the flower bombs - arlene delgado and diamari torres

To be fair, Arlene Delgado and Diamari Torres aren't actual graffiti artists. Sure, there is a guerrilla nature to their wheat-pasted posters, but instead of marring a building façade, they use their artfully designed messages to place affirmations all over the Wynwood Art District. The content, dubbed Flower Bombs, isn't from Chicken Soup For Anyone's Soul, but comes from classic tarot texts, flirting with the idea that experience can always be gleaned from the hand someone is dealt. In fact, the 20-somethings both hope that others will take their posters, which are available for download, and spread the message in their own neighborhoods.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

But aside this uplifting project — which the ladies hope will eventually debut in other mediums — Arlene and Diamari have a very Miami belief: The future, for both of them, is in good design. Arlene attended arts school and Diamari, true to their viral message, majored in marketing and communications. For these bloggers-turned-photographers-turned-writers, this explosive project is one of the reasons why we love the fiery spirit of Wynwood so much. The gals let us into their art, Flower Bombs, and explain what they love about Miami.

As members of the creative community, what do you like about Miami? What is a challenge?

"What we love most about Miami is the rapidly expanding art community, especially in the Wynwood Art District (which is now expanding to Little Haiti). It is truly an outdoor gallery. What is challenging, yet inspiring, is the abundance of amazing artists and ideas. It may seem hard to stand out in a sea of talented artists, but at the end of the day, the goal of our project is to affect individuals, not gain recognition. Although, recognition is nice... It helps spread the message."

Do you think it's harder or easier being a young artist in Miami? Do you think the city is nurturing?
"Miami is a great place for young artist because it has no limits. Whether you're a street artist or fine artist or whatever you identify yourself as, there is a place for you here. Also, the city doesn't seem to mind all of the new forms of artistic beauty. It seems that art projects are springing up everywhere — from Downtown to the suburbs. Sometimes you see painted murals on business walls. We would like to believe that people in Miami are falling in love with the art that is emerging throughout the city."

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs

What is your favorite place to eat? Shop? How do you experience Miami Culture?

Arlene: "Right now, I'm obsessed with Pubbelly, a new Asian-inspired gastro-pub in South Beach. My favorite place to shop right now is Lincoln Road Mall, because it has some great sidewalk cafes and unique shops, and I'm really into AllSaints Spitalfields. Cafeina in Wynwood is an eclectic place for a drink; It's a joint lounge, gallery and tapas-style restaurant, so I can get all of my fixes in one place!"

Diamari: "I love to eat anywhere on Lincoln Road. Spris has delicious brick-oven pizzas along with Italian beer, which together create perfection. I also enjoy Sushi Siam with the fusion of Thai and Japanese. And after dinner, gelato at Gelateria Parmalat is refreshing and delicious. As for shopping, I'm an online shopper. I love to scan things on Fab.com. As for bars, Miami has so many great spots — but I, personally, love going to Mercadito in the Design District; They make the most delicious mojitos and have such a vast array of tequila to make a margarita exactly how you like it."

Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs

What defines good design to you?

Arlene: "Simplicity, minimalism, good typography, and a solid concept."

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Diamari: "Impact, cleanliness, and overall, it should make you think."

Why do you cover your face? Is it part of the message, or just an aesthetic choice?

"The reason we cover our faces is because we don't want to be the sole artists identified with the Flower Bombs project. We want other people to take part in it as well, so it's not so much us hiding our identities as much as it is a representation of the fact that anyone can be the face behind the mask. Any one can be a 'Flower Bomber.'"

Photos: Courtesy of Flower Bombs

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT