Deeply symbolic, José Bedia’s prac­tice is rooted in religion, ritual, and interactions within everyday life. His drawings, paintings, and sculptures grace the col­lections of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana, Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Pérez Art Museum Miami, among many others.

Complementing his international travel, Bedia finds himself rooted in Miami, embracing the city as a sanctuary for his creative practice and home life. We ask Bedia to share how he experiences Miami.

What is your first Miami memory?

That was in 1990 and my first memories are of visiting friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, such as architect and art collector Peter Menéndez and my deceased friend, fellow Cuban American painter Carlos Alfonzo.

What is Miami to you?

I arrived here after a certain age, so I don’t con­sider it part of my being – but for some reason, after all these years, it has become my home.

What about the city inspires your creativity?

My motivations and inspirations come from other places and Miami is a ‘headquarter’ where I live and work. Artistically, there are art supply stores such as Jerry’s Artarama and Blick’s that provide an interest, as well as certain ‘botanicas’ that have religious materials that I sometimes incorporate into my work. These ‘botanicas’ provide me with religious plants, objects, liturgical materials and other necessary items that are integral to Afro-Cuban practices and religions.

Which Miami art spaces do you enjoy visiting?

I like to occasionally see performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Trail Theater on Calle Ocho. I do go often and really enjoy the programming that executive director Bonnie Clearwater puts on at NSU Art Museum, which is technically in Fort Lauderdale.

Which famous figure best embodies Miami for you?

I never associate Miami with a ‘big shot’ name, but if there is anyone it would be deceased art­ist Purvis Young, who pretty much lived like a homeless [unhoused] person – and his work is now ironically more valuable than ever.

You have an art collection in your Miami home. Who do you collect and which art­works are most cherished?

I have a big collection of tribal and ethno­graphic art by mainly anonymous tribal and native artists. I do have art from well-known Haitian artists such as Préfète Duffaut, André Pierre, Edger Jean-Baptiste, Philomé Obin and others. Overall, traditional African art and Native American art are my favorite.

Who has contributed to you showing your work in Miami?

My old friend and art dealer Fredric Snitzer and friends like art collectors Craig Robins, Jorge Pérez, the Rubells, Cristina Delgado, and recently passed Rosa de la Cruz and her husband, Carlos.

What would you cultivate in Miami?

An interest in traditional art and the great classics of art. Miami is mainly focused on new, cutting-edge and contemporary art.

What can you only do in Miami?

Go to the beach in December.