Rosa Naday Garmendia is a multidisciplinary artist who blends contemporary art and activism, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and introspection. Her work delves into diverse facets of the human experience, including assimilation and the preservation of culture and identity. Her exploration extends to cultural histories, traditions, and the dynamic evolution of societies. With a keen eye on the present, she addresses contemporary social issues, such as racism, power structures, and human rights. This engagement serves as a potent means to actively contribute to ongoing discussions about humanity, establishing a compelling link between art and urgent real-world issues. Central to her creative ethos is a profound belief in the transformative power of art and the artist as catalysts for meaningful social change.
Rosa Naday studied at the University of South Florida, Parsons School of Design, University of Miami, Vermont Studio Center, and the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute. She has been a cultural ambassador on international exchanges and participated in various artist residencies and exhibitions throughout the Caribbean with Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator. Prestigious national institutions include the Corcoran School of Art and Design, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, (UMOCA), Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, African Heritage Cultural Arts Center and Vermont Studio Center among others. International venues include the 12th, 13th and 14th Havana Biennials, ReadyTex Gallery, and THE CAG(E) among others.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous grants and awards, such as the Ellies Creator Award, WaveMaker Grant, MIA Stipend Award, South Florida Cultural Consortium, Artist Access Grant, and Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, among others. Notable residencies include In Cahoots residency, Oolite Arts Home and Away Residency program, Equal Justice Thematic International Residency and Vermont Studio Center artist Residency. Rosa Naday speaks English, Spanish and Haitian Kreyol and has been a teaching artist at the Perez Art Museum Miami since 2008, introducing, children, youth and adults to the power of art and ideas through contemporary art.
