On Thursday, December 11th the City of South Miami unveiled a new public art installation on the SoMi District Parking Garage by renowned Miami-born artist Alexander Mijares.
A decidedly Spanish theme for the reception, guests enjoyed complimentary catering sponsored by Cala Millor, featuring paella, a curated selection of Spanish-inspired dishes and beverages. The sounds of a guitar and staccato heels filled the area.
Pictured are (L-R) Samantha Fraga-Lopez, Deputy City Manager, City Manager “Chip” Iglesias, Mayor Javier Fernandez, Commissioners Lisa Bonich and Danny Rodriguez, the artist, and Commissioner Steve Calle.
Mijares’ mural features two striking Menina figures painted in his signature stained-glass style an artistic approach instantly recognizable in South Florida and internationally. The two figures are Mijares’ own modern interpretation of Las Meninas (Ladies in Waiting), the iconic 1656 masterpiece by Diego Velázquez, housed in Madrid’s Museo del Prado.
In Mijares’ reinterpretation, the Meninas stand in quiet dialogue—expressive, contemporary, and deeply connected to the cultural pulse of South Miami. Rooted in heritage yet modern in execution, the figures honor the legacy of Velázquez’s masterpiece while breathing new life into its themes of identity, perspective, and connection.
In an interview, Mayor Javier Fernandez noted the importance of the recently named Art in Public Places Professional Adviory Board in working with the city to enhance its art in public places selections.
[Read also in this issue the SOMIonline magazine Art in Public Places feature.]
Mijares spoke “As a Miami-born artist with deep Spanish roots, this piece is a love letter to the place that shaped me. It bridges the rhythm of our Latin heritage with the evolving pulse of modern Miami, a fusion that defines who we are.
“I hope these Meninas remind everyone who passes through that beauty, culture, and community are alive in every corner of South Miami.”
The artist with Mayor Fernadez and city manager “Chip” Igleaias displaying the posters distriubted to the event guests.
Photos: CSM Communications