Purvis Young: A Visionary of Miami’s Cultural Identity, Solo Show at Pan American Art Projects February 1 – March 22, 2025

Pan American Art Projects is delighted to announce Purvis Young: A Visionary of Miami’s Cultural Identity, a solo exhibition of the celebrated artist Purvis Young. This show pays homage to the extraordinary legacy of Purvis Young, an artist whose work has indelibly shaped the history of Miami’s art scene. The selection by curator Claudia Taboada features rarely seen works from the collection of Martin Siskind, a close friend and long-time supporter of the artist. Art lovers and collectors are cordially invited to experience the Opening Reception of Purvis Young: A Visionary of Miami’s Cultural Identity at Pan American Art Projects on Saturday, February 1st from 6 – 9pm, located in Little River at 274 NE 67th Street in Miami, Florida 33138.

Running concurrently, Voices from the Edge: Collective Exhibition of Outsider Art in collaboration with Juan Martin’s NAEMI (National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill) will spotlight important works by artists across its collection. This collateral presentation explores unfiltered creativity and the intersection of mental health and art.

Purvis Young: A Visionary of Miami’s Cultural Identity

As a self-taught visionary, Purvis defied traditional boundaries, carving out a unique place for himself as one of the most significant outsider artists of the 20th century. Through his singular voice, he captured the essence of Miami’s cultural identity and the challenges and aspirations of its people. The exhibition showcases works preserved in Martin Siskind’s private collection, many of which have remained unseen since the artist created them.

From his earliest years, with his Goodbread Alley street display of hundreds of small paintings, it was Young’s ambition to share his work with as many people as possible. His images cry out to be savored by a large audience, not locked up in storage. (…) Visitors to this exhibition will be beguiled by images that look as fresh as the day they were painted. They remain forever Young. -Dr. Adrianne Von Lates

Born and raised in Overtown, one of Miami’s historically Black neighborhoods, Purvis drew inspiration from his surroundings, imbuing his work with the raw energy and vitality of his community. His studio—a treasure trove of salvaged materials, functional objects, and historical artifacts—became a reflection of his life, filled with evidence of his relentless creativity.

At the heart of Young’s work lies a profound engagement with social issues, articulated through deeply personal narratives. Themes such as freedom of expression, the role of women, religion, migration, and political realities feature prominently in his paintings and assemblages. These subjects, while rooted in his local environment, resonate universally, making his art both timeless and deeply human.

Voices from the Edge in collaboration with NAEMI
(National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill)

The collateral exhibition, Voices from the Edge: Collective Exhibition of Outsider Art, highlights the unfiltered creativity of artists working outside traditional frameworks. Curated in collaboration with NAEMI, this collective exhibition features bold works by Candice Avery, Jorge Alberto Cadi (El Buzo), Isaac Crespo, Sebastian Ferreira, Jorge A. Hernandez, Ramon Llosa, Echo McCallister, Milton Schwartz, Carlos Stella, and Misleidys Castillo.

These artists, many of whom navigate the challenges of mental illness, channel their inner worlds into deeply personal and authentic creations. The exhibition aims to challenge preconceived notions about art and its creators, celebrating resilience and offering an inspiring exploration of the transformative power of creative expression.