An Artist’s POV

In July, 2023, collaboARTive welcomed Juan Sebastian Restrepo as Artist in Residence for Noche de Arte at InterContinental Miami. After a conversation about how they have enjoyed the residency, Sebastian sent this note with their ideas and sentiments. It was a pleasure for us to watch the artist work through their creative process and answer questions related to their work over the course of the month. It was sheer delight to receive this note from them, which we happily share with you below.

Noche de Arte has provided a platform for Miami local artists to build a relationship with the public. It is incredible to participate as a resident because it helps me understand my painting practice and I am extremely appreciative to talk to passersby and the team at InterContinental. Coming back every Monday and working on a single large painting has made me question my process and brought a lot of insight as well as inspiration. 

For my residency, I wanted to make it special for me, and there are many reasons it is. One being I can see the process I have made after not working on it for a long time. This period of not working on a single painting has allowed me to plan and consider switching and changing things about the iconography, like adding a hiking trail or color palette that works well with the feeling I want to get across. Another insightful moment was not holding back changing the composition, something that can feel daunting and difficult. This experience has inspired me to take chances and follow my intuition.

- Juan Sebastian Restrepo
Noche de Arte Artist in Residence, July 2023

Noche de Arte is a weekly event presented in partnership with InterContinental Miami and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.