Southern California Artist Miles Regis Shares Insights on His New Installation Inspired by Soul and Passion

Los Angeles Artist Explores Personal and Social Themes in New Exhibition “Soul Fire”

The latest exhibition by veteran Los Angeles artist Miles Regis, titled “Soul Fire,” raises thought-provoking questions amid the backdrop of contemporary challenges. Open until January 11 at the Von Lintel Gallery, the installation draws upon deeply personal experiences as well as broader societal issues.

Regis, 58, intentionally chose the word “fire” for his exhibition, aware of its potential impact. “The fire is how we started our year in January in Los Angeles,” he explained. “I wanted to use the word fire in the title since it’s a way to be reflective. We can see what we’ve been through.”

The Trinidad native’s artwork reflects not just on the devastating wildfires experienced in the region but also offers a profound exploration of personal loss and community resilience. “I wanted to do something that would be soothing and offer an escape but be grounded in reality,” Regis said. “I wanted to create a hopeful atmosphere for art lovers. We’re going through so much during this difficult time. I wanted to speak about what’s happening in my life, regarding family and also provide commentary.”

His work is particularly influenced by the recent passing of his father at the age of 90. Having returned to Trinidad for the first time in over 30 years for his father’s funeral, Regis described the experience as transformative. “That experience made me appreciate all that I have in this bizarre way. It impacted my work. I really wanted to capture that sense of familial loss and pay tribute to my ancestry,” he shared. “Burying my father’s ashes, just myself and my mother, changed my life.”

Regis also draws inspiration from his children, son Djimon, 22, and daughter Zion, 19, whose vibrant lives and influences feature prominently within the exhibition. “The ‘Soul’ piece was inspired by my son. It’s captivating,” he noted. He further elaborated that his daughter and her girlfriend, both dance majors at Pace University, inspired the “Fire” aspect of his work. “With them, I wanted to present young love and how passionate they are,” he remarked. “The Soul and Fire paintings ask the burning question about life: what sets your soul on fire?”

Tarrah von Lintel, founder and owner of the Von Lintel Gallery, expressed her enthusiasm about showcasing Regis’s work. “To me, ‘Soul Fire’ feels like Miles’s most heartfelt and personal work yet,” she stated. “While he continues to speak to today’s world with messages of love and unity, the presence of his children’s portraits makes the whole experience even more tender and deeply connected to family and legacy.”

Regis’s artworks also reflect pressing political and cultural issues. “Some of the themes are from immigration and cancel culture,” he revealed. He highlighted ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S., contrasting the current landscape with his own experiences upon arriving in Los Angeles.

The poignant piece “Will You Hide Me?” addresses themes of fear and desperation surrounding immigration. “When Tarrah first saw ‘Will You Hide Me?’ she burst into tears,” Regis recalled. “This painting asks a big question, but the entire show asks a lot of questions. What’s happening socially? Where do you stand?”

As Regis observes, art has historically played a role in reflecting societal turmoil. “I absolutely agree that art makes a massive difference,” he said. “What I try to provide through art is a sense of healing and work that makes you think about a subject. Hopefully, the pain we’re experiencing can be soothed through art.”

As a proud Los Angeleno, Regis sees the city as integral to his artistic narrative. “Los Angeles is such a part of my story,” he stated. “It’s always a central character in my work. Someone said that it’s as if I rip the headlines from the newspaper when they experience my work. My work is a means to unite us all in hope, love, and community.”