Pink Pastel Paradise, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 inches
MIAMI, February 2023 — With the goal of providing a space for emerging artists in the local community and making arts-related events & activities more accessible, Manolis Projects has partnered with The Miami School to invite Florida-based abstract artists to participate in MIAMI: PASTEL PARADISE.
In a stroke of genius, Leonard Horowitz, a Miami transplant from New York and founder of the Miami Design Preservation League (1977), formulated a plan to spruce up the dated and worn Deco properties of Miami. This idea was the Miami Color Palette, a grouping of 40 colors created by Horowitz, an interpretation of the tropical flair of the seaside community. Though it was a break with the tradition of pure white deco aesthetics, Horowitz knew that the emotional influence of color would bring interest to structures long ignored.
''I formulated my palette on the basis of sunset, sunrise, the summer and winter oceans and the sand on the beach, which used to be much more golden. They all are natural sources, and they are the same ones that the original designers used. Within them are an infinite variety of pastels.''
Leonard Horowitz
ATMOSPHERIC (Pink Naples Sunset), 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 inches
The juried exhibition, MIAMI: PASTEL PARADISE will feature pastel color-based works from Manolis Projects Artists, as well as guest artists selected from an opportunity extended by The Miami School and financed by the art gallery to Florida-based abstract artists. To remove differentiating aspects like size and background material, the participating works must be painted on canvas 40”H X 30”W and either 1 1/2” or 1 3/8”D. Explicitly denoting the required canvas size gives the opportunity to appreciate the different interpretations of one common theme truly.
Both Manolis Projects Gallery artists and extended artists selected will have the opportunity to win one of the many financial awards donated by various national art enthusiasts and corporate sponsors. In addition, the winning artists of the evening will earn the opportunity to become members of The Miami School and Manolis Projects Gallery.
The financial awards range between $250 and $5,000, and between 10 to 30 awards are expected. The judging of the grand prize for ‘Best in Show,’ will be made by Bruce Helander, Florida Hall of Fame member and former National Gallery of Art judge.
ATMOSPHERIC (PINK Sunset + 30 minutes), 2023, Acrylic and latex enamel on canvas, 40 x 30 inches
“Pastel colors depict various light conditions throughout the day. My mindset is walking on the beach at sunrise” says J. Steven Manolis. “I love how the color quietly, softly, serenely whispers in the artworks.”
The noteworthy event will take place at Manolis Projects Gallery on March 23rd, 2023.
RSVP: event@manolisprojects.com