44” x 56” x 1.5"
Acrylic, spray paint, ink on canvas
2022
Sometimes we get a better understanding of knowing who we are by attempting to get to know others. It’s in the positioning of ourselves and our circumstances compared to those around us that we can gain a better understanding of ourselves.
This painting is about the differences in social classes that I experienced while visiting Miami during Art Week. I found myself in numerous situations in hotels, restaurants and even at galleries, where I had wonderful conversations with the locals who were working in these places. We spoke to one other in Spanish, we swapped stories about the different places we’ve lived, our families, our vacations…we connected over many topics in two different languages, but I was aware that I was coming to the conversation as a privileged patron, and the people I was meeting were working at the places I was visiting. And on the flip side of that coin, I also made connections with other patrons who were part of the upper class art scene. And I didn’t expect to have much in common with these people, but somehow, I did. Conversations still flowed about art, performance, life, family, love and travel.
There is such a palpable division in class structure in Miami, like most affluent cities in the world, and I found myself unsure of where I fit in. I was able to make connections with the people who were running the hotel I stayed at, but also with other hotel guests. I chatted with the bartenders and the servers, and I chatted with the high-roller who was buying another round for his table of well-dressed guests. And at the time, I felt a strange disconnect from both groups of people, a lack of full connection to any one particular group…I found myself floating in between two worlds - not fully belonging to either one. But then I remembered what Brene Brown once said about the topic of belonging. She mentioned that if you don’t fit in anywhere, it means you fit in everywhere. And that resonated with me and is in the inspiration behind this painting.
Please contact Isabella Tavernese at P.I. Fine Arts for viewing & purchasing information.
This collection of paintings inspired by Art Week in Miami explores themes of class division, and the palpable cultural differences that exist within one city (that ironically seems to have its own sense of cultural identity that seems highly influenced by the working class). This collection also explores the theme of art, and what is considered to be art according to the viewer (ie: graffiti vs. abstract art, landscape photography vs. landscape painting, photojournalism vs. portraiture).
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" thick gallery stretchers. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with an artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information. Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world. Frame not included.