When advertising executive Manny Machado downsized from a much-larger apartment to his current Brickell residence, he worried there wouldn’t be enough wall space for his art collection, a sophisticated mix of artists in various stages of their careers from all around the world. But trusted friends and acquaintances who have seen both setups insist that’s not the case. At his new condo (by no means a small space at 2,600 square feet), the textured paintings he’s culled over the years seem more “at home” and less “gallery-like” than before when they had, perhaps, too much room to breathe.
“They do feel more personal in this place for sure,” says Machado. “I certainly enjoy them more.”
Not surprisingly, the collection’s new essence mirrors Machado’s own transformation. After recovering from heart surgery complications that left him in a coma for months, he resolved to live more intentionally and enjoy moments both big and small, like waking up to three paintings by his favorite artist, José Bedia, every day. Another collector might have placed pieces by such a coveted artist in a less private space, but Machado wanted them in his bedroom where he could look at them daily.
“My collection is a reflection of my life in many ways, and it has been curated to parallel my life circumstances,” says Machado. “I still own my very first purchase, a piece by Silvio Gayton titled Lady Sings the Blues, which I paid for in installments. All these artworks have a story … they have romance and energy. I like having them around me.”
Anecdotes like these are par for the course once Machado begins to talk about his art. In his home office, another oil on canvas by Bedia titled Su Primera Batalla (His First Battle) depicting a bright red rocking horse with a tiny warrior on its back is of particular importance: “It reminds me of my life, in which I’m always striving for balance,” says Machado. “I purchased it after my recovery because the theme and the title completely resonated with me.”
Regarding a Manuel Mendive canvas dealing with voodoo and Santeria in his living room: “It’s a divine piece that speaks to the artist’s Afro-Cuban heritage,” he says. “It shows his devotion and his desire to show the world he sees.”
While Machado’s collection is not exclusive to any one nationality, the selections clearly show his predilection for works by Cuban and Cuban American artists. “When I started collecting, I did focus on Cuban art and perhaps that was a way of connecting with my roots,” he says. “As time passed, my tastes evolved and now my selections are from all over the world. If a piece speaks to me and I want it, I buy it.”
Case in point: The 30 small-format paintings and drawings from little-known South African artists that adorn the wall adjacent to the kitchen. These were once part of a larger group that he and a friend purchased for charity during a safari trip. Once back home, they got together and each selected his favorites. Machado opted to keep his together in an assemblage and create a gallery wall. “I like the one that has an outer space connotation,” he says. “It reminded me of how much I loved science fiction as a kid.”
While his exhibition space at home appears all taken, Machado doesn’t discount future acquisitions. “How great would it be to have art on rotation and change it throughout the year,” he says with a sly smile. “Trust me, if the right piece catches my eye, I will make room for it.”
Story Credits:
Text by Christopher Day
Photography by Ken Hayden
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