NEGRO/A/X Creative Art Justice
Curated by Celso Gonzalez
2021 - Puerto Rico - Interactive Virtual Art Gallery
Curator’s note:
BLACK was the first idea / word / concept / construction that came to mind when I thought of this exhibit. BLACK has become a fundamental word, also controversial, sometimes offensive, sometimes loving, controversial and full of stigma, other times full of color and passion. In this proposal we use the multiple definitions, connotations and meanings of BLACK to begin a journey through aesthetic, cultural, personal and collective blackness. On the other hand, gender is integrated as a fundamental element in the multiple meanings of BLACK by including O / A / X in the name proposal. With NEGRO / A / X we raise the discussion of BLACK in all its manifestations.
NEGRO / A / X presents works that explore multiplicity, materiality, and the many nuances of Black. In an important way we wanted to represent with the artists, who accompany us a diversity of media, images, generations and moments of professional development. Our sample includes novice artists, established artists and others who are already part of the local and international artistic culture.
In this process we are seduced, motivated and released by the thousand possibilities of the Black. As an element of color and design in the pieces and installations, as a word used in so many exalted and nefarious ways. As a social construction and definition and me our race of what we are in all aspects, cultural and socio-political. The greatness of the African continent speaks in us, it is manifested in all our knowledge and, in wisdom, flow, creativity and obviously in our artistic production
The movements of social justice, pro blackness, pro human rights of blacks / as / es; it causes more and more people to identify themselves as black. We are living in a very exciting time that generates an unparalleled artistic production. What we are has always raised passions and our passion is manifested in an exhibition that won and tells what we are, what has become a passion for art.
The exhibition includes 20 artists presenting their creative projects, their paintings, sculptures and installations; attending from each of its fronts and trenches its interpretation of its experience, history and experience with blackness. We are pleased to present in the exhibition a tour where a particular aesthetic is clearly appreciated, a Caribbean aesthetic and clearly Afro. The artistic expression that comes from the depths of who we are.
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