With breath-taking panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, 250+ women of color were invited to experience an EmpowerHer Brunch curated by TILA Studios at the Perez Art Museum.
“It is a dream come true,” Tiffany LaTrice, Founder and Executive Director of TILA Studios said at the event. “I find myself tearing up at every interaction.”
The sisterhood was intrinsic. Black female influencers, creatives and artists traveled from various cities across the nation, greeting each other with warm smiles, cheek to cheek kisses, humble introductions and compliments.
This unique meeting was revolutionary; contrasting the deeply-rooted racist and segregated history of Miami Beach, home of the iconic Art Basel.
“Too often did I not see myself represented on institutional walls and it is my vision that when Black women artists are thriving, we have the power to change the world.”
Tiffany Latrice continues, “We are here in Miami to shift the narrative, to change the statistic that only 4% of art across museums and galleries are from the work of black women.”
Miami-based Activist and poet Aja Monet also shared good vibes; after reciting a few poems from her published book, My Mother was a Freedom Fighter, she calls the collective to action.
“I’m sorry to break it to y’all while you’re enjoying yourselves, but not too far away from here, art is being used by developers to displace communities.”
Monet detailed the gentrification taking place in the Little Haiti community to the attentive attendees.
“People are losing their homes and businesses because they can no longer afford the rent. Please go to these communities and support them while you’re visiting.” The reality check was received with several confirming head nods and “Amens”.
Model Nikia Phoenix popped up at the brunch, “I’m so happy to kick off Art Basel with these women,” pointing to a crowd of brown-skinned women basking in the event’s glory and networking nearby, “because there will only be sprinkles of us the rest of the week.”
The Ebony G. Patterson exhibit, the only African American female on display at PAMM, is supported by Christian Louboutin, JPMorgan Chase, and TILA Studios. The exhibit is on display until May 2019.
Per its website, TILA Studios is an arts incubator, co-working and gallery space serving Black Women Artists and Creatives in the Metro Atlanta area. For more information, please visit: TILA Studios
Story and photos by: Arri Henry
Creative. Arts & Culture.
Instagram: @heavensent928
