Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Moreira.
Hi Shirley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was a child, I felt a deep passion for art. Although I was born in a small rural town in Cuba, with limited access to cultural life, anything involving a creative process fascinated me. That search for something more always pushed me to improve myself. I focused on my studies, striving for the highest grades, and thanks to that, together with the constant support and effort of my parents, I was able to begin studying Art History at the University of Havana.
During my studies, I learned a great deal, but I believe the true learning began after graduation. I started working at an art publishing house in Havana. At first, it was frustrating; my dream was to write and curate exhibitions. However, I understood that this was just the first step. Over time, I fell in love with editorial work and I am grateful for that stage, which shaped me fully, working alongside incredibly talented designers, critics, and artists. Seeing a book edited by me was a lesson in itself: I learned that everything in life has a purpose; we just need patience to understand the process and its rewards.
At the same time, I began my first curatorial projects. I remember the first exhibition I curated: a small landscape photography project at a school where I would later teach for many years. I was terrified; I knew the theory well, but I had no idea how to implement it in practice. Yet I trusted my knowledge and my sensitivity, and the result was very rewarding, not perfect, but full of joy and learning.
Over time, my curatorial challenges grew, along with my confidence. I discovered a passion for collective exhibitions: researching, building a thesis, and expressing it through artworks. I also loved supporting emerging artists, contributing to their professional growth, guiding them, and giving them visibility. Some projects marked my career, such as “Ascensión”, about power relations; “Instinto Básico”, a project in Rome with over 50 artists; and “Quiero ser lo que puedas ver”, at the XII Havana Biennial.
My career became established: I curated many exhibitions, wrote extensively, and worked with exceptional artists… But in 2022, I made the decision to move to Miami. This meant starting my career all over again from scratch.
The first year was extremely challenging. Adapting to a new society, a different language, and working other jobs to get by… everything was a constant struggle. Yet I never abandoned my dream. Even when many said I would not succeed in finding a place in the art world here, I continued to persist.
I did not know exactly what to do or where to go. One day, I gathered my courage and began sending emails to art institutions and galleries, and received an unexpected reply from MIFA (Miami International Fine Arts), inviting me to visit.
MIFA became my second home. From the very first moment, everyone welcomed me with trust and kindness, allowing me to grow as a curator in residence. I met a wonderful community of artists who illuminated a challenging period in my life. Thanks to them, I have now worked on around ten exhibitions with MIFA and other galleries, developing new projects and continuously learning.
Today, I can say with pride and gratitude that I am on the path to living my dream. My story is proof that, no matter the obstacles, passion, perseverance, and determination can open doors. Never give up, because every effort, every step, brings us closer to achieving what we love most.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe the greatest challenge was completely stepping away from my career when I moved to Miami and starting over from scratch. Rebuilding my world in a different context is daunting. You are filled with doubts about whether you will find your place again. But with patience, determination, and perseverance, anything is possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I graduated in Art History from the University of Havana in 2013. Since then, I have worked as a curator, art critic, and editor, while also dedicating part of my practice to teaching photography, a field I am deeply passionate about.
As a curator, I have conceptualized and organized both solo and group exhibitions. I aim to create discourses that invite the public to reflect and question artistic processes, addressing broad themes that range from power relations to identity, considered from both collective and individual perspectives.
My work goes beyond developing exhibitions: I am deeply committed to supporting artists in their creative journeys, guiding them to discover and strengthen their individual artistic voice. For this reason, although I have worked with highly recognized artists, my focus has always been on emerging art, where I believe my vision can make the most meaningful contribution.
I take great pride in what I have accomplished so far: the visibility my texts and exhibitions have provided to artists, the conversations I have shared with them, and the lasting connections that have emerged through this work. Each project has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of new voices in contemporary art.
How do you think about happiness?
It fills me with happiness to know that my work, whether as a curator, critic, or teacher, can contribute to the growth of others. Receiving praise and hearing “well done” is gratifying, but it is a fleeting feeling. What truly gives meaning to my work is being able to contribute to the happiness of others, helping them achieve their goals, and guiding them to discover new perspectives that allow them to grow and improve. That is what makes everything worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shirleymoreira.art
- Instagram: shirleymv_art
