Paola Falquez
Staff Writer
Broward College’s latest art exhibition takes visitors on a journey through South Florida’s history and cultural evolution, focusing on three iconic landmarks: the Two Million Dollar Banyan, the Sunrise Upside-Down House, and the Hollywood Beach Hotel. Supported by the Broward County Cultural Division, the exhibition brings these locations to life through an eclectic mix of mixed-media paintings, sculptures, prints, and collected memorabilia. Each piece offers viewers a unique lens into the histories of these sites, providing a space to reflect on the rapid transformations that have shaped South Florida’s landscape and identity over the years. The exhibit runs through Dec. 3.
The exhibition’s title draws inspiration from vintage Florida tourism advertisements, reflecting the state’s enduring reputation as a premier vacation destination. This thematic nod to tourism displays how South Florida has long been known as a paradise, full of sunshine and relaxation. Yet, the artwork also examines the evolving identity of the area as it transitions from a tourismdriven past to a more urban and culturally diverse present. By bringing together artwork that isthe charm of these sites along with their contemporary shifts, the exhibition prompts viewers to consider what has been preserved, what has been lost, and how beliefs of South Florida have changed over time.
At the center of the exhibition is the work of Angelica Clyman, a local mixed-media artist whose connection to the South Florida landscape is palpable. A native of Hollywood, Florida, Clyman’s art looks to capture the essence of place, memory, and identity within the region. Her pieces resonate with those familiar with South Florida, as they are inspired by local landmarks that hold sentimental and cultural value. Clyman’s art has earned a place in prominent institutions such as the Miami Children’s Museum, and her past exhibitions, including Land of Sunshine at IS Projects and Beyond Reflection (formerly displayed at Art Center/South Florida, now Oolite Arts), have cemented her as a key figure in the South Florida art scene. Her creations in this exhibition draw from her own connection to these landmarks, merging her personal perspective with broader cultural commentary.
Clyman brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her art. She holds an MFA from Florida International University and a BFA from New World School of the Arts. As the Director of the Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery at Broward College’s Central Campus, she is instrumental in shaping the institution’s creative community. Clyman not only curates exhibitions but also teaches studio art courses, fostering a love for the arts among students and encouraging emerging talent to explore South Florida’s dynamic culture through their own work.
This exhibition invites viewers to engage with the multifaceted history of South Florida, celebrating its enduring beauty while acknowledging the forces that have reshaped it. Through Clyman’s evocative pieces and her intimate connection to the region, the exhibition offers more than just an aesthetic experience; it encourages reflection on the resilience and transformation of a place that has long captured the imaginations of residents and tourists alike. With its unique blend of historical homage and artistic exploration, Broward College’s exhibition presents South Florida as both a memory and a living, evolving entity, drawing attention to the ways in which art can preserve, question, and celebrate our shared cultural heritage.
falqp@mail.broward.edu
