Now - March 17, 2024
Wed: 12pm-7pm | Thurs-Sun: 10am-5pm
"Juan Francisco Elso: Por América" offers a profound exploration into the work of Juan Francisco Elso, a pivotal Cuban artist whose career, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on the art world. This retrospective, available from November 1, 2023, to March 17, 2024, at MOCA, marks the first significant survey of Elso's work in the United States since the 1990s. Highlighting the largest collection of Elso's pieces to date, "Por América" delves into the artist's innovative use of materials, and his integration of Indigenous traditions, Afro-Caribbean spirituality, and post-colonial critique into his practice.
Featuring over 70 works, the exhibition not only showcases Elso's sculptures and installations but also includes contributions from 30 artists across generations. This group includes José Bedia, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, and Ana Mendieta, among others, offering a dialogue between Elso's legacy and a broader artistic context. The thematic, interrelated sections of the show underscore the dynamic exchanges and shared themes within these artists' works, providing a rich, complex view of cultural and historical narratives.
