"Ultrabaroque: Aspects of Post-Latin American Art"
2002-01-31 until 2002-04-28
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, ON, CA

The richness, diversity and sophistication of the artistic developments in Latin America have been universally recognized in recent years. The Art Gallery of Ontario''s presentation of Ultrabaroque: Aspects of Post-Latin American Art features works by 15 artists from six Latin American countries and explores the complexity of the contemporary art scene in this vast region. This exhibition will introduce viewers to the variety of fascinating themes in contemporary Latin American art and, among these, the importance of similarity and paradox, the notion of imperfection and irregularity, and characterized extravagance.

Ultrabaroque plays on popular concepts of Baroque while acknowledging the pervasive influence of its origins in the spirit of the art and architecture of the colonial period. The prefixes ultra and post in the exhibition''s title suggest that the roots of Baroque in Latin American art are tangled, far reaching and, by no means, a single, logical system.

Art in Latin America, as elsewhere, now stems from a multicultural and global perspective, where distinct cultural identities and specific national trends are not so easily taken for granted or even evident, says Jessica Bradley, curator of contemporary art at the AGO. This hybrid state of art crosses borders, questions the legitimacy of accepted categories and often defies expectations.

The AGO seeks to connect the visitor with new communities and cultures. Each artist in Ultrabaroque: Aspects of Post-Latin American Art speaks in his or her own language, interpreting aspects of Latin American culture for an audience not yet familiar with its complex variety. The Contemporary Department at the AGO is planning rich educational programming around this exciting exhibition, including panel discussions with artists in the show, lectures, walking tours and a possible film series.

Participating Artists:
Miguel Calderón
María Fernanda Cardoso
Rochelle Costi
Arturo Duclos
José Antonio Hernández-Diez
Yishai Jusidman
Inigo Manglano-Ovalle
Lia Menna Barreto
Franco Mondini Ruiz
Rubén Ortiz Torres
Nuno Ramos
Valeska Soares
Einar and Jamex de la Torre
Meyer Vaisman
Adriana Varejao

The exhibition was organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. The exhibition will be hosted at two additional venues before concluding its tour: Miami Art Museum June 20 - August 24, 2002, and the Walker Art Center October 13, 2002 - January 5, 2003.
Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Canada

Other Important Exhibitions in Toronto