People of color do not always get to see their histories and works in museums. While in recent years we’ve seen more inclusion, particularly for Latino communities, these institutions still have a long way to go to reach true parity.
In 2017, the Getty Foundation funded an ambitious project to showcase Latino and Latin American exhibitions in California. Titled Pacific Standard Time: L.A./L.A., the 43 exhibitions were a far-reaching look at the relationship between Latin American and Latino art with Los Angeles. The following year, we saw more representation for these communities in the art world. And 2019, has also seen some great exhibitions dedicated to our communities.
The year is not yet over, and there are still some exciting exhibitions to check out in 2019. Below, here are seven exhibitions dedicated to Latino and Latin American art and culture that should be on your radar.
1
Culture and The People: El Museo del Barrio, 1969-2019
Where: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10029
When: June 11 to September 29, 2019
Cost: $9 suggested adult admission
Earlier this year, the Museo del Barrio marked its 50th anniversary with the first part of the Culture and The People exhibition. The second half of the collection will delve even deeper into the moments that made an impact in the museum’s history. With a mix of archival photographs, posters, exhibition catalogues, and more, visitors will learn more of the what’s shaped the museum. While 50 years is an important milestone, it’s important to note that the museum has been embroiled controversy, as some have said it has strayed from its mission. Some have even pulled their works from this exhibition.
Learn more here.
2
Young Latinx Artists 24. BUEN VIVIR/VIVIR BIEN
Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701
When: June 21 to August 25, 2019
Cost: $7 for adults
For the 24th edition of the Young Latinx Artists exhibition, the idea of buen vivir is explored. This means looking at how climate change, legacies of colonization, immigration, and racism stands in the way of people living well. Several social movements use the idea of buen vivir to tackle inequalities. This exhibition includes art from Mauricio Ortega Cortes, Fernando Poyon, Alva Mooses, Dalton Paula, Angel Poyon, and more.
Learn more here.
3
Camina el Autor: The Iconography of Felipe Huamán Poma de Ayala, Peruvian/Quechuan Chronicler
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
When: July 19 to December 31, 2019
Cost: $6 for adults
Exploring the work of chronicler Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, this exhibition looks at the history of Indigenous Peruvians during colonization. The exhibition will include talks and lectures, as well as book readings.
Learn more here.
4
Mayan Traje: A Tradition in Transition
Where: San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, 520 S. 1st St., San Jose, California 9511
When: July 21 to October 13, 2019
Cost: $8 general admission
From village to village, Maya communities in Guatemala produce distinct patterns. But the approach to weaving has changed in recent years, and this exhibition will explore some of the reasons.
Learn more here.
5
Los Carpinteros
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC
When: October 10, 2019 to January 26, 2020
Cost: $12 for ticketed exhibitions
Cuban collective Los Carpinteros – Marco Catillo and Dagoberto Rodríguez – is known for mixing architecture, design, drawing, and sculpture. This is Los Carpinteros’ last project as the duo split up summer 2018. (Alexandre Arrechea was formerly in the group but left in 2003.)
Learn more here.
6
Beatriz González: A Retrospective
Where: The Musem of Fine Arts, Houston, Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas, 77005
When: October 27, 2019 to January 20, 2020
Cost: $17 for general admission
At the first large-scale retrospective in the United States of Beatriz González’s work, you can see more than 100 works from her career. Beatriz is one of the female artists from the “radical women” generation from Latin America, but her work remains largely unknown in the United States.
Learn more here.
7
Arte del mar: Artistic Exchange in the Caribbean
Where: The Met, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10028
When: December 16, 2019 to January 10, 2021
Cost: New York residents pay what they wish
Arte del mar looks at the artistic exchange between Taíno civilizations. The pieces on view pay tribute to Taínos traditions, as well as how their legacy matters in contemporary Afro-Caribbean art.
Learn more here.