Next Level Workshop | Exercising Symmetry | with José Bedia

Ages 15+ | Beginner-Intermediate Level

Saturday 1:00-3:30 pm

In this workshop, José Bedia will guide students in understanding the power of symmetry, as informed by many traditional and ethnographic cultures throughout the world, which incorporate symmetrical designs into their artistic creations. Using a direct hands-on approach, students will depart from the traditional paradigm of working solely with their dominant hand and instead explore using both hands simultaneously to create unique visions. Works on paper using acrylic paint will be worked on to shift the traditional understanding of perspective in art, and get a closer understanding of non-Western motifs and symbolisms.

All supplies included.

José Bedia is a featured artist in the Tampa Museum of Art’s exhibition of Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art.

José Bedia (Cuban, b. 1959) has been a leading figure in transforming contemporary Cuban art for over three decades. His role in the landmark 1981 exhibition Volumen Uno marked the beginning of a radical shift in the island’s artistic landscape. Since then, Bedia’s work has garnered international acclaim, from his inclusion in the influential 1989 exhibition Magiciens de la Terre in Paris to receiving First Prize at the Beijing Biennale in 2010.

His work is represented in major private and public collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; the Tate Modern, London; and Pérez Art Museum Miami. In recognition of his career, the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles presented a 30-year retrospective of his work.

Bedia’s art draws from his deep interest in tribal cultures and ethnography, which is informed by a fieldwork-based approach. His practice weaves together layered narratives that connect social, spiritual, and historical traditions from around the world.

Art+ Members enjoy  a 20% discount on TMA Studio Art classes. Join now. Already a member? Write development@tampamuseum.org to receive the discount code.

TMA strives to make art education accessible to all. Apply for a need-based scholarship to cover partial and full tuition of classes.

Scholarship Application.

Cancellation Policy 

All of TMA’s studio courses require a minimum enrollment to run. If a class does not meet a minimum enrolment 3 days before the first day of class it will be canceled and a full refund issued to any enrolled students.

For students that need to cancel their enrollment:

14 days + before the first day of your class—100% refund 

8–13 days before the first day of your class—50% refund 

7 days or less—no refund 

All refunds will be charged a $15 administrative fee. 

This workshop series takes place at the Tampa Museum of Art’s Vinik Family Education Center,  120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602.