The Portfolio Review Series Online:
Filled with dark, historical, and mythological creatures of the wetlands and the deep seas, Abdiel Acosta’s work reminds us of the aesthetics of Medieval prints. His fantastic constructions that often seem to coexist with elements from our civilization, such as bridges and highways, are part of his poetic explorations on human nature and behavior.
Raised in Miami, Florida, Acosta has been interested in arts from an early age. After graduating from New World School of Arts (Miami, FL, 1993), he received a BFA in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore, MD, 1996) and a M.Sc. in Art Education from Florida International University (Miami, FL, 2016).
Acosta’s work has been vastly exhibited nationally, in venues that include: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum; The Coral Gables Museum; Little Haiti Cultural Center; South Florida Art Center; New World School of the Arts; Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, University of Connecticut; San Carlos Museum; and Maryland Institute College of Art; among others. He has appeared in publications such as the Mystic River Press; Generation N; El Nuevo Herald; The Herald (Arts and Entertaining Section); City Link (Art Issue); and Caliban Online.
Among his many awards and recognitions are 2nd Place, Drawing and Graphics, Beaux Art Festival (Miami, FL, 2019); UGS Provost Award for Outstanding Creative Project, FIU & First Place, Printmaking and Drawing, Coconut Grove Art Fair (Miami, FL, 2016); Best of Show Award, FAEA Virtual Exhibition (2013); Best in Show, Where Gardens Fall ‘AT’ Show, Dade Art Educators Association (Miami FL, 2011); Honorable Mention, 17th Annual Art Exhibition, The Education Fund (Miami FL, 2010); Award of Distinction (2007); Honorable Mention (2006); and Best of Show Award (2005), Dade Art Educators Association Annual Spring Show, South Florida Art Center (Miami Beach, FL).
Acosta is a full-time teacher with Miami Dade County Public Schools since 2005 and has been a core faculty teacher for Arts for Learning since 2011.
My narratives live in a sea of ink, which has dried and taken form with the help of an acutely sharp pointed blade. It is my response to an ever-changing world. These animals or grouping of are the personifications of my travels and my experiences. They carry cultural and emotional associations beyond their literal meaning or denotations. – Abdiel Acosta