Chosen Memories: Contemporary Latin American Art from the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Gift and Beyond - by Ines Katzenstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

Presents artworks by contemporary Latin American artists who, over the last four decades, have looked to history as the source material for new work. Videos, photographs, paintings and sculptures, many of which were donated to the museum by the Colecciâon Patricia Phelps de Cisneros in 2018, are presented in dialogue with one another. Organized into three thematic sections, the catalog examines how artists have investigated and reimagined histories and cultural legacies of the region, including long histories of colonialism, undervalued cultural and visual heritages, and inherited and chosen kinships.

Book Synopsis

A cross-generational look at the unique convergence of art and politics in Latin America, from Leandro Katz to Mauro Restiffe

Chosen Memories presents artworks that find their poetic and political vitality by mobilizing histories of Latin America. Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the publication presents artworks by contemporary Latin American artists who, over the last four decades, have looked to history as the source material for new work. Videos, photographs, paintings and sculptures, many of which were donated to the museum by the Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros in 2018, are presented in dialogue with one another.
Organized into three thematic sections, the catalog examines how artists have investigated and reimagined histories and cultural legacies of the region, including long histories of colonialism, undervalued cultural and visual heritages, and inherited and chosen kinships. The richly illustrated catalog features over 40 artists from different generations working across Latin America, including Armando Andrade Tudela, Firelei Báez, Laura Anderson Barbata, José Bedia, Alejandro Cesarco, Elena Damiani, Iran do Espírito Santo, Regina José Galindo, Sofía Gallisá Muriente, Mario García Torres, Sheroanawë Hakihiiwë, Leandro Katz, Gabriel Kuri, Maria Laet, David Lamelas, Suwon Lee, Anna Maria Maiolino, Gilda Mantilla, Cildo Meireles, Luis Molina Pantin, Paulo Nazareth, Las Nietas de Nonó, Claudio Perna, Gala Porras Kim, Naufus Ramírez Figueroa, Rosângela Rennó, Mauro Restiffe, José Alejandro Restrepo, Thiago Rocha Pitta, Analia Saban, Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Michael Stevenson, Adrián Villar Rojas and Las Yeguas del Apocalipsis.

Review Quotes

One of the most stirring museum collection shows I've seen in New York in a while...a kind of uneasy, ironic, reality-check melancholy.--Holland Cotter "The New York Times: Arts"

Reminds us how important it is to actively engage with history, not only as a passive observer but as an agent of transformation, working towards a future that reflects our collective values and aspirations.--Clara Maria Apostolatos "Brooklyn Rail"