We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ombretta Agro Andruff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ombretta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you start by taking some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an Italian-born freelance curator and devoted ocean advocate. My professional journey has unfolded across vibrant locations: New York City, my residence for 15 years; Miami, my home for the past decade; and Turin, Italy, where I’ve increasingly spent time since late 2022.
Central to my curatorial career is an independent approach, which has propelled me to traverse the globe in collaborations with artists, galleries, and institutions. These ventures, though often arduous, have been wellsprings of knowledge, honing my versatility in adapting to varied work environments and partnering with diverse stakeholders.
My projects and exhibitions encompass a diverse range of mediums, transgressing the ever-blurring lines between visual art, sound, dance, architecture, and design. Each endeavor explores the exhibition’s thematic focus from multifaceted viewpoints and contexts.
Beyond my curatorial pursuits, my heart is drawn to aquatic realms—I am an avid swimmer, diver, and kiteboarder. My immersion in Miami’s coastal environment kindled the creation of ARTSail, a multi-faceted venture that catalyzes climate-conscious creativity. The launch of ARTSail spurred a shift in my approach, kindling an activist ethos. I now confront the specter of climate crisis and human-induced pollution not solely through curatorial channels, but also by orchestrating workshops, panel dialogues, and diverse outreach programs. These endeavors extend my reach beyond the confines of conventional art spaces, linking with audiences far and wide.
Can you share some examples of meaningful projects you’ve worked on?
Sometimes, quantifying the enduring impact of the diverse programs we orchestrate at ARTSail becomes a challenge beyond mere numbers and digits. To illustrate the significance of our efforts, I’d like to recount three poignant episodes that vividly exemplify why we are committed to our mission and why we find it both meaningful and essential:
The first remarkable tale unfurled in tandem with the Simon Faithfull – Fata Morgana exhibition, a solo display that I curated as part of our artist-in-residence initiative. This exhibit, hosted by the Atchugarry Foundation in Miami, showcased Simon Faithfull’s films and series of photos, which focused on sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Throughout the exhibition’s duration, we orchestrated guided tours for groups of science students and faculty from the University of Miami (UM) and Florida International University (FIU). The resonance of these tours lay in the students’ and faculty’s profound appreciation for witnessing “an artist’s take” on phenomena they had been approaching solely from a scientific and data-driven angle. Another resonance echoed during a panel discussion held concurrently with the C(h)oral Stories and Collective Actions exhibition at the Hollywood Art & Culture Center. During this event, Dr. Lirman, an RSMAS Associate Professor and coral expert, eloquently conveyed how collaborating with artists has magnificently enriched his ability to communicate coral science to the broader public.
Our second narrative of impact unfolds within a series of artist-led workshops specifically tailored for youth from underprivileged communities. These workshops, facilitated by artists like Beatriz Chachamovits and Linda Cheung, transpire in partnership with organizations such as Breakthrough Miami, The Motivational Edge, and Overtown Optimist Club. Here, artists and participants engage in meaningful dialogues about the marine environment’s significance and fragility, as well as the essential role of coral reefs. These hands-on workshops empower young minds to sculpt coral formations or contribute to painting expansive canvases. Once these creations are complete, they grace exhibitions like the aforementioned C(h)oral Stories show and the annual World Ocean Celebration events. Over the course of these collaborative hours, the youth’s exuberance, joy, and excitement paint a priceless tableau that touches all fortunate enough to bear witness.
Our third tale of impact revolves around a multi-generational family residing in Ft. Lauderdale. This family attended a screening and talk organized alongside the Pa-Hay-Okee: the Land of Grassy Water exhibition at ArtServe. The encounter with this exhibition served as a catalyst for their newfound enthusiasm to explore the Everglades. Witnessing the art and engaging directly with the filmmaker’s insights about the natural wonders of the Florida wetlands propelled multiple generations within the family to share and cherish their own personal encounters.
In these stories, we find the essence of our purpose – the transformational power of art to bridge disciplines, generations, and communities, making a lasting imprint that transcends mere figures and data.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Through ARTSail I aspire to take science out of labs and art outside of galleries and museums by cross-pollinating these two disciplines and their traditionally respective audiences in an effort to share fresh ideas with fresh eyes.
The driving force behind my creative journey is a deep commitment to addressing ocean-related issues and driving real change within our communities. My focus on these matters has significantly transformed my role as a cultural producer. While raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our oceans is undeniably important, I believe that true progress is achieved when awareness is translated into meaningful action.
My ultimate goal is to foster a transition from mere climate awareness to concrete climate action within communities. I’m dedicated to utilizing my creative skills to not only capture attention and spark discussions but also to motivate people to take tangible steps toward protecting our oceans and mitigating the effects of climate change.
By crafting engaging narratives, through the presentation of thought-provoking artwork, and impactful media, I aim to empower individuals to become advocates for change. Through storytelling and artistic expression, I strive to humanize the complex issues facing our oceans, making them relatable and urgent in the eyes of the public. This emotional connection is a powerful catalyst for motivating individuals to move beyond awareness and to actively participate in efforts to combat climate change.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience weaves through my daily existence.
One vivid memory stands out — the summer of 2018 marked the moment when I learned that our institutional partner, a co-founding force behind ARTSail, would be stepping away from the platform. Initially, a wave of panic swept over me as I grasped the imminent loss of the foundation that had buoyed our programs until then, a sudden disappearance of support.
However, this was swiftly replaced by a surge of excitement and potential. The realization dawned that I now held the reins entirely; my vision could unfold without the need for external validation.
Acknowledging the weight of responsibility accompanying newfound freedom, I chose to move ahead step by step, my focus fixed on the horizon. Through this, I navigated not only the challenges but also the enriching moments, charting my course along this remarkable journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artsail.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_sail/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTSailResidency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ombretta-agro-andruff-2925a614/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHt-Al0GOYHjUSQ9IRYHGxw/videos
- Other: www.ombrettaagro.com