Oscar Esteban Martinez- ‘La Herencia Viva’

What inspired the concept behind “La Herencia Viva”?

Human beings have always been my main source of inspiration. Our diversity and complexity may make us appear very different, but at our core, we are all alike. Years ago, I created a painting titled *Todos Somos Uno* (We Are All One), a face composed of five fragments from people of different ethnicities. When I read the Lincoln Road Call to Artists, I immediately thought of that idea. I had visited Lincoln Road before, and I saw many similarities: people from different countries, cultures, and beliefs sharing a single space.

That’s how the idea was born—to create a large human face composed of puzzle-like segments. Each piece represents a culture, a skin tone, or a belief. Some segments protrude, symbolizing absence or ongoing construction. Others appear to be finding their place. The mirrored acrylic segments physically and symbolically include viewers in this collective creation. *La Herencia Viva* is a visual metaphor for coexistence, migration, and the journey of adapting to a new reality without losing one’s identity.

How does this piece reflect your personal connection to culture or identity?

I am an immigrant in this great country—someone who arrived pursuing a dream and now seeks to contribute to the culture through art. Like many others, I’ve had to adapt to the new culture without losing my own. This work comes from that personal journey: it merges who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming. *La Herencia Viva* reflects that process and invites us all to build a better future through respect and diversity.

Why was it important for you to use mirrored acrylic in some of the segments?

The mirrors allow people to see themselves reflected in the artwork. It’s a way of making viewers part of the sculpture—not just visually, but conceptually. I hope the reflection encourages a moment of empathy, inviting people to consider that we are all human beings and all deserve respect and opportunity, even if we look or think differently.

How do you hope people feel or respond when they interact with the work?

I hope *La Herencia Viva* builds an emotional connection with the Lincoln Road public. That the message of inclusion, representation, and diversity is well received. That when people see their reflection, they feel part of something larger—a collective identity where differences don’t divide us but enrich us.

What does it mean to you to have this work installed on Lincoln Road, in the heart of Miami Beach?

It’s a tremendous honor and a dream come true. Since my first visit to Lincoln Road, where I saw large-scale sculptures integrated into the urban space, I dreamed of exhibiting my work there. This opportunity means much more than visibility—it’s a chance to connect with a global, diverse audience in one of Miami’s most symbolic public spaces.

Can you share the story of the first time you came to Lincoln Road?

I first visited Lincoln Road on Halloween night. It was my first time there, and I found it magical—not just because of the costumes and celebration, but also for the music, the energy, and the cultural diversity. People from all over the world were joyfully sharing the space. I was impressed by the gastronomic diversity, art galleries, high-end stores, and at the end, a monumental sculpture of a woman gazing toward the sea. It was an unforgettable moment that reminded me of my hometown in Colombia during carnival season.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your artistic process or the message of this piece?

I’ve been making art my whole life—first in my home country, and now here in Miami. Having my work exhibited in such an important public space is a huge joy. Knowing that my sculpture will be seen and enjoyed by people from all over the world, and that its message will resonate far and wide, is the greatest reward an artist can receive.