Opening Reception: Salvaged - Nature’s Readymades

Storm-stripped palm fronds, sea-worn shells and traces of asphalt become sculptural material in a solo exhibition by Miami-based artist Yusimy Lara at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus Art Gallery. The exhibition opens Thursday, September 3, with an evening reception for Salvaged: Nature’s Readymades, presented by Deering Estate in partnership with the gallery and curated by Liliam Dominguez.

Lara works with concrete, rebar and asphalt to preserve natural fragments that might otherwise be discarded, reversing materials commonly associated with construction and development into vessels for memory. Drawing connections between the limestone geology beneath Havana and Miami, the exhibition also reflects on Lara’s migration from Cuba through Italy to South Florida, considering displacement and personal history as accumulated layers.

Born in Havana, Lara studied sculpture at New World School of the Arts and has exhibited at venues including Deering Estate, Lowe Art Museum, The Kampong and Fredric Snitzer Gallery. She is an associate artist at Bakehouse Art Complex and a resident at Miami International Fine Arts Center.

Salvaged: Nature’s Readymades remains on view through October 1. Lara will also lead an artist talk and guided visit on Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m.