: On December 3, a pioneering exhibition of Latin American
portraiture will premiere at El Museo del Barrio.
Reflecting the diversity of cultures and common influences
represented in Latin American and Latino art, "Retratos: 20,000
Years of Latin American Portraits" is the first comprehensive
exhibition of Latin American portraits, bringing many significant
works to the United States for the first time.
The exhibition will feature approximately 125 paintings and
sculptures representing more than 15 countries in Latin America
as well as the United States. Culled from the holdings of leading
museums, the exhibition will also draw from private collections
in Latin America.
Among the artists represented in the exhibition will be Frida
Kahlo (Mexican), Jose Campeche (Puerto Rican), Diego Rivera
(Mexican), Fernando Botero (Colombian), Jose Gil de Castro
(Peruvian), David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexican), Rufino Tamayo
(Mexican), Lasar Segall (Lithuanian-born Brazilian), Oswaldo
Guayasamin (Ecuadorian) and Armando Reveron (Venezuelan).
The exhibition is the centerpiece of a major project that will
allow visitors to explore the geography and cultures of Latin
America. Supported by committees of Latino leadership and a team
of scholarly advisors, it will be accompanied by innovative
education programs including guided tours, hands-on and educator
workshops, family days and a symposium on March 12 at El Museo
del Barrio.
Following its debut at El Museo del Barrio, "Retratos" will
continue on a two-year national tour, making stops in San Diego,
Miami, Washington, D.C., and San Antonio.
The museum is in the Heckscher Building, 1230 Fifth Avenue. For
information, 212-831-72727.
