Little Havana’s new face: Artists, performers and promoters give a fresh spin to an old Miami neighborhood
By Emma Trelles. Published Friday, September 28, 2001, in Street Miami, Miami, FL.
Such is lab6, with its exhibit by Yamel Molerio, whose pieces are constructed in a medium he refers to as “scratch.” Perhaps if you were still in elementary school you would recognize the process: A canvas colored with crayons or paint, then slathered with black. The edges of scissors used to etch out words and shapes. Remember? If not, maybe Molerio’s work will spark the memory with a series of pop-Cuban maxims straight from the fabled island. “Three years ago, I got tired of painting,” says the 30-year-old Molerio. Someone interrupts him for a moment and offers a quick combo handshake and backslap. Molerio bobs his head in thanks, then continues. “I decided to go minimal, totally kitsch, against everything they teach you in art school.”
Here is Jesus, with the required holy rays jetting from his head, one hand outstretched and holding a stack of bills: Que dios te lo paga (May the Lord reward you). Over there, one hardware nail prying another from its plank: Un clavo saca a otro clavo (nailing a new love will make you forget the last one who tore out your heart — not a literal translation, but that’s what it means nonetheless.) A small squiggle of line in the center of the canvas: Eres un pendejo (no translation required, but if so, you are a pubic hair