RUN, RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND
Digital print on fabric
8 x 10 feet / 244 x 305 cm
2023
"Run, Run, Run Like the Wind" is a public artwork comprising nine large-scale, brilliantly-hued flags prominently displayed outdoors. Each flag features lyrics from Latin American protest songs of the 1960s and 70s, including Victor Jara's "El Aparecido" and Violeta Parra's "Run run se fue pa'l norte," telling the story of migration and the emotional tug-of-war between leaving the known behind for an uncertain future. The figures on the banners are in motion, carrying luggage and running toward an unknown destination, with wings adorning their ankles in homage to the Greek god Hermes, patron of travelers.
Every banner boasts a unique phrase referencing songs, idioms, and the experiences of refugees, with Haitian Creole included to reflect the demographics of immigrants in Miami and South Florida. As the banners sway in the wind, "Run, Run, Run Like the Wind" becomes a powerful symbol of movement, hope, fear, and everything in between, evoking the experiences of people seeking new homes and the power of the human spirit in the face of change.
EXHIBITIONS
RUN, RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND
41st Street, Miami Beach, FL
Dec 4, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
The City of Miami Beach proudly presents “Run, Run, Run Like The Wind,” a temporary installation by Miami-based artist Edison Peñafiel. “Run, Run, Run Like The Wind” unfurls its vibrant narrative across nine expansive flags, a captivating public artwork displayed prominently outdoors. Each flag, a canvas of brilliant hues, bears poignant lyrics from Latin American protest songs of the 1960s and 70s—Victor Jara’s “El Aparecido” and Violeta Parra’s “Run run se fue pa’l norte.” These lyrical tapestries intricately weave the emotional odyssey of migration, encapsulating the tension between departing the familiar and embracing an uncertain destiny.
The figures depicted on the banners are in perpetual motion, carrying luggage and sprinting toward enigmatic destinations. Adorning their ankles are wings, a homage to the Greek god Hermes, protector of travelers. Every banner boasts a unique phrase, drawing from songs, idioms, and the experiences of refugees. Haitian Creole is seamlessly integrated, reflecting the diverse immigrant demographics of Miami and South Florida. As the banners dance in the wind, “Run, Run, Run Like The Wind” emerges as a profound symbol of movement, encapsulating hope, fear, and the myriad emotions tied to seeking a new home. The collection originally debuted at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, as part of the Museum’s “Arts on the Plaza” exhibition. The work has been adapted for its presentation in Miami Beach, building upon the city’s rich diversity and history."
Photos by Zaire Aranguren
RUN, RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND
Curated by Adeze Wilford
Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, FL
Mar 13 - May 21, 2023
Miami-based artist Edison Peñafiel’s nine large-scale, fantastically-colored banners use lyrics from Latin American protest songs from the 1960s and 70s including Victor Jara’s “El Aparecido” and “Run run se fue pa’l norte” by Violeta Parra, to activate MOCA’s Plaza.
This installation tells a story of migration, and the push and pull of leaving behind what’s known for a new, uncertain future. The figures on the banners are carrying luggage or are on the move, running to a new destination. And at their ankles are wings, invoking the ancient Greek god Hermes, who is known as a protector of travelers.
The banners also feature different phrases that reference songs, idioms, and the experiences of refugees. And as a way to connect with and represent the demographics of immigrants in Miami and South Florida, the artist has expanded the language on these flags to include Haitian Creole. As these flags move through the wind, they tell a story of people’s movements from one home to a new one and the experiences of that motion including hope, fear and all that is in between.