Dimensional Art Steals Spotlight With Gallery-Opening Auction

Carlos Gonzalez

It wasn't like Serafin Debesa just woke up one day and decided he would risk everything and leave the corporate world behind.

"I had been feeling like something was missing for years," said Debesa over a Cuban coffee, surrounded by several of his thousands of pieces in the soon-to-be-opened Dimensional Art Gallery in Brickell. "Art has been important to me most of my life, and I felt there was something I could contribute."

So Debesa decided to leave his cushy job as operations manager for Majesty Cruise Line and devote everything to art. It couldn't be more difficult than coming to Miami from Cuba as a 1-year-old with his father, who was involved with the government of deposed President Batista. He began experimenting with different techniques.

"I knew I had an intention and direction," said Debesa. "The first thing you want to be assured of as an artist is that your work is unique, but still inspired by art and the beauty around you."

After about nine years and an incredible 2400 pieces, Debesa has come to identify himself as a "Miami dimensional artist." Its important for him, he says, to honor Miami, his adopted home and a place he has so much passion for. He defines dimensional art as having several layers. It's not just depth in the frame, but depth in the meaning and symbolism.
The gallery itself is a work of art, with three separate, gigantic murals on the front wall and surrounding fence. Inside, there is seldom a wall uncovered. Along with Debesa's work, artist Carlos Gonzalez' powerful paintings are on display, for sale at prices that start at several thousand dollars. His art ranges from exploration of religion to admiring the magnificence of the female body.