Ironías Del Sur

Neo-Figuration from the Collection

On View starting February 15, 2025

Ironías Del Sur: Neo-Figuration from the Collection
By Patrick Frank, Guest Curator
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

Neo-Figuration arose simultaneously in several Latin American countries in the late 1950s and early 60s. What began as a rebellion against the mural movement soon evolved into wide-ranging and irreverent personal expression with the human figure as subject. The movement persisted in succeeding decades, and the MOLAA permanent collection holds many exemplary works. Some of these express an ironic attitude or a feeling that things are not as they seem.

This exhibition, a small sample from the collection, revolves around two themes: First is portraiture and self-portraiture. Some Neo-Figurative artists look no further than the mirror in search of subjects. They channel their visages into diverse thematic statements that go beyond mere representation of a human form into wider messages about humanity.

The second major theme is political statements. Some artists have used the canvas to comment on the surrounding world, but not in an optimistic or idealizing way. Rather, the artists show that they are fully aware of the subtleties and contradictions of a given situation. Rather than expressing hope for positive change, they convey sarcasm or weariness.

Irony in art is valuable because it starts with a recognition that sometimes the world we inhabit does not match our hopes or ideals. At its best, irony is a tonic, helping us to confront our complex world with a knowing smile.

ARTISTS