We are proud to present the first of what we plan to be an annual exhibition. 

 

Perspectivas provides a broad overview of art created throughout Latin America. Included are some of the artists who helped to define the Modern period of art in the region as well as some of the contemporary artists who, drawing on the unique and rich artistic tradition of the region, forge their own path, sharing their own perspective. 

Curators Statement

This inaugural show of Latin American Art presented at Noel-Baza Fine Art is an exploration of contemporary, primarily figurative art work shown alongside paintings, prints and drawings by renowned masters who worked in Mexico and beyond during the 20th century.

Works selected for the exhibition discuss the space, place and time in which the artist was living and working.  While the premise of Perspectivas/Perspectives is to compare and contrast Latin American Masters with their contemporary counterparts, the exploration of the nature of humanity persists.

Artists Pablo Esteban O'Higgins and Alfredo Ramos Martinez were fascinated with indigenous people and depicting images of working men and women.  Both men were politically motivated, seeking to capture the dignity and character of Mexico's indigenous people through through their art.  Contemporary artist, Oscar de las Flores' horror-vacui drawings depict varied historical and contemporary characters and subjects, all the while telling the story of the unending battle between societies powerless and powerful.

Hugo Crosthwaite joins the exhibition with a number of drawings, including Hombre en Carrito from his Caprichos series - a series dealing with physical shortcomings and human relationships.  In her glossy, immaculately printed images, photographer Yvonne Venegas also explores themes of humanity, focusing on issues of class, gender and personal representation. Paintings by Marianela de la Hoz juxtapose these larger format works, setting an intimate stage to discuss issues of representation and gender.

Rufino Tamayo sought to distance himself from the political-based, nationalistic themes of his contemporaries. It was his intention to re-discover what he called "the Mexican tradition" with the use of imagery, color and texture of Pre-Columbian Mexico.

While the media used by these artists is varied, each one discusses what it means to be human in his or her own way, whether it be personal as in Beto Martinez's depiction of the life cycle, Francisco Zuñiga's drawings of strength and femininity, Sergio Garval's chaotic imagery of public spaces, Jose Luis Cuevas' Neo-Figurative representation of the human condition, Gunther Gerzso's early figurative musings, or Bejnamin Canas' Neo-Humanist, surrealist painting, Autorretrto de un Afan.

We invite you to participate in this show by considering the perspectives presented by of each of the artists included in this exhibition.  It is our hope that these works will stimulate your own conversations about the time, space and place in which we live, fostering reflection and discussion.

Gretchen Van Camp

Curator, Perspectivas