In a new art exhibition titled “Something to Declare,” the Latin American artist’s desire to say, “We are here,” informs a vivid showcase of 20 artists from all over the Eastern United States. The display is on view through March 20 at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Atlanta artist Carlos Solis curated the exhibition, and joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom along with the museum’s curator, Madeline Beck, introducing the show’s themes of Latin American being and representing in the U.S. art world.
In 2008, Solis founded the contemporary Latin American artists collective Contrapunto, or, “Counterpoint,” after moving to Atlanta from Chicago. “When I started visiting galleries and museums, I noticed a lack of Latin-American art. I don’t know, I just felt the urge. It’s like a call, telling me we need to do something about it,” said Solis.
His collective now comprises six artists from Latin American countries, including Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Solis’ own home country of Venezuela, with the goal of changing stereotypes and encouraging appreciation of the art traditions and innovations of those diverse communities.
“The portrayal of being an artist or a Latino in the States basically comes from the media, and when you watch TV, especially back in the nineties, it wasn’t too positive – let’s put it that way,” said Solis. “Based on my experience here, moving to Georgia, talking to people, especially people within the business, within the art world, you realize how bad it is. That motivates me even more to have this group to promote Latin American art because I believe art is a good way to create bridges and connect with people in a positive way.”
All of the Contrapunto collective’s members have contributed works to “Something to Declare,” and Solis sourced other contributors from all over the United States, all of them Latin American and with works engaged in the expression of cultural identity.
