“Curly Sue Found Dead (2016) reworks the male-dominated narrative of organized crime in America by creating the story of one woman: Susanna Crespo a.k.a Curly Sue. She thrives in 1980s Miami, the height of cocaine trafficking and the Miami Drug Wars. While exploring the glamorization of “the gangster” through pop culture, the narrative branding of props and evidence brings this character to life. She is the confident, fiery owner of The Pink Palms, a popular hip hop/Latin club in Miami Beach, Florida. Her involvement in the corrupt entertainment and nightlife scene attracts high profile guests, and her growing success increases tensions with opposing families in the cocaine business. After a job gone wrong, going up against the notorious Griselda Blanco leads to her demise” (text by Arias).

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Natalia Arias is a multifaceted artist and designer from Miami, Florida. She received her BFA in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art, where she also strongly focused on Illustration and Video/Film Arts. With a passion for creative direction and exploring nostalgia, she dedicates herself to music, film, and pop culture while emphasizing strong ties to diversity in the entertainment industry within her work. She is currently living in Baltimore, MD and working as a Senior Graphic Designer for Jean Hill Studios, a full-service impact media firm specializing in film, design, photography, and social impact events. Check out her website for more of her innovative and exciting work in design, art, and film!

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