Carnival and the American Institute of Graphic Arts Miami’s Fashion of Paper events.

▴ Her famous Paper Dresses were extremely time-consuming—each taking about a month to complete. Using only the paper provided in a few different colors, and a glue gun, she made dresses to represent Zaire, Antarctica and her home country Trinidad and Tobago—one for each year she participated.

Sketelle-ton ▴ CREATING SKULLDUGGERY... the dance of deceit, she designed each costume around traditional carnival characters, using a skeleton theme to execute the concept. She wanted to revive the kind of costume-making that was thoughtful and reflective of Trinidadian folklore and vernacular.

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“I always create things that can move in a live runway show,” says Sanchez Arias, adding that the model who wore the Trinidad and Tobago dress came down the runway to David Rudder’s Bacchanal Lady. After the event, the paper mill bought the costume. ▸

“WE HAVE SO MANY INFLUENCES COMING AT US FROM SO MANY DIRECTIONS. THINKING OUT LOUD HAS EVERYTHING IN IT—IT HAS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, FOOD, HAMBURGERS, FRENCH FRIES, SUSHI, MARY POPPINS WITH A VACUUM CLEANER. I’M SERIOUS ABOUT MY WORK BUT REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT HUMOR TOO … THERE’S A LITTLE SARCASM AND HUMOR IN MY WORK.”

THINKING OUT LOUD

INSIDE OUT COLLECTION In her most recent body of work, Inside Out, she explores humanity and the possibility of going inward and discovering oneself, using red, white and black—coincidentally the colors of Trinidad and Tobago’s flag. The Inside Out collection began with mixed medium assemblages, then segued into stunning, limited edition jewelry pieces.

PURGATORY, the first piece of the collection, incorporates recycled body parts of dolls, wood, paint, threads and other materials. Inside Out art pieces were part of The Summer Collection 2019 exhibition at The Box Gallery in West Palm Beach, Florida and is on indefinite display.

“Because the collection is called Inside

Out, I used red to represent the color of our insides—the threads look like little arteries and capillaries. White is the color of possibilities, a clean canvas and black—the best of all colors because it’s made up of all the colors, and it represents sophistication, power, elegance … Threads are my way of connecting things, repairing the damage.”

EMPTY SPACES: This piece was created using 300 plastic forks and other recycled materials.

“EMPTY SPACES HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON...

IT MEANS THERE’S AN OPENING FOR THINGS TO GROW, THEY MAKE ROOM FOR NEW THINGS, NEW POSSIBILITIES. DON’T BE AFRAID OF EMPTY SPACES…”

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FEATURE // UPCYCLED TREASURES

JEWELRY COLLECTIONS

Inside Out

MISS JUDY: Named after Sanchez Arias’ mom, this piece is the largest and most imposing of the jewelry collection. “My mother was larger than life!”

Spectrum Art One-of-a-kind, limited edition contemporary jewelry made from recycled materials. These pieces were exhibited in Europe where they were showcased in galleries throughout the continent.

“WHEN PEOPLE TRY ON THE JEWELRY, THEY ARE SURPRISED THAT IT’S MADE FROM TRASH, BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER LOOK LIKE WHAT THEY USED TO BE AND HAVE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT HISTORY. THEY EXIST IN A DIFFERENT SPACE.”

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“THERE’S A STIGMA ATTACHED TO MAKING SOMETHING LIKE JEWELRY FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS— PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY ASSUME IT’S GOING TO BE CRAFTY OR TACKY OR NOT VALUABLE.”

“YOU KNOW THOSE TIN CAN PHONES THAT WE USED TO PLAY WITH AS CHILDREN … BUT THE WIRES ARE KNOTTED TOGETHER IN THE CENTER. THAT’S THE EFFECT SOCIAL MEDIA IS HAVING ON US RIGHT NOW.”

BIRD WIRE A WIRE (aka SHIT talk and Covfefe)

SOCIAL CODE COLLECTION Sanchez Arias’ Social Code collection takes controversial political and social issues head-on, with pieces such as Bird on a Wire and The Experiment, which both explore how we communicate (or don’t) in the era of social media, and the impact it is having on our society.

THE EXPERIMENT

“SOCIAL MEDIA IS ONE LARGE EXPERIMENT — I FEEL LIKE IT’S ALL HELD TOGETHER

BY A THREAD AND IF IT GOES ONE WAY, IT WILL ALL UNRAVEL.” I HAVE A DREAM TOO: A stark image of a child in a cage wrapped in the American flag calls attention to the current humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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STYLE // LIVING COLOR

LIVING COLOR FROM GOLDEN SUNSETS TO BLUE COASTLINE VISTAS, THE CARIBBEAN HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED COLOR IN HIGH DEFINITION. TRINIDADIAN INTERIOR DESIGNER TONI SURATSINGH HAS EMBRACED THIS SENSIBILITY HEAD-ON IN HER WORK. “IT’S ONE OF THE MANY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING FROM THE CARIBBEAN,” SAYS SURATSINGH. “I AM MUCH MORE OPEN AND WILLING TO PLAY WITH COLOR.” WRITER MONIQUE MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY RAVINDRA RAMKALLAWAN PHOTOGRAPHY SURATSINGH RETAINED THIS CHROMATIC PLAYFULNESS when she moved to Toronto, Canada, where she worked at several design firms, eventually becoming a Benjamin Moore color consultant. But Trinidad became a creative playground again when she and husband/business partner Rishi returned in 2011, launching their own firm—Toni Crockett Design—offering interior design services and color consultation.

The designer employed both her design and color consultancy skills when tasked to inject more personality into this basic condo in Maraval, a suburb just outside the capital, Port of Spain. The client “wanted the home to feel spacious, sophisticated and lively,” notes SuratSingh. “Though most people would never go for bold color in smaller spaces, we wanted to challenge that idea by introducing very dramatic statements with the use of color.”

Beginning with a completely blank canvas, once they selected the area rugs the home’s palette quickly emerged—a watercolor blend of

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deep and pale blues in the main living areas, and warmer corals and greens in the master bedroom. “They’re almost reminiscent of abstract art,” notes SuratSingh about the pieces. “And they paired beautifully with the commissioned painting by artist Ashley Thompson-Steuart.”

The designer imbues these hues into the space through striking statement walls, using a deep ocean blue in the living room and vibrant orange for the bedroom. She then balances these bold backgrounds “with lots of simple, modern lines” incorporating streamlined, contemporary furnishings. Golden statement light fixtures and accents also help “to add warmth and a luxurious element to the space.”

The project perfectly illustrates how the vivid hues of the Caribbean can easily gel with contemporary design—an aesthetic SuratSingh has fully espoused since returning to her homeland.

“Trinidad has opened my eyes to so many things I was missing, but didn’t realize,” she says. “The homes here in Trinidad are never cookie cutter.”

LIVING ROOM: ROYAL AFFAIR For the living room, “we wanted to inject lots of life and vibrancy through the use of color and soft furnishings,� says SuratSingh.

Shades of blue dominate, starting with the West Elm area rug and velvet armchair by Willa Arlo Interiors, and further emphasized with blue throw pillows and ceramic pieces. These rich hues are balanced by a gray sofa by Willa Arlo Interiors. Hints of gold are also introduced by the angular wall sconce, also by Willa Arlo Interiors.

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STYLE // LIVING COLOR

DINING ROOM: BLUE AND GOLD Because the main dining area merges seamlessly into the living room,“we actually treated the whole space as one room,” explains SuratSingh. “It was important to have a common thread carried throughout, using color and pattern.” The dining space continues the living room’s rich blue palette with Hobson velvet dining chairs from Mercer41. The designer also incorporated more gold geometric shapes with the Circuit dining table from CB2 and a Meredith Sputnik chandelier by Langley Street.

MASTER BEDROOM: GOLDEN SUNRISE For the master bedroom, the designer defied the typical palette of soft, soothing hues. “I think the idea of any color being unconventional for any room in particular is limiting,” says SuratSingh. “I think color should be chosen based on the client’s likes. And orange is such an uplifting and happy color to wake up to in the morning.”

To balance the bold statement wall, she employed more neutral shades for the furniture and accessories, using warm woods and fresh white linens. The bed and side tables are from Dwellings Trinidad, and the lamps are by Uttermost.

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HOMES THAT MATCH

LIFE + STYLE

SHARON WONG HOLLIS

InterAction Realty info@SharonWhollis.com

www.SharonWhollis.com

954.295.9282

7801 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33351 Each office is independently owned and operated

THE LIST ARTSY ACCESSORIES



SUNDARA



Shaped by hand and finished with an eye-catching verdigris patina, these copper mango-leaf earrings are the creation of Trinidadian artist and jewelry maker Natasha Gill. Her handmade, artisan pieces come in gold, silver, bronze and copper, and are often embellished with crystals and raw gemstones. $39 sundarajewelry.com



CRUCIAN GOLD

For a picture of modern elegance with a distinct Old World aesthetic, the artisans at Crucian Gold crafted the one-of-a-kind Artful Array Chaney Bracelet using unique coin-shaped historic shards of china from St. Croix, skillfully set in rich 14k gold. $1,500 cruciangold.com 

MY OCEAN

The beautifully handcrafted Sea Fan Platter from the Wild Flamingo Ceramic Line marries a sea life-inspired color palette with the textural complexity of Inagua’s rich and diverse landscape—simultaneously paying homage to the national bird of The Bahamas. $40 myocean.com



THE SILVER DOOR

Raku artist Carla Templeton creates original, ocean-themed ceramics and pottery—like these Dark Delft Raku Sea Urchin Bowls—all handmade in St. Martin. $97 etsy.com/shop/thesilverdoor

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WASSI ART

From master ceramicist Homer Brown’s 3D Bumpy Head Vase Series comes the Gold and Green Spiky Head, made by hand with Jamaica’s Blue Mountain terracotta clay and finished in rich, metallic colors. A bold “bumpy head” woman adorns one side—deftly balanced by a cutwork design on the other. $180 shopmyjamaica.com

TRAVEL // SOPHISTICATED PALETTES

SOPHISTICATED PALETTES WRITER STEVE BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE BENNETT / UNCOMMONCARIBBEAN.COM

TYPICAL TROPICAL VACATION pursuits centered on sun, sand, and sea were not de rigueur for visitors to the Caribbean in the spring of 1887. That’s when legendary French impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin, settled in Martinique for a four-month residency that would prove to be the turning point in his career.

Today, our islands do more than inspire creative

genius. Museums, public art spaces, and even guerilla art installations are widespread throughout the Caribbean. They showcase locally-produced and international works that are as celebrated in the art world as Caribbean beaches are almost everywhere else.

For the best, most rewarding art travel experiences, these destinations are not to be missed:

Martinique

LAURENT VALERE. Anse Cafard Slave Memorial

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Art in Martinique largely lays bare the scars of slavery, with strikingly poignant expressions produced by local artists ensuring that future generations never forget the darkest chapter in the history of mankind. No Martinican artist better espouses this conscious art movement than Laurent Valere. His most celebrated work, the Anse Cafard Slave Memorial, was completed in 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Emancipation in the French West Indies.

The Memorial is comprised of 15 large hulking concrete figures, their faces trained out to sea in the town of Diamant. They’re meant to represent slaves who drowned in a shipwreck just offshore here in 1830. The figures form the shape of a triangle, the apex of which points directly toward the point in West Africa from whence the ill-fated slave ship embarked on its doomed journey to Martinique.

Visiting Anse Cafard is an extremely moving experience in large part because of what you won’t find here. There are no gates, or velvet ropes, or guards.

Nothing stands between you and the statues, allowing full access to touch them, stand among them, and channel the powerful emotion of the work.

More traditional art galleries lay scattered all around Martinique. The newest, largest, and most impressive can be found at the old Habitation Clement rum distillery. Fondation Clément, a 25,400+ square-foot museum showcasing fine modern works produced by artists from all corners of the Caribbean, opened in January 2016.

Street art in Santurce

Gallery Inn

Jan Desopo self portrait inside the Gallery Inn

Puerto Rico

Like everything else in Puerto Rico, the art scene is dynamic, vibrant, and full of sabor! You see and feel this most prominently in Santurce.

This formerly seedy suburb of San Juan has emerged in recent years as a hotspot for hipsters and the creative class.

It all started with a project by a group of local artists called Santurce es Ley. The program aimed to revitalize the slum that was Santurce by literally painting a new image of the neighborhood. In short order, bold and colorful murals started gracing the facades of area buildings, and an annual international art festival soon sprung from the project.

Visitors can enjoy the sensation of sleeping in an art museum at The Gallery Inn. Originally dating back to the 1700s, the six adjoining buildings that comprise the Gallery Inn became the private home and work

studio for esteemed local artist, Jan D’Esopo in 1961. Today, you can relax here among a treasure trove of her sculptures and paintings. Unique art pieces fill every corner of the hotel, with Jan and other visiting artists constantly at work creating new works on-site.

Though loaded with unique art travel experiences, San Juan does not hold a monopoly on Puerto Rico’s art treasures. In fact, the Museo de Arte de Ponce is not only revered as the finest art gallery in Puerto Rico, it’s also the largest in all of the Caribbean.

Founded in 1959, the Museo de Arte de Ponce houses one of the most significant collections of PreRaphaelite art in the Western Hemisphere. More than 4,500 such pieces are displayed here, spread among 14 galleries. The crowning masterpiece: the acclaimed Flaming June by Sir Frederic Leighton, which dates back to 1895.

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TRAVEL // SOPHISTICATED PALETTES

Haiti

Art is life in Haiti like few places on earth.

Journey along almost any major thoroughfare in any Haitian city and you’re bound to see vibrant paintings and sculptures for sale in makeshift markets along the road. The southern town of Jacmel, in particular, is known as the artistic hub of Haiti. Artisans here are world-renowned for their papier-mache, producing functional pieces like vases and bowls, as well as masks and other decorative pieces that are very much cherished by local and international collectors and galleries.

For the best local galleries and museums, head to Port-au-Prince and its tony suburb of Pétion-Ville. Galerie Monnin, in particular, is a must-see.

Haiti’s oldest art gallery, Galerie Monnin originally opened its doors in downtown Port-au-Prince in 1956. Prior to that, the scores of talented artists in Haiti operated much like a collection of Shakespeares with no Globe Theatre, their works unknown to the world. It took a pair of art promoters from Switzerland—Freda and Roger Monnin—to change all that, exposing expressive, and diverse Haitian art pieces to the world. It’s a tradition the Monnin’s daughter-in-law, Toni, carries on today from the gallery’s new location in Pétion-Ville.

For an up-close and personal look at Haitian art as it’s being created, plan a visit to the enclave of Noailles. Nestled in a small corner of Croix-des-Bouquets, a northern suburb of Port-au-Prince, Noailles is the Mecca of Haiti’s iconic iron art. The entire village functions as one big artists’ commune—one in which everyone is involved in producing all manner of dramatic, expressive iron art from discarded oil drums. The tell-tale pinging of artists hammering shapes and designs into the metal continues around the clock, providing a unique window into one of the Caribbean’s best-known art traditions.

Examples of Haitian art are also woven into the very fabric of the guest experience at the country’s finest hotels.

The Marriott Port-au-Prince stands out in this regard. One of the newest hotels in Haiti, the Marriott Port-au-Prince boasts a collection of more than 1,500 art pieces. Paintings, sculptures, papier mache pieces, and one of the largest expressions of Haitian iron art anywhere are prominently displayed in guestrooms and common areas throughout the property. Expertly curated by Philippe Dodard, a renowned Haitian artisan whose work inspired Donna Karan’s Spring 2012 collection, the hotel’s treasure trove of art celebrates the works of 22 different local artists, bringing guests closer to the soul of Haiti within the comfort of the country’s most modern hotel.

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Contemporary Haitian art inside Galerie Monnin

Iron art in Noailles

Great room iron wall at the Marriott Port-au-Prince

Haitian artisan in Noailles

Great room detail at the Marriott Port-au-Prince

TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT REVIEW

EL OTRO TIESTO CAFE

A STAND-ALONE ESTABLISHMENT ON BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, JUST SOUTH OF I-195, EL OTRO TIESTO CAFE STANDS OUT WITH ARTISTIC FLAIR—FROM ITS VIBRANT WALL ART-PAINTED EXTERIOR TO THE COLORFUL ARTWORK INSIDE—AND ITS UNIQUE DOMINICAN AND JAPANESE FUSION CUISINE. WRITER DAVID I. MUIR PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR AS I ENTERED THE BISTRO-STYLE dining room, I was welcomed by the lively sounds of merengue music from the DJ. I also noticed that moments after the eatery opened for business, a large number of patrons quickly filed in—a good sign that the place is either well-loved or the food is insanely delicious, or both. It was time for me to find out!

I asked my server Daniela to make recommendations for my meal, and she suggested that I start with ‘Chulitos’ and try the ‘3 Mosqueteros’ as my main course. However, when she learned that I would be writing a review of their restaurant, she immediately insisted that I must also try the ‘Mar y Tierra Roll,’ one of the dishes on their sushi menu. I obliged.

3 Mosqueteros or three musketeers is an interpretation of the traditional Dominican breakfast, ‘Tres Golpes.’ Tiesto serves it as a brunch item, which features two sunny-side up eggs atop a thick slice of salami, fried cheese, and a mountain of ‘mangu’—a traditional Domincan side-dish of boiled, mashed plantains. The 3 Mosqueteros was topped-off with sautéed, pickled red onions. In addition to the excellent presentation, the combination of flavors and textures, though simple,

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was irresistible. I was tempted to completely consume this large meal, but had to leave room for the sushi.

Tiesto's Mar y Tierra Roll is a visual masterpiece. It's rolled with ripe plantains on one side and the rice on the other, topped with browned saucy miniature cuts of steak. Their rolls with shrimp tempura are also a feast for the eyes and the melding of flavors—queso-frito, maduro, guacamole, steak and special sauce absolutely blew my mind.

To complete the meal, I tried the rolls with each of the three accompanying sauces.

While the spicy mayo and soy sauces did not disappoint, the Tiesto sauce was by far my favorite. These sushi-bites, dipped in their sauce, rank among the best I’ve ever tasted—there was no way I could leave without meeting the person responsible for such deliciousness, Chef Raphel Rosa.

The food at El Otro Tiesto Cafe is worth traveling for, no matter where in South Florida you reside. And when you do visit Tiesto located at 3023 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137, tell them Island Origins sent you!

Mar y Tierra Roll

Tres Mosqueteros

TASTE THE ISLANDS // RECIPES

TRINIDADIAN RECIPES Corn

Soup

INGREDIENTS • 4 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced • 1 small serrano pepper, seeded and minced • 3 teaspoons yellow curry powder • ½ teaspoon powdered turmeric • ½ teaspoon powdered cumin • 1¼ cups vegetable broth • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

INGREDIENTS • 4 corn cobs chopped into 1-inch rounds • 1 large carrot, chopped • 2 large potatoes, diced • ¼ cup dried split peas • 10 culantro leaves, minced • 10 stalks chive, minced • 1 stalk celery, minced • 6 sprigs thyme, minced • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional) • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 large pimento seeds, minced • ½ cup coconut milk • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic and serrano pepper and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds.

4. Add ¼ cup of broth to the pot and stir, then add the chickpeas, cover, turn heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Uncover the pot, add the remaining cup of broth and the salt, and simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes.

6. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve hot in doubles or with a side of white rice.

INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 small slice of scotch bonnet pepper • 2 pimento seeds, crushed • ½ onion, finely diced • 1 bouillon cube • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon geera • 1 pound calabaza pumpkin or butternut squash, large diced • ¼ cup water

Pum Cho

pki

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large pot on medium high heat, add oil and saute carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, pimento, herbs and dried split peas for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Reduce heat to medium low, add enough water to cover sauteed vegetables and allow to cook until split peas are soft, about 30 minutes.

3. Add the cooked mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return mixture to pot, add coconut milk and more water until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

4. Add chopped corn into the pot and allow it to cook for 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat.

Serve hot.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bring a medium pot to medium heat. Add the oil then saute garlic until translucent.

2. Add the hot pepper and the rest of seasonings, bouillon cube and geera. Add the pumpkin and stir.

Cha Curr

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k Chic

Peas

3. Add water, reduce heat to medium low, and leave to simmer for about 15 – 20 minutes.

4. Add salt and allow to reduce to a semi thick consistency.

5. Serve hot with ‘buss up shut’ or naan bread

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TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

RESTAURANT

LISTING IN SOUTH FLORIDA

AVERAGE COST PER PERSON BEFORE DRINKS, TAX AND TIP. $ Under $10 / person $$ Under $20 / person $$$ Under $40 / person $$$$ Over $40 / person 925 NUEVO’S CUBANO’S | $ Cuban Serving succulent roast pork and delicious sandwiches.

925 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale ALBERTE’S RESTAURANT I $$ Haitian Unique and authentic Caribbean dishes, with live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

1201 NE 38th St, Oakland Park albertesrestaurant.com

ALEXSANDRA’S CARIBBEAN CAFE | $$ Caribbean, Jamaican Soak up some sun while enjoying their famous jerk chicken sandwich and patties.

235 E Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea ALI’S ROTI SHOP | $ Caribbean, Indian, Vegetarian Tiny counter-serve joint dishing up Trinidadian comfort food like doubles & aloo pie.

303 S State Road 7, Plantation LA BELLE JACMELIENNE CAFE | $$ Haitian Haitian décor and friendly staff serving up a wide array of Haitian cuisine.

3328 South University Dr, Miramar

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BAMBOO SHACK | $$ Bahamian Quick-service restaurant serving snacks and traditional Bahamian items.

18450 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens BAHAMIAN REEF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT |$$$ Seafood Low-key and casual with colorful interior.

7836 NW 44th St, Sunrise EL BOHIO DE MAMA | $$ Dominican Family style restaurant offering music, mofongo, shrimp and dancing.

2181 State Road 7, Margate BUTTERFLAKES | $ Jamaican Local spot for patties and hot food.

5100 W Commercial Blvd #3, Tamarac butterflakesbakery.com

CALYPSO RESTAURANT & RAW BAR | $$ Caribbean Try their Caribbean-style seafood and Jamaican Jerk and curry dishes.

460 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach calypsorestaurant.com

CHEF CREOLE | $$ Haitian Simply delicious signature Haitian seafood.

200 NW 54th St, Miami, FL chefcreole.com

CLIVE’S CAFE | $ Jamaican Popular spot for jerk chicken and curry goat.

5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami clivescafe.com

COLADA | $ Cuban Family-owned bakery serving savory and sweet Cuban treats and other Cuban cuisine.

525 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale coladahouse.com

CONCH HEAVEN | $$ Bahamian Lots of conch based comfort foods, with locations in Miami, Plantation and Atlanta.

11275 NW 27th Ave, Miami conchheaven.com

CONCH KRAWL CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $$ Bahamian, Seafood Enjoy traditional Bahamian and other Caribbean dishes.

2600 S University Dr #106, Miramar

DON ARTURO RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Serving traditional recipes & drinks in kid-friendly environment.

1198 SW 27th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

FIERY IRIE | $$ Caribbean All your favorite authentic Jamaican dishes.

100 S Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines fieryirie.com

donarturorestaurant.com

FINLEY’S BAHAMIAN RESTAURANT | $$ Bahamian Try their breakfast served with Johnny cakes or grits, lunch specials daily 2710 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach

DONNA’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican food all day, plus cocktails and Sunday brunch. 9 locations around South Florida.

5434 N University Drive, Lauderhill donnascaribbean.com

DUNN’S RIVER | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican cuisine in a beautiful ambiance, serving the Hallandale area.

908 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Beach DUTCH POT JAMAICAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican cuisine.

3120 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale dutchpotrestaurants.com

ESTEFAN KITCHEN | $$$ Cuban Star-powered destination for upscale Cuban cuisine.

140 NE 39th St #133, Miami

finleysbahamianrestaurant.com

HAVANA 1957 | $$ Cuban Quick bites in a buzzing backdrop with Havana memorabilia 405 Espanola Way, Miami Beach havana1957.com

ISLAND FUSION GRILL | $$ Jamaican, Cuban Jamaican, Cuban, Asian and Creole flavors with seafood and vegetarian options 4811 S State Rd 7, Davie, FL 33314 islandfusiongrill.com

LC ROTI SHOP | $ Indian, Vegetarian Cash-only eatery, serving Caribbean eats & housemade roti with pepper sauce.

19505 NW 2nd Ave, Miami

LITTLE HAVANA | $$ Cuban Authentic Cuban Cuisine 12727 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami littlehavanarestaurant. com

LOCALICIOUS JAX ICE CREAM | $ Ice Cream Old fashioned, hand made ice cream including Caribbean flavors.

4220 NW 12th St, Lauderhill JAMAICA KITCHEN | $$ Jamaican Known for their extra spicy beef patties 8736 SW 72nd St, Miami www.jamaicakitchen.com

JOY’S ROTI DELIGHT | $$ Trinidadian, Indian Counter serve cafe with Indian inspired Caribbean cuisine.

1205 NW 40th Ave, Lauderhill joysrotidelight.com

JUANA LA CUBANA CAFE | $ Cuban Cuban sandwiches & dishes like ropa vieja & roast pork.

2850 SW 54th St, Fort Lauderdale juanalacubana.com

JUANA’S LATIN SPORTS BAR & GRILL | $$ Latin Casual Dominican, Puerto Rican & American sports bar and grill.

11602 City Hall Promenade, Miramar juanaslatinsportsbar.com

LALLO’S | $$ Caribbean, Indian Serves a wide variety of roti and the fresh catch of the day on a Friday.

1401 NW 39 Terrace, Lauderhill lalloscaribbeanrestaurant.com

LAS OLAS CAFE | $ Cuban Freshly squeezed juices and Cuban sandwiches.

644 6th St, Miami Beach lasolascafesb.com

LAS VEGAS CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban, Latin American A dine in hot spot with 16 South Florida locations offering Cuban meals and cocktails.

2807 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale Lasvegascubancuisine.com

EL MAGO DE LAS FRITAS | $ Cuban Cozy spot for Cuban burgers.

5828 SW 8th St, Miami elmagodelasfritas.com

MANGU CAFE RESTAURANT | $$ Dominican Bare-bones Dominican spot serving pernil, goat stew, beer & wine.

2007 W 62nd St, Hialeah MARIO’S CATALINA RESTAURANT | $$$ Cuban Dine in relaxing ambiance, eating Cuban and Spanish cuisine.

1611 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale

EL OTRO TIESTO CAFE | $$ Dominican Dominican Japanese fusion with a twist.

3023 Biscayne Blvd, Miami elotrotiestocafemiami.com

ORTANIQUE ON THE MILE | $$$$ Caribbean Fusion Island flavors, local ingredients, creative cocktails, tropical-themed decor.

278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables ortaniquerestaurants.com PADRINO’S CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban Serving the best mariquitas, mojito and flan for the past 40 years.

1135 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale padrinos.com

PANFRIDAYS | $$ Jamaican Try their popular jerk chicken and shrimp pasta.

7183 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill panfridays.com

POLLO EL COJIDO | $$ Dominican Delicious mofongo, quesadilla and sancocho.

5859 N University Dr, Pompano Beach POLLO TIPICO | $ Dominican Traditional Dominican dishes in a laid back atmosphere 5011 State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale

PUERTO SAGUA RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Known for their soup and oxtail stews 700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach REED’S CATERING & CONCESSIONS | $$ Seafood, Caribbean Late night seafood truck, with a specialty of conch salad.

12203 NW 27th Ave, Miami REGGAE PON THE GRILLE | $$ Jamaican, Caribbean Buffet style dining offering tasty Jamaican dishes.

8032 W McNab Rd, North Lauderdale reggaeonthegrille.com

ROCK STEADY JAMAICAN BISTRO | $$$ Jamaican, Caribbean Strip-mall cafe with Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, curries & crab fritters.

2399 N Federal Hwy - Unit C, Boca Raton rocksteadyjamaicanbistro.com

SAZON CUBAN CUISINE | $ Cuban Tasty Caribbean cuisine and live weekend entertainment.

7305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach sazoncubancuisine.com

SHEIKS BAKERY & CAFE | $ Caribbean, Indian East & West Indian food including halal meats, spices & baked goods.

154 University Dr, Pembroke Pines sheiksbakery.com

SWIRL WINE BISTRO | $$ Caribbean, Wine Bar With fresh, high-quality ingredients their culinary team offers a variety of cuisines and wines.

1435 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek VERSAILLES | $$ Cuban, Latin American Serving tasty Cuban cuisine and culture for four decades.

The gauge of the community’s pulse.

3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami versaillesrestaurant.com

YARUMBA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | $$ Dominican Try their traditional stews or Churrasco with live music.

4740 NW 167th St, Miami Gardens yarumbarestaurant.com

SHALAMA’S HALAL ROTI SHOP | $ Caribbean, Indian Casual ethnic take out spot with authentic roti, curries and pepper sauce.

1432 State Road 7, Margate

ZEST MIAMI | $$$ Caribbean fusion A modern restaurant & market with creative island fare.

200 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami zestmiami.com

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ENTERTAINMENT // EVENT CALENDAR

EVENT

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

09/01 - 06/07/2020

The Other Side of Now: Foresight in Contemporary Caribbean Art WHERE: Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami ADMISSION: $12 – $16 INFO: pamm.org A thematic group exhibition that sets its sights on times to come, exploring radical imaginations that expand a picture of the Caribbean towards a present-future.

OCTOBER 10/05

Little Havana History & Culture Walk WHERE: Los Pinarenos Fruteria, 1334 SW 8 Street, Miami ADMISSION: $0 - $15 INFO: historymiami.org/city-tour/little-havana-history-culture-walk Learn the history of Little Havana as you walk down vibrant Calle Ocho. Learn the art of cigar making, and hear tales of performances by Billie Holiday and Count Basie at the Ball & Chain.

10/05

Junior Carnival WHERE: Central Broward Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill ADMISSION: $10 INFO: miamicarnival.org Join the Miami Carnival Host Committee as we celebrate our kids and culture during this parade and music festival.

10/05

Caribbean Bar Association 23rd Annual Awards Gala WHERE: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, 1633 N Bayshore Dr, Miami ADMISSION: $135 INFO: caribbeanbar.org Annual scholarship and awards gala themed Le J’ouvert - A Caribbean Diaspora Celebration

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10/9 - 10/10

Florida International Trade And Cultural Expo (Fitce) WHERE: Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale ADMISSION: Free INFO: broward.org Local and international companies participate in dialogues relating to international trade, foreign direct investment and culture.

10/10

International SOCA Awards: Sweet 16 WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill ADMISSION: $40 - $65 INFO: socaawards.com This cultural event invites patrons to see their favorite soca and calypso artists being recognized and honored for contributions during the past year.

10/12

J’ouvert WHERE: Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill ADMISSION: $25 INFO: miamicarnival.org An explosion of mud, paint and powder!

10/13

Miami Carnival WHERE: Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24 St, Miami ADMISSION: $30 INFO: miamicarnival.org Over 20 masquerade bands, Caribbean food vendors, arts & crafts village, corporate village and live music concert.

10/10 - 10/14

10/19 - 10/20

Elan Trotman’s Barbados Jazz Excursion Golf Weekend

South Florida Seafood Festival

Where: Bridgetown, Barbados Admission: $400 - $1605 Info: barbadosjazzexcursion.com A 4-day jazz and golf weekend featuring international music legends on the sunny island of Barbados.

10/11

Panorama WHERE: Central Broward Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill ADMISSION: $15 INFO: miamicarnival.org Enjoy the sweet sounds of Steelpan. Join us as the major pan groups compete for the title of Miami Carnival Panorama Champions 2019.

WHERE: Miami Marine Stadium, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami ADMISSION: $10 - $29 INFO: southfloridaseafoodfestival.com A celebration of all things seafood and waterfront living. Live Caribbean beats, family fun zones, mojito bars, gourmet chef demonstrations, mouthwatering food, and more!

10/24 - 11/04

Bahamas International Film Festival WHERE: Nassau, Abaco, Governor’s Island, The Bahamas ADMISSION: $8 - $50 INFO: bintlfilmfest.com A diverse presentation of films from around the world and unique cultural experiences, educational programs and forums for exploring the past, present and future of cinema.

10/26 - 11/03

Jamaica Food and Drink Festival WHERE: Kingston, Jamaica INFO: jafoodanddrink.com For an entire week, over fifty of the island’s best chefs, wine and spirits experts will bring new excitement to your palate. Seven events over nine days.

NOVEMBER 11/01 - 11/03

BRT Weekend WHERE: Miami ADMISSION: $30 - $450 INFO: brtweekend.com The ultimate day-party series inspired by Caribbean culture. Each festival includes six uniquely themed events, all-inclusive across a multi-day span in a beautiful resort location.

11/2

La Petite Haiti Culture Walk WHERE: Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE 2nd Ave, Miami ADMISSION: $0 - $15 INFO: historymiami.org/city-tour/la-petitehaiti-culture-walk-11 Visit Little Haiti Cultural Center’s art galleries and Caribbean Marketplace while enjoying the rhythms and aromas of this community.

11/10

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival WHERE: Miramar Regional Park, Miramar ADMISSION: $39 INFO: jerkfestival.com Explore spicy jerk delicacies as well as tasty Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy hot music, traditional and contemporary cultural presentations and bask in the cool vibes.

11/16

Griot Fest: The Haitian Food Festival 2k19 WHERE: Sunset Cove Amphitheatre, 20405 Amphitheatre Circle, Boca Raton ADMISSION: $20 INFO: evenbrite.com A festival celebrating Haitian culture through food and music in Boca Raton.

11/16

The Taste of Lauderdale Lakes Food, Music, Arts & Culture Festival WHERE: Lauderdale Lakes Waterfront, 3900 North SR 7, Lauderdale Lakes ADMISSION: $0 – $45 INFO: tasteoflauderdalelakes.com An outdoor, fully immersive experience showcasing diverse arts and activities.

DECEMBER

12/01 - 1/30/2020

Now Or Neverland: Ode to Hip-Hop Art Festival WHERE: MUCE Complex, 246 Northwest 54th Street, Miami INFO: muce305.org A dynamic exhibition that embodies the graffiti, clothes, breakdancing, album covers and other art forms of hip hop.

12/02 - 12/08 Prizm Art Fair WHERE: Alfred I. DuPont Building, 169 E Flagler St, Miami ADMISSION: $0 - $200 INFO: prizmartfair.com A cutting-edge cultural platform that is multidisciplinary in scope, exhibiting international artists from Africa, the African Diaspora and emerging markets, who reflect global trends in contemporary art.

12/07 - 12/09

Umbrellas of Little Havana WHERE: Futurama 1637, 1637 SW 8th Street, Miami INFO: miamiandbeaches.com This collective art exhibit celebrates the spirit of Miami Art Week in historic Calle 8, Little Havana.

Displays beautiful patio umbrellas painted by 25 - 30 local and international artists.

TTIX // CULINARY ARTS MEET CULTURE

WHERE

CARIBBEAN RHYTHMS, TANTALIZING AROMAS AND SMILING, MULTI-ETHNIC FACES TRANSFORMED DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE INTO A TROPICAL PARADISE FOR THE TASTE THE ISLANDS EXPERIENCE (TTIX) 2019—AN EXCITING WEEKEND OF CULTURAL INDULGENCES. ISLAND NATIONS FROM ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN WERE REPRESENTED THROUGH DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK, MUSIC, DEMOS, PRESENTATIONS AND MORE—EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR A TASTEFULLY UNFORGETTABLE GASTRONOMIC EXTRAVAGANZA.

CULINARY ARTS

MEET CULTURE

PHOTO: TJ BROWN

WRITER MONIQUE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY ISLAND SYNDICATE TEAM

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PHOTO: XAVIER RUSSELL

PHOTO: AN

NA KEITH

PHOTO: TJ BROWN

THE MAIN EVENT Beauties clad in Carnival costumes (left) greeted guests for a curated culinary journey. In the flagship “Island Pavilion” area, guests hopped from Jamaica to The Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands to Barbados sampling a variety of unique foods courtesy of the chefs and mixologists presented by visiting tourism boards. Jerk chicken, mango and avocado “Soushi” Rolls (above) by Chef Sheron Chin of Standing Ovation Events and “Scallopfongo” by Chef Danny Peñalo Dominguez of Yarumba restaurant were instant hits.

And it wasn’t just about the food. Guests loved learning more about the rum-making process during the rum sommelier presentation. The signature Culinary Museum tugged at nostalgic heart strings, and the Chef Talk (above) featuring multiple TV personalities and local top chefs gave great insight into how the culinary arts promote Caribbean culture.

PHOTO: ANNA KEITH

PHOTO: RJ DEED

Lines kept m Chef Ralph Moving throughout, with gu Mix” Cunnin otta (opposite page), an ests grabbing samples gham (above fr d Bahamian mixologist M om U.S.V.I. ). arv “Mr

Islands” TV show, prof Irie, host of “Taste the artist Julian Marley The always engaging Che gae g demonstration with reg of CBD products. vided an onstage cookin line al Roy u JuJ new singers s extension of riou (above), incorporating the hila a s wa r, -infused snappe The segment, featuring CBD ced guests to another side of Julian Marley. odu luding jerk flavored the popular show and intr chase his CBD products (inc pur to up d line Attendees him and have their et me to lled l, and were thri eur. olive oil!), CDs, and appare ren rep sician and ent humble muislandoriginsmag.com 45 CDs autographed by the

PHOTO: XAVIER RUSSELL PHOTO: XAVIER RU

SSELL

Super-stylish mixologist Philip “Casanova” Antoine from Barbados shared his unique flavor for a second year, thrilling the audience with dance moves and tasty cocktails.

PHOTO: CHRISTINA ESPOSITO

mo with the aid of the

PHOTO: ANNA KEITH

her cooking de -host Chef Thia did . rry “Taste the Islands” co Pe sical performer J night’s featured mu

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ED

In the complimentary glam and massage area, Jamaican-owned hair salon Natural Trendsetters had live mannequins showing off fabulous island looks (above), while Bahamian Rory Lee touched up makeup for the ladies throughout the warm day.

Miami designe r beautiful “God Tanya Marie showcased a desses at Publ (above) that ix” collection pe flowing vibe rfectly married the freeof elegance of hi South Florida with the gh-fashion fo r which she is famous.

PHOTO: RJ DE

SUNDAY BRUNCH The weather was absolutely perfect for The Taste the Islands Experience’s first-ever Brunch on the Sunny Side. Jamaican ackee and saltfish, Barbadian macaroni pie, Cuban ropa vieja and more were the tastes of the morning, alongside specialty mimosas.

Garçon Couture showcased handsome tailored looks for men, with Haitian flair (right).

PHOTO: ERIC GREAVES

In Restaurant Row, which featured nine of South Florida’s best Caribbean eateries, there were several standouts. Reed’s Catering, who appeared for their second year, offered a fresh conch salad that had guests enthralled by the zen-like preparation process and delighted by the results.

A riverboat cruise concluded the weekend, as guests enjoyed the sway of the water, while admiring the architecture of homes in our own tropical paradise of Fort Lauderdale.

The weekend celebration was made possible by partners like the Community Foundation of Broward, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Yellow Cab of Broward County—who are all phenomenal supporters of cultural arts! #ttix2019

A FINAL THOUGHT // SPECTACULAR CANVAS

FINAL THOUGHT

A SPECTACULAR

CANVAS WRITER CALIBE THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR

THERE'S VERY LITTLE WITH MORE POTENTIAL TO BE SPECTACULAR THAN A BLANK CANVAS, WITH A CLEAN BRUSH AND A PALETTE OF PAINTS NEARBY. MY FIRST PAYCHECK from my very first real job was spent almost entirely on a piece of burnt leather wall art I discovered at the Pegasus hotel in Jamaica. My boss asked me if I was nuts—I guess she thought such a pricey thing was an inappropriate investment for someone just out of college. I smiled at it daily for months after, and 20 years later, looking at the framed, abstract faces in my Fort Lauderdale living room still makes me feel a sense of calm and connection to my island roots.

As a child, there was an appreciation for art in my home. Iconic names like Basil Watson, Edna Manely, Kapo, Ken Abendana Spencer, and Carl Abrahams were some of the local masters I came to admire. Some were self-taught, but the ones whose work garnered national or international acclaim had elevated their approach well beyond the rudimentary landscapes and animal drawings of the local street artists. Their work had depth, visual texture, a technical appreciation of light and shade, and a consistency of style across pieces and even across different types of media.

I actually decided on a degree in architecture because I realized it was the only way to get my parents to pay for me to study tertiary level art. Ha! Living in South Florida has allowed me a broader appreciation of art, particularly in the way the Caribbean nationals that populate the region have infused their own perspectives into the landscape, whether they hold the brush, hang the frame, or make the sale.

I was pretty proud reading Monique M’s take on the Caribbean curators prominently lending influence to multiple shows during Miami Art Week and throughout the year. They have the distinguished responsibility of exposing artists from across the island region and throughout the diaspora to some of the world’s most wealthy and discerning buyers.

Steve, from one of our favorite Caribbean travel sites—Uncommon Caribbean— shared his personal art explorations in Haiti, Puerto Rico and Martinique. Our awardwinning writer, G, shared her personal connection to art as therapy, and one of my personal favorite disciplines—the art of fine fare—had a light shone upon it in Monique W’s review of the Taste the Islands Experience.

With a footprint stretching from Spain to South Florida and back to her native Trinidad, Sonya Sanchez Arias is a quiet genius, at least in my humble opinion.

Sonia (our writer) colorfully describes the motivations behind the distinctive aesthetic Sanchez Arias imbues in her work that makes her art sparkle like jewelry, and even the smallest pieces of her jewelry seem like stunning individual works of art.

As you enjoy the Restaurant and Spa month locations highlighted by Fort Lauderdale this fall, make plans to enjoy the impending explosion of art just south of there in Miami, including the annual Art Africa exhibition, Prizm Art Fair, Futurama, MUCE, and MoCA—all of which prominently feature artists and curators from the Spanish, English and French-speaking Caribbean diaspora. And as we’d say on my island as you begin your explorations—walk good! #islandorigins Calibe’s top by Africa’s Closet africascloset.com

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