Mosaic Arts International 2008
Daring designs and the magic of clay and fire combine for a head-turning ornamental vision in this juried event, which features 64 stunning pieces selected from 372 entries by artists from six countries. "Our members continue to push the envelope with textures, colors, and forms," says Karen Ami, the organization's president. Carlos Suarez De Jesus Through April 30. Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-576-2828, www.bakehouseartcomplex.org.
Wifredo Lam in North America
More than a quarter-century after his death, Cuba's greatest artist is getting his due in the first large-scale solo exhibition. The beautifully encyclopedic show features more than 60 paintings and drawings spanning the breadth of Lam's prolific career. The exhibit is beefed up with nearly 30 additional works loaned by local collectors, many of them Cuban-Americans. Carlos Suarez De Jesus Through May 18. Miami Art Museum, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami; 305-375-3000, www.miamiartmuseum.org.
Botero, Chihuly, and Lichtenstein
With the sculptural works of Fernando Botero, Dale Chihuly, and especially Roy Lichtenstein at every turn throughout its 83 acres, there's widespread whimsy at Fairchild. Chihuly's glass pieces resemble plants and flowers boosted by alien DNA; Botero's languorously bulbous sculptures of people and horses seem pridefully overfed. But it's Lichtenstein who steals the show with works such as Coup de Chapeau II, Airplane, and House II. Frank Houston Through May 31. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables; 305-667-1651, www.fairchildgarden.org.
Under the Radar: Nine Chinese Artists Interpret the Figure
This exhibition features eight artists making their U.S. debut: Liang Haopeng, Li Jia, Wang Limin, Liu Qi Ming, Zhu Yan, Liao Yibai, Liao Zhenwu, and He Zubin. Many of the works exude an undeniable political veneer. Li Jia's The Mind of the Rose #2 depicts a lollipop-headed dumpling clad in a skimpy red dress whose tears suggest her crush on socialism has hit a dead end. Carlos Suarez De Jesus Through June 2. ArtSpace/Virginia Miller Galleries, 169 Madeira Ave., Coral Gables; 305-444-4493, www.virginiamiller.com.
Stay-at-Home Dad
For his current project at Hardcore, Juan-Si Gonzales literally put his balls on the line. The 47-year-old Cuban artist underwent a vasectomy reversal operation, allowing him to create "Stay-at-Home Dad," featuring several digital prints of his infant daughter along with religious toys and text that reflect a virulent strain of fundamentalist marketing plaguing the heartland. The other shows at the gallery are Aisen Chacin's "Secluded," Andres Michelena's "Time-less Time," and an untitled site-specific project by Pepe Lopez. Carlos Suarez De Jesus Through June 6. Hardcore Art Contemporary Space, 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-576-1645, www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com.
