Is there such a thing as Latin
American Art? Does it need this label in a global art world? It is, of
course, clear that there is no such thing, just as there is no African
nor European art. It would be interesting though to include Caribbean
art (which of course doesn't exist either) and talk about specific forms
of creolization in the way that Edouard Glissant means it from a global
perspective that is not just Western. If we look at different artistic
expressions in different local contexts within a geographic and
linguistic area called Latin America, the insights we get are very
interesting. It might remind us of a kaleidoscope, an ever changing,
glittering flux of perspectives on a fluid carrier medium.


Through
extensive field research involving travel in Argentina, Brazil,
Colombia, Honduras, Mexico and Peru, I have been seeking to answer these
questions and go into the Looking Glass. Those journeys have included
connecting as much as possible with locals and investigating the subject
of visual culture through them. In order to learn about local
traditions, I have explored a small portion of the Amazonas on the
border of Tres Fronteras, and stayed with an indigenous family on one of
the Islands of Lake Titicaca. Additionally, in Peru I visited the art
school in Cusco which is famous for the Cuzco School paintings. Whether
in rural settings or the urban landscapes of Latin America, my approach
has always been to be humble, to listen and learn, aware that my
perspective is that of a Western woman. The discovery of immense
cultural diversity intensely broadened my horizons. In order to develop
an understanding of Latin American art, I have realized that attempting
to describe it requires an open mind that stretches beyond any
pre-conceived Eurocentric notions. Only then it is possible to
appreciate the enormous variety of artistic expressions and contexts
throughout multiple Latin American regions.


The projects described
here reflect fifteen collaborations that were carried out, over a
period of six years involving thirty-four artists. In some cases, the
exchanges included galleries in various Latin American countries. The
themes explored were diverse and varied. They ranged from the abstract
and highly conceptual to the more tangible and material. Together, the
culminating exhibitions have each contributed to exploring essential
questions about Latin American Art. The answers, however, are far from
simple or complete. Beyond the collection gathered here, the process of
discovery continues. So far, I have only witnessed the seedlings of my
understanding beginning to emerge. During the process of trying to
better understand Latin American Art and through producing exhibitions
in Switzerland, as well as curating content in Mexico City and Brazil,
it has become clear that cultural bridges can be built through the
universal interests that inform artistic expression. These successful
projects have demonstrated enormous potential for future artistic
collaborations of all sorts. The possibilities are endless. - Andrea
Hinteregger De Mayo, 2018.


Text in English and Spanish.