In José Parlá: Homecoming, the gallery is transformed into a recreation of the artist’s studio space. The walls contain large paintings and in the center of the room there is a large table with various items from the artist’s studio including: carts, paint brushes, chairs, and vinyl records. Music plays through the speaker placed near the table and helps to mimic the experience of a studio visit.

A studio visit is a staple practice of contemporary artists where fellow artists, curators, educators, scholars, and friends are invited into an artist’s studio with the intention of looking at art in progress and providing feedback and engaging in conversations about the work. Studio visits are intended to help artists gather different perspectives about their art and in turn helps them develop their art. The practice of studio visits is often developed in art colleges and universities between students of all mediums like painting, sculpture, photography, and design. As artists develop their professional careers it is common for them to seek studio visits with members of the art community they respect and trust. Although less common, studios are sometimes open to the public and can function as more casual shows than the ones at galleries or museums.

The title of the exhibition references the fact that José Parlá was born and raised in Miami. However, despite being from Miami, Parla had never had a solo exhibition at an art institution. Much of the work was made in 2024 and is part of Parla’s recovery process from his difficult bout with COVID-19, which left him in a coma for several months.

Digital Exhibition guide organized, created, and recorded by Armando Zamora, Digital Content Coordinator. This exhibition is presented by Citi with supporting sponsorship from Sarah Arison and Goya Foods.