Meet Andreina Fuentes Angarita | Artist , Art collector , Entrepreneur and writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andreina Fuentes Angarita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andreina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I opened Hardcore Art Contemporary Space (HACS) in Wynwood in 2003 to be part of the contemporary art scene of Art Basel Miami Beach. By 2006, while working with international artists, I realized the need to incorporate a non-profit organization, which led to the creation of Arts Connection Foundation. This allowed the business to integrate into Miami’s educational and cultural system.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been working in contemporary art for the past 25 years. My work focuses on artivism, identity, and well-being. I use video, performances, installations, and photography in my practice. One of my proudest pieces is the “Miss Wynwood” performance (2014-2019), where an ex-Miss Venezuela becomes the mayor of Wynwood and a presidential candidate against Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Through this piece, I wanted to challenge the political performances of the Democratic and Republican parties in addressing issues such as immigration and the American economy.

Through resilience, perseverance, and determination, I have reached my current
professional standing. My journey wasn’t easy, especially after leaving Venezuela due to political persecution. I became a legal immigrant in Miami and had to restart both my life and my art practice here. Step by step, I worked my way up and eventually became a U.S. citizen in 2019. Being an artist is not an easy path, but it’s the one I’ve chosen. Creative thinking helps you adapt to changing circumstances and grow as a person. Creativity can also lead to entrepreneurial opportunities.

I want to connect with the world through my brand and story as a fluid and accessible woman.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would begin in Wynwood, o\ering insights into its transformation from what it once was to what it has become today. I’d highlight the Wynwood Fence, the last remaining marker of the area’s original identity. From there, I’d explore key landmarks like Wynwood Walls, Midtown, the Design District, and the ICA. The journey would continue through notable cultural spaces such as the Rubell Museum, Espacio 23, Green Space, and the galleries and artist studios in Little River and Little Haiti, including Laundromat Space.

Further stops would include the Pérez Art Museum, Brickell City Centre, Coral Gables Museum, and the Cuban Diaspora Museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of art, culture, and history that defines Miami’s vibrant creative scene.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Creators:
Milagros Gonzalez, Andres Michelena, Richard Garet, Muu Blanco, Ilian Arvelo, Diego Damas, David, MACSI.org, Id Art Lab, Miami Dade, Domingo Rosario De Lucia, Felix Suazo, Nelson Gonzalez, Adriana Meneses, Aldeide Delgado, Eduardo Molina, Beto Molina, Gladys Triana, Rolando Pena, Omar Castaneda, Hernán Barros, Rafael Baralt, Gerardo Zavarce, Lady Paraiso, Alex La Croix, Rummie Quintero Verdu, Pietro Da Prano, Maria Arenas

Organizations:
WOPHA, DORCAM, Languages Foundation, Food of War US, Fuentes Angarita Collection, The Wynwood Times, Miami New Media Festival, Identity Adequacy Movement, I AM VENEZUELA, MACSI.org, Id Art Lab, Miami Dade Cultural A\airs.

Website: www.andreinafuentesangarita.com

Instagram: @andreinafuentesa

Linkedin: Andreína Fuentes Angarita

Twitter: @A_F_Angarita

Facebook: Nina Fuentes ( Andreina Fuentes Angarita )

Youtube: Andreína Fuentes Angarita