A Celebration of Latin American Identity and Indigenous Legacy

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has once again proven itself a cornerstone of cultural dialogue by spotlighting two remarkable Hispanic/Latin American artists as part of its Call for Artists initiative. On display are the evocative works of Nelson Cardenas, a Colombian-born artist based in Kissimmee, and Marianne Sucre, a Venezuelan-born artist residing in Miami. Through distinct mediums and deeply personal stories, both artists explore powerful themes of survival, identity, and heritage.

Nelson Cardenas: Honoring Colombia’s Last Nomadic Tribe

Nelson Cardenas presents The Nukak of Colombia, a mixed-media homage to the resilience of the Nukak people, the last nomadic Indigenous tribe in Colombia. Cardenas uses fire and oil on cedar wood, canvas, and palm frond to create a deeply textured visual narrative that honors a people nearly erased by modern encroachment.

The Nukak, discovered only in 1988, have endured displacement, disease, and cultural disruption due to contact with outsiders and the armed conflict in Colombia. Cardenas’ use of natural and found materials—especially the palm frond—draws parallels between the tribe’s reliance on the rainforest and the artist’s own childhood in Medellín, where he repurposed scraps for toys and tools. Through this lens, art becomes both remembrance and resilience.

Marianne Sucre: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Marianne Sucre’s Identidades series showcases a dynamic fusion of ancient indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary Venezuelan kinetic art. Working with wapas, large flat baskets woven by the Eñepá people of Venezuela’s Amazon region, Sucre overlays vibrant geometric abstractions. These works bridge traditional basket-weaving with Venezuela’s Op Art heritage, evoking both pre-Columbian symbolism and modern visual language.

Her process is shaped by Venezuela’s socio-cultural dualities: a country where a small percentage still practices ancestral customs amid modern crises. Sucre’s collaborative project Tejidos de Esperanza, supported by Asociación de Damas Salesianas and the Maniapure Foundation, expands this work into collective action—raising awareness and funds for Indigenous communities while bringing attention to their endangered traditions.

Why This Exhibition Matters

These exhibitions are more than displays of artistic excellence—they are active conversations about what it means to preserve culture, amplify marginalized voices, and link ancient knowledge with contemporary expression. Both Cardenas and Sucre use their platforms to explore the nuanced identities of Latin American heritage, diaspora, and survival.

Their work also aligns with OMA’s growing efforts to diversify its exhibitions and reflect the multicultural communities of Central Florida. As one of the region’s most accessible and engaging cultural venues, the Orlando Museum of Art continues to serve as a vital link between global narratives and local audiences.

Plan Your Visit

To witness these powerful artworks and learn more about the resilience of the Nukak or the vibrant heritage of the Eñepá people, visit the Orlando Museum of Art during their current exhibition schedule. For updates, visit www.omart.org.

Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of the arts or simply curious about Latin American cultural expression, this is an exhibit that will leave a lasting impression.

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