Osceola Arts Presents SUEÑOS DEL HOMBRE CAIMÁN By Fernando Molinares

Osceola Arts has announced the exhibition "Sueños del Hombre Caimán" (Dreams of the Alligator Man) by Orlando-based artist Fernando Molinares. The showcase will be on display in the Studio Gallery from September 3 through October 25, 2024.

Molinares, a native of Barranquilla, Colombia, explores the legendary tale of the Caimán-man, a creature of Colombian folklore, through a series of dream-like images filled with symbolism and magical realism. His work reflects on the universal experience of feeling different or out of place, drawing parallels between the Caimán-man's journey and the artist's own experiences as an immigrant in the United States.

The exhibition delves into themes of hybridity, identity, and the human experience of being a "strange creature in a strange land." Molinares' unique perspective is informed by his background as a portrait artist at Disney World, his academic achievements including an MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design, and his current roles as a Figure and Show Finisher Artist for Disney and as an art professor at local universities.

A free artist reception will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 3:00 PM  to 5:00 PM, offering the public an opportunity to meet the artist and gain deeper insights into his work.

"We are thrilled to showcase Fernando Molinares' thought-provoking artwork," said Marylin Cortes-Lovato, Director of Visual Arts. "His exploration of cultural identity and the immigrant experience through the lens of folklore promises to be both visually stunning and deeply moving."