(b.1988, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) I of the Spiral - 2022 :
Lately, I’ve been making paintings that I’ve taken to calling “quiet” history paintings. Not the typical drama of a war scene or traumatic event usually associated with “history” paintings but instead a moment that, while noted in history books had a softer impact, resonates but doesn’t scream for attention.
The day it snowed in Miami was just such a moment. As a kid, I remember finding an old copy of the Miami Herald in my father’s belongings with the blaring headline “SNOW IN MIAMI.” I had never heard the story and even thought it was fake until I asked about it. Snow did indeed fall 45 years ago (January 19, 1977), the year before I was born.
While working on this idea, I heard story after story about this moment. My friend’s mother, for example, was at the dentist and got left in the chair as the dentist rushed outside to witness it.
I hope this work resonates with locals and reminds them of that odd day when everyone in Miami saw some magic. – Hernan Bas
