My paintings embody pugilism as a conduit to develop a dialogue on cross-cultural exchange and allegory for social awareness.
“The Passion” was first exhibited at MLC Gallery during the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney, Australia 2008. The launch was the first stage of a life long project that shall eventually consist of fifteen life size oil paintings.
The Pontifical Council for the Laity (PCL) Rome and WYD08 Directors officially approved this exhibition. Only 20 applications were approved from a field of nearly 600 unique applications.
The work explores the story of Christ’s last days using the contemporary metaphor of a black boxer, raising timely questions about race and ethnicity and encouraging thought about marginalized groups in today’s society.
Cabello’s conception of the work was born out of three months residency in Florence, Italy where she was a winner at the Florence Biennale of Contemporary art where art legend Christo presented the award. Miriam studied the works of the Old Masters in Italy and Spain as well as the Abstract Expressionists in New York. The fruits of that experience are evident in the compelling, robust figures and splatters that inhabit the Stations series.
Distinguished curator and author Rosemary Crumlin (OAM) stated; "The planned series is quite controversial… she has used the boxer and boxing as allegory and symbol. Her treatment is intelligent, thoughtful and confronting."
Cabello believes her work elevates those traditionally seen as ‘other’ throughout art history to the centre stage and a position of omnipotence. "Like Caravaggio I am creating a contemporary narrative for the traditional 14 Stations of the Cross…the conventions of iconography are given a fresh vision."
