Hispanic artists mark Tampa Art Fair

Four Hispanic artists displayed work at the Tampa Art Fair held Oct. 16-18 at the convention center. The event featured 110 artists in total, providing a platform for creators to showcase diverse cultural perspectives within the local scene.

Andrea Tansi, a Venezuelan artist specializing in digital media, presented her book “Mila de Viaje.” Published after four years of work, the illustrated story follows a character who travels through the United Kingdom, Italy, and Tampa. Tansi noted that she wants to show children they can explore the world without needing words. The book is available in Spanish, English, and Italian, with both narrative and coloring editions.

Tansi’s illustrations also depict specific Tampa landmarks, including the Ybor City streetcar and the University of Tampa, where she studied. She was selected by a jury to participate in the fair. For Tansi, displaying work that blends her Venezuelan heritage with her current life in Florida serves to share the various geographies that shape her identity.

Jerry Rodríguez, who has Dominican heritage and was born in the Bronx, New York, focused on a reinterpretation of the traditional faceless doll. He explained that he began with figures having defined faces before finding inspiration in the faceless doll to create a new series. These figures, some of which are blindfolded, represent universal human experiences without being limited to specific identities. Rodríguez moved to Tampa after his parents retired there and emphasized the importance of building community.

Cuban artist Jonathan Menéndez works in representational realism, using imagery that shifts between monochromatic tones and full color. He was invited to the fair by an organizer he knew through his work as a tattoo artist. Menéndez stated that he had long searched for local venues to display and sell his pieces, viewing the fair as a necessary platform for artists in Tampa. He called on the Hispanic community to take pride in their heritage and continue opening doors for talent.

Giovanni Rodríguez, another Cuban artist living in Tampa, displayed a varied collection of subjects. His work includes portraits of Dolly Parton, Jesus Christ, Indigenous people, a Catrina, and Celia Cruz. He attributed his participation to friendships built with other artists and stressed the need for consistent hard work. Rodríguez advised fellow artists to keep focusing on their passions and work hard to fulfill their dreams.

The four artists shared their visions during the fair, which took place just after Hispanic Heritage Month. Their participation highlighted the role of art in connecting cultures and providing spaces for new voices. The event served as a venue for these creators to engage with an audience interested in the visual arts and to demonstrate the presence of local talent.