Latin American Art 101: 5 Modern Painters To Inspire South Florida Home Design
- Regina Miyar
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Throughout history, art has been a vehicle by which stories are told—about a cultural moment, a society’s identity, or a country’s soul.
I believe the art we’re drawn to also tells a story about us as individuals.
That’s why in my design practice, where my goal is always to create spaces that reflect my clients’ life stories, art often serves as one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Whether it’s color, symbolism, or mood, art has a way of guiding us toward what feels authentic.
Here in Miami, the influence of Latin American culture is undeniable—we hear it in the music, taste it in the food, and see it in everything from murals to materials. So, this post is about understanding some of the masters of modern Latin American modern art, and how their work can inspire us to create interiors that feel layered, soulful, and rooted in place.
Let’s explore five iconic artists from the region’s largest countries and how their work can shape the spaces we live in.
Tarsila do Amaral (Brazil) – Big Color, Big Soul
Artwork: Abaporu (1928)
Where to see it: MALBA, Buenos Aires
In the 1920s, Brazil was redefining itself after colonial rule. Tarsila helped create a movement that embraced Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian identity while remixing European modernism into something fresh, bold, and local.
Her work sparks ideas for tropical-modern palettes—mango, jade, soft beige—and playful, organic forms in furniture and sculpture. It’s perfect inspiration for spaces that are colorful but serene, especially in Miami’s lush landscape.
Rufino Tamayo (Mexico) – Cosmic Vibes & Quiet Power
Artwork: El día y la noche (1954)
Where to see it: Museo Soumaya, Mexico City
In post-revolution Mexico, many artists focused on political murals—but Tamayo leaned into universal themes like time, duality, and humanity, drawing from his Zapotec roots and cosmic symbolism.
Tamayo’s deep oranges, cosmic blues, and rich purples can inform wall treatments, rugs, or ceramics. He’s a great muse for creating moody, contemplative spaces that feel grounded and personal.
Xul Solar (Argentina) – Spiritual Geek Chic
Artwork: Pan Tree (1954)
Where to see it: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Xul Solar lived through Argentina’s post-WWI identity crisis, and responded by creating an entirely symbolic, visionary world—full of astrology, spirituality, and coded languages.
His mystical, map-like pieces inspire layered interiors with textural depth, celestial motifs, and symbolic patterns. Perfect for creative studios, meditation corners, or interiors that feel quietly magical.
Alejandro Obregón (Colombia) – Nature, Power & Emotion
Artwork: Violencia (1962)
Where to see it: Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia, Bogotá
Obregón painted in the wake of Colombia’s violent civil unrest. His abstract, expressionist style captured the emotional weight of the times—through symbolism rather than literalism.
His dynamic brushstrokes and earthy tones can inspire statement art pieces, dramatic textures like plaster or raw wood, and emotionally evocative color palettes. Great for grounding minimalist or modern spaces with depth.
Tilsa Tsuchiya (Peru) – Dreamlike Feminine Power
Artwork: Tristán e Isolda (1974–75)
Where to see it: Museo de Arte de Lima
Tsuchiya, of Japanese and Andean descent, painted in a time when Peru was reclaiming its Indigenous identity. Her work is a poetic blend of feminine power, myth, and introspection.
Think subtle curves, muted pastels, and spiritual elements like woven wall hangings or dreamlike murals. Ideal inspiration for wellness spaces, bedrooms, or anywhere designed for calm and reflection.
Why It All Matters
At the end of the day, design isn’t about following trends—it’s about telling stories. These five artists offer a visual vocabulary that’s not just beautiful, but deeply rooted in history, culture, and identity.
In South Florida, where so many of our clients have ties to Latin America—or simply feel drawn to its rhythm—designing with this kind of inspiration in mind creates spaces that feel like home in the truest sense.
Want help finding inspiration or designing a space that reflects your story? Let’s chat—bringing meaningful design to life is what I love most.
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