Miami New Times' Mastermind Awards honors the city's most inspiring creatives. This year, we received more than 100 submissions, which our staff narrowed to an elite group of 30. We'll be profiling those honorable mentions, and eventually the finalists, in the weeks to come. This year's three Mastermind Award winners will be announced February 28 at Artopia, our annual soiree celebrating Miami culture. For tickets and more information, visit the website.
When asked why he should be considered a Miami New Times' MasterMind, Brookhart Jonquil responded, "Because I have mastered my mind."
And perhaps he has. Jonquil earned a BFA as well as a BA in Art History from the University of Arizona. He received an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was awarded a graduate fellowship there as well. He's also attended residencies at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson, LegalArt (now Cannonball) in Miami, and Varbanov Residency in Bulgaria. Sounds like a mind-master to us.
And a busy one, too. Last year Jonquil was involved with nine group shows, including the Meulensteen Gallery in Chelsea, and three solo shows, including the De la Cruz Collection in Miami. You can get up close and personal with Jonquil's work at his upcoming solo show at the Dorsch Gallery in April and he'll also have a solo exhibit in Tucson, Arizona at the Museum of Contemporary Art, later this year.
Cultist: In first grade, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Brookhart: In first grade I think I wanted to be Jim Carrey. I was drawing and making tiny sculptures all the time, but did not think of it as a "potential career."
Favorite thing about Miami's art scene?
Its openness to newcomers and low cost of living are both great.
Least favorite thing about Miami's art scene?
To be completely honest, it's the constant preoccupation with its own city. Can't we just talk about art without always talking about Miami?
If you could live for one year with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Well, I'd be a fool not to say Leonardo DaVinci, I'm sure I could learn a few things from him, though I'm not sure he wants a roommate.
What are three things you can't live without?
Air, water, rest.
2013 Mastermind Award Honorable Mentions:
Brookhart Jonquil
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