Three original artworks by renowned Colombian artists have arrived in the City of South Miami’s Dante Fascell Park. As part of the City’s Sister City initiatives with Medellín, Colombia, the three sculptures were unveiled at a recent celebration that include Colombian music by Sergio y la Cuarta, traditional dances by costumed performers of Puerta de Oro, and an ample supply of Colombian empanadas, tamales, and pasteles.
The Colombia Sculpture Garden showcases sculpture generously donated by the artists: Dr. Santiago Medina, Luis Jimenez, and Carlos Silva. Created specifically for the Park, the sculpture garden is curated by Dr. Medina, native of Medellín, who is renowned for his dual careers as a medical practitioner and sculptor. Dr. Medina’s work entitled Amistad (Friendship) is made of Italian stainless steel and measures 10 feet in height. It has a high-quality reflective mirror finish with several of the surfaces rendered in matte steel and red paint.
Luis Jimenez is known for his sculptures of the iconic 1960s peace symbol. For the park he has designed one of painted aluminum titled Colombian Peace using the colors of the flag of Colombia: yellow, blue and red.
Colombian Carlos (Charly) Silva works in metal both as an artist and entrepreneur. His pieces are welded, bolted metal with bits of color to enhance the abstract and asymmetric. The sculpture he donated is named Liberty.
The opening event featured remarks by Mayor Stoddard, Commissioner Liebman, Pedro Agustin Valencia Laserna, Colombia’s General Central Consul, and the artists. The artists were presented with certificates of appreciation and Dr. Medina received the Key to the City from the Mayor.
The exchange of cultures between the two cities has, according to Consul Laserna, “created a new fusion. With art one can make many things come together to form a dynamic relationship.”
“Dante Fascell Park is a story of transformation. It has become the crown jewel in the City’s park system, said Mayor Stoddard.
Photos above: ; South Miami Commissioner Josh Liebman and the President; Members of the South Miami City Commission with President Duque, and joined by sculpture garden artists and the Colombian Consul General.
