Miami, FL — South Florida PBS, in collaboration with the Nela Arias-Misson Foundation, proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the television premiere of Shades of Brilliance: The Life and Art of Nela Arias-Misson, airing Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 PM on WPBT. In addition, South Florida PBS is partnering with the Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM), to host a special screening and VIP cocktail reception on Wednesday, October 1 at CineBistro and DORCAM in Doral. This powerful documentary uncovers the extraordinary story of the only Cuban-born female Abstract Expressionist.
Nela Arias-Misson (1915–2015) was a groundbreaking yet largely overlooked figure in 20th-century art. Born in Cuba to Spanish parents, Arias-Misson created transformative work across the United States and Europe, with pivotal periods in New York City, Provincetown, Ibiza, Barcelona, Madrid, and Brussels. She studied with Hans Hofmann and shared creative spaces with legendary artists such as Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Robert Motherwell, while forging connections with trailblazing women artists including Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and Louise Nevelson.
At the beginning of her career, Arias-Misson made a radical choice to step away from fame and recognition. During this time, she created deeply personal and emotionally powerful work that remained unseen until now. Through rare archival footage, never-before-seen artworks, and intimate interviews, Shades of Brilliance reveals her courageous legacy and illuminates the strength it takes to place artistic freedom above acclaim.
Upon her return to the United States, she lived mainly in insolation in rural New Jersey, retreating from the art world for four decades. The story comes full circle in Miami, the city where Arias-Misson spent her final years and ultimately passed away in 2015. Her connection to Miami underscores the lasting ties between South Florida’s vibrant cultural landscape and the global contributions of Hispanic artists.
“As South Florida’s largest public media company, we are deeply committed to honoring the cultural richness of our communities,” said Jeneissy Azcuy, Chief Marketing & Education Officer at South Florida PBS. “Highlighting the life and art of Nela Arias-Misson during Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to celebrate not only her Cuban roots but also her profound contributions to modern art history. This program is a tribute to her brilliance and to the enduring impact of Hispanic artists worldwide.”
By showcasing the remarkable journey of Nela Arias-Misson, South Florida PBS continues its mission to amplify diverse voices, preserve cultural legacies, and share powerful stories that inspire and educate audiences across South Florida and beyond.
Watch Shades of Brilliance: The Life and Art of Nela Arias-Misson, on Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 PM on WPBT.
ABOUT DORCAM
The Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) is dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and creative dialogue through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA PBS:
South Florida PBS is Florida’s largest public media company, including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida's history. Leading the way in this global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.
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