Marcos Ferreira Batista and Roger Miranda, artists living at a migrant shelter in Brooklyn, have their works displayed in a show at the shelter. Batista’s charcoal sketches depict faces of migrants he encountered during his journey to the US, while Miranda’s bold surrealist paintings reflect his experiences as a former professor from Venezuela. The exhibition aims to inspire other shelter residents to embrace their talents and pursue their dreams. Both artists use their artwork as a form of therapy and hope to continue their creative pursuits despite challenges. Miranda, in particular, sees his art as a way to express his technical, historical, and philosophical knowledge, hoping to inspire young residents at the shelter to pursue various professions.
Marcos Ferreira Batista, a 44-year-old artist from Chile, recently rediscovered his passion for sketching after more than a decade. His poignant charcoal and pencil drawings, inspired by the faces of migrants he encountered during his journey to the United States, are now on display at a Brooklyn megashelter in Clinton Hill. The shelter, operated by the city’s Health and Hospitals Corporation, has set up an exhibition space to showcase the works of Batista and another artist, 67-year-old Roger Miranda from Venezuela.
The collaboration between the two artists happened organically, with Miranda approaching shelter staff with a painting he had sold, which led to the discovery of Batista’s artwork. The shelter’s director, Santiago Bedoya Velez, hopes that showcasing the talents of residents like Batista and Miranda will inspire others to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams.
Batista’s drawings primarily focus on intimate portraits of young children, reflecting the hardships and traumas faced by migrants along their journey. His unique style, with faces emerging from dark shadows into the light, is a reflection of his own journey and struggles. Finding solace and therapy in painting, Batista hopes to one day compile his artwork and written reflections into a book.
Miranda, on the other hand, is a seasoned painter and former professor who left Venezuela due to political and economic turmoil. His works, which he describes as not decorative but deeply meaningful, aim to express his technical, historical, and philosophical knowledge accumulated over his 47-year career. Despite the challenges of painting in a noisy shelter environment, Miranda is dedicated to inspiring others, especially young residents, to pursue their passions and education.
The artists’ stories of resilience, creativity, and determination amidst adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the diverse talents and aspirations brought by mass migration. The exhibition at the Brooklyn megashelter not only showcases their artwork but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all residents, encouraging them to embrace their talents and contribute to their new lives in New York City.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Marcos Ferreira Batista and Roger Miranda at the Brooklyn megashelter highlights the transformative power of art and creativity in the lives of migrants. Their stories of perseverance and self-expression serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals facing challenges on their journey to a new home. The exhibition not only celebrates their talents but also inspires others to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Source: TheCity.NYC
