Meet Vince Cuadra | Multimedia artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vince Cuadra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vince, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Miami Beach and have recently been living between South Miami, Miami Beach, and Miami Lakes. My family is Costa Rican and Argentinian, needless to say I’ve always. been surrounded by an interesting and colorful blend of cultures. I have a huge appreciation for Miami and being away from the beach has made me appreciate it more than ever. I see so much of myself reflected in the surroundings I grew up in, the colorful Art Deco and tacky tourist traps are deeply rooted in my aesthetic artistically and fashion wise. Culturally being in a city like Miami that really values the arts has motivated me heavily and I’ve found so much love and inspiration in the community.

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.
My art has taken many forms of media but I think my style translates well into all of them, usually following the themes of joy and liberation and focusing on the use of color and composition. When I’m doing work outside of photography I almost always just create things based on images that come straight from my brain. I’ve always made art, but for a long time it was hard for me to find a style that felt fitting. I found that making childlike and playful work was what made me feel the happiest and most comfortable, especially when tackling more serious topics, I found that my kind of work was received well by other’s especially within local art spaces in Miami which motivated me to create as much as possible and really put myself out there as much as I could, Through this I made a lot of meaningful connections with other creatives, which has lead me to many opportunities and learning experiences, Since I started highschool, I’m proud to say that I’ve participated in many local shows mostly organized by my friends, have had 4 art internships, multiple photography gigs, and got hooked up with a couple gallery attending gigs! I’m also gonna be traveling this summer to San Juan Island in Washington state as an artist in residence and intern at Alchemy art center for a month! I wouldn’t have been able to get any of these opportunities without the support and connections I’ve made within Miami’s art community, and I’m incredibly grateful for all my friends, family, teachers, who’ve helped me find these opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Miami Beach so let’s just say I’ve fallen in love with all the tacky tourist traps. Obviously I’d take them to the beach, most likely all the way to South Pointe to climb the rocks and roll down the hill. I enjoy spending as much time as I can on the beach it’s always fun and free, and I’m a huge fan of art deco so I love just walking around anywhere in Miami Beach. Maybe a local organized show it’s always easy to find something to do on @alwayslunes ‘ instagram. Visit some museums and galleries like Locust Projects, The Bass, Oolite Arts, ICA, PAMM, Superblue, MOCA, The Rubbell, de la Cruz collection, The Wolfsonian, lots of art institutions to visit. Some of my personal favorite food spots are Flannigans of course, Bali Cafe, la sandwhicherie, Bodegon 71, Juicy Gyros, Sriacha House, honestly it’s easy to find good food anywhere in Miami, and lots of different kinds of food too.

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?
Yeah I’d like to shoutout my friends and family!! It’s cliché but they really are greatest motivators and support system, I always know I could turn to them for advice and it’s always through friends that I make the best connections and find opportunities!

Website: Vince-Cuadra.square.site

Instagram: Goblin157

Other: brownandgreasy@gmail.com