“Love is in the Air” is the title of a DUAL EXHIBITION presented by the multifaceted Colombian artist Pedro Ruiz. This unique exhibition forms part of a series of four presentations previously shown by the artist in various galleries and alternative spaces in Colombia, concluding at The Contemporary Art Museum of Bogotá (MAMBO) before its crossover into U.S.A.


Pedro Ruiz’s new body of work intends to confront the splendorous Colombian landscape with the horror of its illicit exploitation and its devastating social and ecological effects. The seemingly unstoppable growing of vast fields of poppy flowers is counteracted by massive fumigation attacks, which in turn, transforms this otherwise magnificent product of nature into a lethal weapon of hate and pollution for both humanity and the earth. At first glance, the vibrancy and the uplifting sensation that the red flowers create, temporarily camouflage a much darker message hidden behind their immediate beauty. Ultimately, the presence of flying airplanes leaving trails of white smoke brings home this disturbing reality.


The word LOVE, nevertheless, is recurrently present in the titles of all his paintings, which are named after popular love songs. In addition, the music carefully chosen to be played during the opening nights will further reinforce this paradoxical message. Whether this powerful word is used with irony or humor, this exhibition will certainly entice the viewer to reflect on questions such as: how can love exist when these atrocities are taking place? Pedro Ruiz successfully delivers his strong conviction that LOVE is the only unstoppable force, powerful enough to obliterate any personal and collective calamity.


“Love is in the Air” will take place in two different locations. On Friday, May 2, 2008, this exhibition will open at The Americas Collection I, located at 2440 Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables. A week later, on Saturday, May 10, an alternative version of “Love is in the Air” will be presented at The Americas Collection and Rotsen Design gallery located at 2328 N. Miami Avenue in Wynwood.


It is important that everyone wears a RED garment for both openings!
You can be an active participant in this “Love Happening Event”
If you feel the urge to dance, PLEASE DO!