Welcome to the vibrant world of Latin American art in the heart of New York City. In this article, we will delve into the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) and its mission to bring the rich and diverse artistic practices from south of the US border to the attention of New Yorkers and beyond. Join us as we explore the impressive new building in Tribeca, the exhibitions that showcase the effects of colonialism and resource extraction, and the efforts to highlight the diversity of Latin American art. Get ready to be captivated by the artistic journey that awaits!
The Institute for Studies on Latin American Art: Filling the Gap
Discover how the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) is addressing the limited representation of Latin American art in New York City's museums.
Latin American art is a vibrant and integral part of New York City's cultural landscape. However, the representation of Latin American art in local museums has been relatively limited, despite the significant presence of the Latino community in the city. This is where the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) steps in, aiming to fill this gap and bring a diverse range of artistic practices from south of the US border to the forefront.
Founded in 2011 by Argentine entrepreneur and collector Ariel Aisiks, ISLAA has been actively loaning works for exhibitions and funding research projects at academic institutions. Its recent opening of an impressive new building in Tribeca marks a significant milestone in its mission to showcase and promote Latin American art in New York City and beyond.
Exploring the New ISLAA Building in Tribeca
Take a closer look at the newly opened building of the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) in Tribeca, New York's fast-growing art district.
The Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) has found its new home in the bustling art district of Tribeca. The spacious galleries and archives, inaugurated on October 27, provide an ideal setting to showcase the rich artistic heritage of Latin America. Designed by Matthew Ransom and Brad Isnard of Overhead Architecture, the renovated 1910 cast-iron warehouse offers a stripped-back design that allows the artwork to take center stage.
During the opening weekend, the ISLAA building welcomed over 3,000 visitors who were captivated by two exhibitions highlighting the ways Latin American artists have responded to colonialism and resource extraction. The diverse range of works spanning nearly a century of artistic production is densely hung, creating an immersive experience for art enthusiasts.
ISLAA's Mission: Highlighting Diversity in Latin American Art
Learn about the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art's (ISLAA) mission to showcase the diversity of Latin American art and challenge existing narratives in New York City.
While Latin American art has gained attention for its geometric abstraction, ISLAA aims to go beyond this narrow focus. Chief curator Bernardo Mosqueira emphasizes the importance of highlighting the diversity of Latin American art and complicating existing narratives in New York City. The exhibition program at ISLAA is designed to offer a more comprehensive and diverse sample of work rarely exhibited in the US.
ISLAA's commitment to showcasing underrepresented artists is evident in exhibitions like 'Eros Rising' and 'The Precious Life of a Liquid Heart'. These exhibitions feature artists from remote stretches of the Peruvian and Ecuadorean Amazon, as well as indigenous artists from Peru. By amplifying the voices of these artists, ISLAA challenges the scarcity of opportunities and resources often faced by Latin American artists.
