Women of Counterculture at the Latin Grammys and Must-See Art Events around the World

Welcome back to GEN33! While I aim to send this out Thursday evening, sometimes life (or Grammys) get in the way, so thanks for your understanding on these occasional Friday updates. Happy Friday!

Many of you have inquired about "Las Mujeres de La Contracultura," my piece for Vogue Mexico (linked below). It explores the rise of female artists in the 'urbano' genre (which includes reggaeton, Latin trap, dembow, and Spanish R&B) and their growing prominence in spaces usually reserved for other genres (pop & hip-hop, for example) and (anglo & european) celebrities.

Indeed, if you needed further proof that top-tier fashion brands are lining up to dress Latin American stars, look no further than the recent Latin Grammys. Last night, Shakira delivered performances in outfits by Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana, while Karol G exclusively donned Balmain. Anitta turned heads in a bold Dsquared2 dress that was pretty close to a fashion mishap. Quite the lineup!

Building on this, Shakira and Karol G not only shone in their designer outfits but also celebrated significant triumphs, sharing the spotlight with Bad Bunny. Although expected, congratulations are indeed in order for them.

Following the achievements of Shakira, Karol G, and Bad Bunny, it was especially thrilling to witness 19-year-old Venezuelan artist Joaquina take home the Best New Artist award. Equally exciting was Nathy Peluso's win for the best short-form Music Video, "Estás Buenísimo," featuring Jon Kortajarena. Peluso's approach is a breath of fresh air, flipping the usual script and placing a hot male figure at the whim of her desires.

I had the privilege of seeing Nathy Peluso live a couple of years ago at the FIB and I have to say, if she is performing in your town, don't miss out! She exudes energy on stage thanks to her powerful voice and magnetic presence. Plus, her skillful ad-libbing makes each performance one of a kind.

If you want to know more about why female Latin American talent is so hot right now, do read my Karol G cover story for The Business of Fashion 500, or check it out on CNN Style (paywall-free). Along with my Vogue article, these pieces offer a wealth of industry expert insights into the impact of these groundbreaking artists.

Enough with the self-promotion. Now, let's dive into the art events you will want to attend in the coming days if these happen to be near you.

(Give this a share if you’re liking it so far!)

Must See Latin American Art Around the World

November- December 2023

Tecla Tofano: This Body of Mine at James Cohan Gallery

This Body of Mine is the first solo exhibition in the United States of the influential Latin American feminist artist Tecla Tofano. The show, running from until December 22, 2023, at James Cohan Gallery, New York, features Tofano's exceptional ceramics and drawings from the 1960s and 70s. These works, including the notable Evas al desnudo series, reveal Tofano's unique artistic approach, characterized by hand-built rough surfaces and a visual language that counters the refined geometric abstraction of her contemporaries.

Alejandro Corujeira at Cecilia Brunson Projects

Launching today, 'La luz fugaz' (Fleeting Light) is the third exclusive exhibition of works by Argentine artist Alejandro Corujeira, born in 1961. This collection showcases an array of new paintings created over the past year. With a career spanning over three decades, Corujeira has consistently revealed the poetic power of abstract art. His latest creations, characterized by their subtlety and near-translucent quality, represent a profound exploration into the essence of abstraction, embracing the ethos of 'a commitment to the barely visible.'

Recently, Cecilia Brunson Projects also hosted 'Nitsäyphä: Wichí Stories.' This exhibition featured the textile art of Claudia Alarcón and the Silät artist collective from the Wichí communities of Santa Victoria Este, Salta, Argentina. It ran until November 3rd, but you can still view it in the online viewing room 

Established in 2013 in London by Cecilia Brunson, Cecilia Brunson Projects (CBP) specializes in showcasing Latin American artists. The gallery highlights their significant contributions to global art movements, discovering underrepresented estates of Latin American artists and promoting contemporary talents.

Exploring Color: Carlos Cruz-Diez at Carbono Galeria

A Centenary Celebration: “Exploring Color: A Decade of Prints and Multiples by Carlos Cruz-Diez" at Carbono Galeria in São Paulo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the visionary artist known for his significant contributions to Op Art and kinetic art. From October 28 to December 22, 2023, the exhibition showcases 33 prints and limited-edition multiples, including screenprints, lithographs, and laser prints. Cruz-Diez's work transforms two-dimensional planes into dynamic color experiences, extending his color theories into three-dimensional, interactive art forms. The exhibition highlights his artistic evolution in the last decade (2009-2018) and invites viewers to engage deeply with the essence of color. Exhibition Dossier.

Valeria Montti Colque Represents Chile at 60th Venice Biennale

Breaking Boundaries: Swedish-Chilean artist Valeria Montti Colque will represent Chile at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024 with "Cosmonación," curated by Andrea Pacheco and managed by Carola Chacón Zuloaga. This project, housed in the Chile Pavilion, confronts traditional notions of national representation, challenging the construction of national art history and its inherited narratives. "Cosmonación" reflects on identity, nation, exile, and diaspora, positioning itself as a critique of hegemonic narratives and opening up to a globally transformative cultural perspective. Read more in Artishock.

35th São Paulo Biennial: Choreographies of the Impossible

Learn more about the exhibition and the artists of the 35th São Paulo Biennial – "Choreographies of the Impossible," the largest contemporary art biennial in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been open since September 6 and will continue until December 10, 2023.

"Choreographies of the Impossible," delves into deep philosophical and existential themes, particularly concerning time and space. Led by curators Diane Lima, Grada Kilomba, Hélio Menezes, and Manuel Borja-Villel, the exhibition challenges the traditional discourses of Western art. It features works by artists like Sidney Amaral, Diego Araúja, Laís Machado, Aline Motta, Anna Boghiguian, Edgar Calel, and Rosana Paulino, addressing themes like identity, memory, colonialism, and resistance. The Biennial becomes a platform for questioning and reinterpreting history, using art to explore complex ideas and offer new perspectives. Read the piece by Manuel Vásquez-Ortega.

Viceversa at Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (MAMBO)

The "Viceversa" exhibition at MAMBO, celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary, transcends traditional art exhibition frameworks. Curated by Eugenio Viola, it showcases over 400 works by artists from various generations, organized around the themes of Memory, Identity, and Dissonance. '

The exhibition explores the museum's collection's social and cultural roots and its unique diversity. It presents alternative perspectives on critical social issues and challenges prevailing cultural narratives. "Viceversa" represents the museum's collection as a dynamic, open process, fostering a diverse range of experiences and encouraging critical reinterpretation. Find out more.

Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte! at the Jewish Museum

Celebrating a Latin American Art Icon: "Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte!" is a landmark exhibition at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan's Upper East Side, featuring the first U.S. survey of Argentine conceptual and performance artist Marta Minujín. Known for her vibrant and eclectic Argentine flair, Minujín began her artistic journey in San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

Her talent emerged early, leading to a National Arts Foundation scholarship that took her to Paris in 1960. There, she embraced the French artistic energy and began creating her distinctive "livable sculptures" using mattresses, a style that became her signature. This exhibition celebrates Minujín's unique contributions to postwar Latin American art. Get Tickets.

FAIN - Independent Art Fair Showcasing Emerging Artists

The Independent Art Fair (FAIN) returns from December 1 to 3, aiming to break down the misconceptions of an exclusive and elitist art world. FAIN encourages art collection by showcasing 27 emerging artists, offering an accessible and engaging environment for new collectors. The fair's unique format allows visitors to explore usually private spaces, meet the artists, and purchase artworks at prices ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 pesos. This event not only offers an opportunity to start an art collection but also aims to democratize the art scene by making it more inclusive and approachable. Read more coolhunter.mx

Thanks for reading this far!

This publication is free, so I'd really appreciate it if you could share it on your social media or via email! The best thing you can do is help me spread the word.

Got any news or info you think I should consider? Reach out at [email protected].