The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new exhibition, “Anchors of Light,” which opened on April 15. Curated by Miami native Catherine Camargo, founder of Queue Gallery, the show features nearly 50 artists from the museum’s collection, including historical figures like Robert Rauschenberg and Claes Oldenburg, past retrospective subjects such as Maryan S. Maryan and Edouard Duval-Carrie, and local favorites Purvis Young and Pepe Mar. The exhibition includes a video corridor for multiple video works, addressing space constraints, and highlights Camargo’s preference for dark, muted colors and unconventional materials, exemplified by Will Boone’s painting “Widowmaker.”
This exhibition matters because it not only reflects on MOCA’s three-decade history as a pioneer in Miami’s art scene but also introduces fresh curatorial perspectives through its guest curator program. MOCA’s collection of about 600 works, though smaller than those of the Pérez Art Museum Miami or the Rubell Museum, underscores its foundational role in South Florida’s art community. The show balances nostalgia with innovation, showcasing how the museum has evolved from a hybrid community center and international contemporary art venue under former director Bonnie Clearwater to a platform for diverse voices today.