- From Ruben Ubiera’s new installation series, The Community
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While Friday night will be the last chance to catch Ruben Ubiera’s solo show, From Within: A Postgraffism Exploration at 101/exhibit in Miami, his new installations — faces painted on stacks of bricks — could soon be popping up in Pembroke Pines.
Ubiera says The Community, his series of installations, has been approved by the city’s Arts and Culture Advisory Board but that he’s still awaiting word on locations. “It’s up to the city to decide,” the Miami artist says. “It is my first public project and I want to move it to the city of Miami, Boca, anyplace that wants it. After all, it’s regular red clay bricks, made to build. Legos for adults, I call it.”
Because the installations will be site-specific, sizes will vary. “All four sides have faces,” he notes. “But I try to keep a contrast: Old man on one side, kid on opposite, cop, young black American …”
Asked how he came up with the idea, Ubiera explained: “When I moved to New York City —The Bronx — I was touched by the brick buildings. As I looked to found objects to find my latest directions, I saw a red brick, held it in my hand and realized it looked like a miniature building. The concept grew from there.”
“I believe The Community touches part of my past and part of everyone’s future,” he concludes. “A building cannot be raised without a strong foundation, neither can a community. Brick by brick, everyone equally important. Stroke by stroke. Let me shape my surroundings instead of my surroundings shaping me. “
Ubiera is looking for new faces to paint on his bricks, and pics are welcomed via e-mail to ruben@urbanpopsoul.com. The e-mails must be sent from the individual’s personal e-mail and be closeups without smiles. The message should have “The Community Picture” in the subject line and contain this statement in the e-mail: “I release this image to Ruben Ubiera for The Community Installation art project.” Not all images will be used, but he’ll post images of the finished works and locations to his Facebook.
“All I need are faces, looking dead on to the camera, serious. No matter the age, race, size, etc. Actually, the more variety, the better.”
Meanwhile, Ubiera’s first such installation can be viewed at his closing reception 7:30-11 p.m. July 8 at 101/exhibit in Miami. Here’s a video of Ubiera at work. and a video about the show.
You can check out some pics of his work on these installations below:
