On May 30, the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition opened and is now on display at the Orlando Museum of Art. OMA chief curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon and associate curator Katherine Page assembled this 12th year’s exhibit. The curatorial team traveled all over the state of Florida to find the artists whose works make up the exhibition.

Katherine Page (left) and Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon curated the 2026 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. (JOSHUA-PAUL ESTABALAYA)

The display not only showcases the 10 exhibits created by 12 artists (including, for the first time, two duos) but also serves as a competition: The grand prize of $20,000 is awarded to the artist picked by an invited juror. The 2026 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art was awarded to Francisco Masó for his artwork titled “The Coronation of Gladiolus.” 

“I am more than excited. This is fantastic,” Masó said. “I want to give thanks to the museum — all the people who helped me to bring my proposal to life.” 

Co-curator of the exhibit Katherine Page has been with the Orlando Museum of Art since December and was excited at the prospect of being a part of the creative process of the show. “It was one of those things that with taking this position, I knew I would be a part of,” Page said. “I enjoyed the exhibition since I’ve been in town, and so, to be on the other side of it this time, not just to be the appreciator but to also help tell those stories is, been very important to me.” 

Katherine Page, associate curator, stands beside Ema Ri’s “This Way!” at the 12th Florida Prize exhibition. (JOSHUA-PAUL ESTABALAYA)

The artists detailed where, how and when inspiration might have struck when making the pieces they presented. Whether through photography, sculptures, paintings, videos and even balloons, these artists all had stories to tell.

One of those artists, Charo Oquet, showcased her piece “I Am Here: Fragments, Trances, and Improvised Architectures.” She was struck by Rara and Gaga festivals she had seen that invoked the vibrant colors in her artwork. She had traveled to Vodou temples where she encountered the Potomitan, which she explained is a pole that functions as a bridge between Heaven and Earth.

“You know, for me, that centerpiece, that sort of connection, going up, is very important. For me, color is energy,” Oquet said. “I want to attract you. I want to pull you in, but I want you to not think of it as a carnival, but to go beyond that, you know? Go further, deeper into what are the meanings in here, rather than just the basics.”

Charo Oquet’s towering “I Am Here: Fragments, Trances, and Improvised Architectures” at the Orlando Museum of Art. (JOSHUA-PAUL ESTABALAYA)

There will be a people’s choice award of $5,000 awarded at the closing ceremony on Aug. 20. This exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art concludes Aug. 23.