A new exhibition celebrating and showcasing abstract Latinx art is opening at BRIC.
Awash with bright colors and gestural lines, Latinx Abstract, opening Jan. 21, challenges the established history of abstract art in the United States, which largely excludes the contributions of Latinx artists, BRIC said in a statement.
"Distinct from Latin American abstraction, work in this mode by Latinx artists is a central, yet overlooked aspect of American painting," the statement read.
"While engaging with art historical influences that range from pre-Columbian art to modernism in Europe and the United States, the artwork in this exhibition reveals an unusually broad range of sources and influences."
The exhibition features the work of ten artists: Candida Alvarez, Karlos Carcamo, Maria Chavez, Alejandro Guzman, Glendalys Medina, Freddy Rodriguez, Fanny Sanín, Mary Valverde, Vargas-Suarez Universal and Sarah Zapata.
BRIC press representative Danellys Wong said the show provided a valuable platform to these underserved voices, but the work was compelling in its own right.
Artist Sarah Zapata uses labor-intensive processes of hand-weaving, rope-coiling and sewing to explore issues pertaining to her experience as a Peruvian American artist. Zapata's work examines the appropriation of value within processes and objects that deal with imagery of the feminine, the fetishized and the handmade, Wong said.
Other works include Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean spiritual beliefs; mathematics, astronomy, and computer science; and aspects of popular culture like graffiti and hip hop.
The exhibition will be on view Jan. 21 to May 2, both virtually and in-person at BRIC House. In-person viewing will take place during reduced hours, Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, and at reduced capacity.
Visitors are encouraged to reserve a space 48 hours in advance by contacting BRIC.
BRIC is planning public programming for the exhibition at a later date and a fully illustrated exhibition catalogue with essays in English and Spanish by BRIC Chief Curator Elizabeth Ferrer, who curated the exhibition, and art historian Joseph Wolin will be published in March.
