The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., will open four new exhibits on Thursday, Jan. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring live pigeons, evocative photography, whimsical paintings and striking sculptural works, the lineup highlights artists Duke Riley, Jeffrey Cardenas, Mena Ganey and a shared exhibition by Pamela Kostmayer and Jane Beck. The exhibits will be on view Jan. 2-30.
Sanger Gallery — ‘Trading with the Enemy’ by Duke Riley
What if pigeons could challenge the way we think about borders, history and politics? In 2013, Duke Riley did just that. Celebrated for turning maritime history and urban folklore into modern narratives, artist Riley trained a flock of pigeons to smuggle cameras and Cuban cigars across the 90-mile stretch from Havana to Key West. Through this audacious project, “Trading with the Enemy,” Riley turned these unassuming birds into symbols of resistance, sparking conversations about surveillance, smuggling and Key West’s longstanding unique relationship with Cuba.
At the center of the exhibit is Riley’s original pigeon loft, made from found materials and stocked with live pigeons. The artist housed 50 pigeons there in 2013. “The birds were either ‘smugglers’ carrying contraband or ‘documentarians’ wearing customized cameras,” Riley recalls. “Eleven pigeons successfully completed their mission. One documentarian landed on a yacht and quickly became the subject of conversation.”
In addition to the live installation, the exhibit includes video of the pigeons’ historic flights, painted portraits of the individual pigeons on repurposed Key West roof tiles, and related works that delve deeper into the themes of migration, ingenuity and exchange. Its resonance has only grown in recent years, with the continued U.S. embargo, and the historic exodus of millions of Cubans in the post-pandemic era.
Zabar Project Gallery — “On the Reef” by Jeffrey Cardenas
With “On the Reef,” Jeffrey Cardenas takes viewers through the stunning coral reef ecosystems of the Caribbean, Polynesia and beyond. His photography reveals the vibrancy, complexity and fragility of underwater worlds, celebrating their role in supporting marine life while prompting reflection on the urgent need for their conservation. A longtime Key West resident and seasoned sailor, Cardenas blends art and environmental advocacy with a poetic lens.
XOJ Gallery — “Object Permanence” by Mena Ganey
Mena Ganey’s “Object Permanence” explores nostalgia, identity and perception through vibrant and whimsical works. Known for her eclectic, pop-infused style, Ganey’s paintings blend neon colors, playful humor and bizarre but endearing characters to reflect on the absurdities of life and the stories we carry. Drawing on personal reflection, Ganey examines how our histories shape what we see and feel, infusing each piece with a mix of charm, chaos and thought-provoking detail.
Zabar Lobby Gallery — “Parallels” by Pamela Kostmayer & Jane Beck
Wood and glass meet in “Parallels,” a poetic conversation between material and form. Pamela Kostmayer’s sculptures, crafted from Dade County pine, vintage wood and metal, mark a shift toward dynamic, three-dimensional works that invite exploration from all angles. Jane Beck’s fused glass creations celebrate light, texture and transformation. Together, the two artists highlight intriguing intersections in their processes, offering viewers a captivating dialogue of craft and creativity.
