Multidisciplinary Artist Soraya Abu Naba’a Recognized at the 31st Biennial of Visual Arts at the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo
I have divided my work presented into series that I have worked through my practice. My interest are diverse as well as the mediums I use to channel my concerns ranging from identity, erasure, womanhood, time and space mixing traditional ways of painting with processes and diverse materials….
Soraya Abu Naba’a
The Gary Nader Art Centre is pleased to announce that multidisciplinary artist Soraya Abu Naba’a has been honored at the 31st Biennial of Visual Arts, held at the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for her installation Palo vivo: Between Roots and Memories.
The work explores the interconnection between community, land, and memory through two elements deeply rooted in Caribbean rural life: the palo vivo and the pelliza. Both, born from necessity and everyday use, are transformed into powerful symbols of regeneration, belonging, and connection to the environment.
Inspired by deep ecology—a philosophical movement that recognizes the intrinsic value of all living beings—the installation combines materials such as fabric, wood, metal, and paint to create an immersive experience. The suspended textile forms evoke an expanded ecosystem in which the boundaries between art, body, and nature dissolve, offering a poetics of repair and belonging.
“I am deeply grateful to receive this award in recognition of an installation that weaves ancestral traditions with a contemporary aesthetic. This honor celebrates not only my creative journey, but also the wisdom of generations that continue to inspire my practice—and serves as a reminder of the profound interconnectedness of the natural world and all living beings”, said Abu Naba’a regarding this recognition.
Gary Nader, founder and director of the Gary Nader Art Centre, added:
“Soraya Abu Naba’a’s work reaffirms the strength of Latin American art as a vehicle of memory, identity, and awareness. This well-deserved recognition amplifies an authentic and powerful voice that honors our roots and invites us to reflect on the future.”
With this award, Soraya Abu Naba’a further consolidates her position within the contemporary art landscape and reaffirms the Gary Nader Art Centre’s commitment to supporting artists whose innovative and relevant proposals contribute to the cultural and social dialogue of our region.
ABOUT SORAYA ABU NABA´A
Born on August 23, 1985, in Melbourne, Florida, Soraya Abu Naba’a was raised in Santo Domingo from the age of two. Her artistic education includes intensive drawing studies at Parsons University, advanced anatomical drawing at Altos de Chavón School, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Paris American Academy, and sculptural training at the Accademia di Arti in Florence. With over thirty solo and group exhibitions in cities such as Santo Domingo, Miami, Paris, Shanghai, San Juan, and Amman, her works are part of private collections worldwide. Her multidisciplinary practice—spanning painting, drawing, installation, and mixed media—often incorporates traditional Dominican craft techniques such as the pelliza, and explores themes of identity, memory, motherhood, and ecological connection.
ABOUT GARY NADER ART CENTRE:
Located in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, the Gary Nader Art Centre is one of the world’s most prestigious and dynamic galleries. With a strong focus on modern and contemporary art, it has gained international acclaim for its groundbreaking exhibitions and its pivotal role in promoting global artistic excellence, with a particular emphasis on Latin American contributions. The gallery regularly hosts solo and group shows featuring iconic artists such as Basquiat, Botero, Chagall, Cruz-Diez, Dubuffet, Kahlo, Picasso, Rivera, Lam, Warhol, and many more.
As the largest gallery in the world — spanning 55,000 square feet — the Gary Nader Art Centre houses a main exhibition hall, the Nader Museum, the immersive Botero Immersed Experience (featuring the world’s largest private collection of works by the Colombian master), and the Nader Sculpture Park, located in the Miami Design District. This one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibition space features over 50 monumental sculptures by renowned international artists. In a short time, it has become a cultural must-see for both locals and tourists and a premier venue for fashion shows, musical performances, cultural events, and private gatherings.
With a private collection of more than 2,000 artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, the Centre offers an expansive and profound perspective on global modern and contemporary art. Founded by Gary Nader in 1985, the gallery has become a cornerstone of Miami’s art scene. Nader’s vision and dedication have been essential in building the Centre’s global reputation and expanding its impact on the international art world.
For more information:
Gary Nader Art Centre
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 305-576-0256
Web: www.garynader.com
