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La Babel De Miami-Dade

     Sanchez is known for his use of humorous representations of Cuban customs and popular culture. In “La Babel de Miami-Dade” Sanchez melds his Cuban roots and Miami lifestyle in a vibrant and detailed depiction of the infamous tower of Babel.

     His time, spent both in his home country and his new home, clearly influences his subject matter and the people depicted in his work. Local sport teams, iconic figures, and familiar restaurants are a few of the gems found by viewers.  Figures who have just arrived, gather at the foreground admiring the scene before them.  The sky is filled with hot air balloons, featuring a flag from several countries while the inhabitants are seen working together on construction. Others are seen living the Miami lifestyle by celebrating with the Heat, attending the theater and Miami City ballet, as well as partaking in Latin festivals. A collage of what is Miami; Sanchez highlights the multi-cultural melting pot.

     Felix Gonzalez Sanchez makes his work easily understandable. He lacks the pretentious use of media and opts for an inviting method of depiction where his colors demand attention.  Signs are easily readable; the figure’s actions are clearly depicted, and locations well known throughout the city are identifiable. Construction cranes, a fixture of South Floridian landscape, characterizes Sanchez’ work as well.  The cranes stand as a further understanding of the city that is always growing, always building, and ambitiously looking ahead. The piece is no doubt light-hearted and humorous even with the social and political subjects that are inevetibly brought into the tower.

     The story of the “Tower of Babel” is found in the Bible.  A group of people, speaking a shared language came to Shiner where they began building a mighty city and tower that would reach the top of the heavens.  God, as it is told, came down and scattered the people across the Earth.  By confusing their language, the people where unable to communicate and the city and the great tower were left incomplete.  In La Babel de Miami-Dade, it appears that despite their variation in tongue the tower continues to grow, fueled by the cooperation and drive of it new inhabitants.  The viewer finds themselves with the figures gathered at the foreground, all from differing nationalities, looking up at the promise and growth of the united city before them. The figures come from differing nationalities as evident by their attire and flags but come together for the prosperity of their new home. 

     The first people from the story have overcome their obstacles and have managed to, with their differing languages, continue the process of growth.  Felix Gonzalez Sanchez marvelously depicts the essence of Miami and adds that he may never “finish painting the Babel of Miami” for the city is constantly growing. 

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