Since 2005, the Juan Carlos Maldonado Art Collection (JCMAC) has revolved around one central theme: one that is configured by a sizable group of abstract-geometric artists from across the entire region, in addition to many artists who, while not abstract in nature, construct their works based on geometrically organized structures. Since 2016, in addition, with the opening of its exhibition space in the Miami Design District, the JCMAC has also been committed to the organization of exhibits that enable an open dialogue between the diverse artistic traditions of Latin America, Europe and the United States, with the purpose of fostering a broader understanding of the part that Latin American artists have played and still do in the development of a plural Western art, aware of the richness afforded by its ethnical and cultural diversity.
With this exhibit, Signs, Abstractions and Metaphors: Latin American Art at the JCMAC, curated by Ariel Jimenez we give continuity to the exhibition project, engaging in a dialogue between the works of abstract-geometrical and concrete artists such as Lygia Clark and Toms Maldonado, and those of artists who, while bordering abstraction, or even clearly abstract in nature, such as Julio Alpuy, Martn Blaszko and Csar Pasternosto, still bestow their works with a metaphorical and/or symbolic dimension that they consider to be essential. It is also an opportunity to discuss concepts that are not always well-comprehended, such as the difference between geometric abstraction and concrete abstraction, or between works that, while geometric, can work in a radically different manner; some with the plastic autonomy sought by the concrete artist, and others integrating a metaphoric dimension that many Latin American artists consider to be fundamental in maintaining the ties that bind them to the history of the continent.
Curator
Ariel Jiménez
Artists
ABEND Harry, ALPUY Julio, APRIJASKIS Regina, BLASZKO Martin, BRIZZI Ary, CARRENO Mario, CLARK Lygia, CRESPIN Elias, FERRARI Len, FREIRE Maria, GEGO, HAKIHIIWE Sheroanawe, IOMMI Enio, KOSICE Gyula, LAUAND Judith, LEUFERT Gerd, MALDONADO Tomas, MATTO Francisco, MELE Juan, MICHELENA Andrs, NEGRET Edgar, OITICICA Helio, OLANDE Gaston, OTERO Alejandro, PAPE Lygia, PATERNOSTO Cesar, RAMIREZ VILLAMIZAR Eduardo SCHENDEL Mira and SOTO Jess.
Photo: Regina Aprijakis, Negro, blanco, rojo y verde, 1996 (detail)
