Pre-Columbian Remix: The Art of Enrique Chagoya, Demián Flores, Rubén Ortiz-Torres, and Nadín Ospina
on view April 28 – July 14, 2013
In most Latin American countries the very idea of pre-Columbian heritage has been a strategy to reinforce national unity. The exhibition Pre-Columbian Remix focuses on the work of four leading Latin American artists who challenge this trend. By fusing ancient Aztec, Mayan, or Incan art forms with pop-culture imagery in an ironic and often humorous manner, they address present concerns relating to universal themes of corruption and globalization. Re-mixed and renewed, the past becomes accessible under very different perspectives.
Organized by Patrice Giasson, Alex Gordon Associate Curator of Art of the Americas, the exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue edited by Giasson, with additional essays by Joaquín Barriendos, Jaime Cerón, Serge Gruzinski, and Julian Kreimer.
Support for Pre-Columbian Remix is provided by the Alex Gordon Estate, the Friends of the Neuberger Museum of Art, and ArtsWestchester, with support from Westchester County Government. Additional funding is provided by the Mexican Cultural Institute of New York, Krytzia and Eugenio Minvielle, and Helen Stambler Neuberger and Jim Neuberger.
Pre-Columbian Remix Programs and Events
Free with Museum admission, unless otherwise specified
Students Meet a Scholar
Thursday, April 25, 3pm
French historian Serge Gruzinski, eminent scholar on Latin America and Pre-Columbian Remix catalogue essay author, leads a gallery walk-through on the work of Enrique Chagoya.
Neu First Wednesdays: Pre-Columbian Sacrifice Remix (Devotional Altar)
Wednesday, May 1, 4:45 – 8pm
Underground video, music, and performance artist group Sonido Apokalitzin from Mexico City perform with Purchase College student musicians and dancers for an all-out party, celebrating the re-opening of the Museum and the exhibition Pre-Columbian Remix. Witness a neo-mambo performance in the flesh: dj/vj artists live-mix videos of contemporary Mexican and pre-Columbian life, and dancers perform to live music, creating an experience that can’t be duplicated. Come dance with us! Admission and refreshments free.
Art Comes to the Street: Sonido Apokalitzin and Joaquín Barriendos in conversation
Thursday, May 2, 7pm
Join Mexico City-based performance artist group Sonido Apokalitzin and Joaquín Barriendos, professor of Latin American and Iberian Cultures at Columbia University, and exhibition catalogue essayist, in a conversation about urban culture and society in contemporary Mexico.
Commemorate Cinco de Mayo with a special tour
Sunday, May 5, 2pm
Commemorate this historical day with a special docent-led tour focused on the cultural significance of the artworks in Pre-Columbian Remix.
Family First Saturdays: Personal Stories, Ancient Books
Saturday, June 1, 1 – 4pm
Workshop for kids tots to ten, accompanied by an adult: look at the work of artist Enrique Chagoya, who connects ancient Aztec bookmaking traditions with his imaginative stories of popular characters, then illustrate a book which tells a story of an imaginary character. Admission and refreshments free.
Art in Dialogue: a single work of art from Pre-Columbian Remix.
Friday, June 21, 7pm
Join in an extended conversation with a museum educator around a single work of art from the exhibition Pre-Columbian Remix. Enjoy the opportunity to have “a long look” at a great work of art, and the chance to converse with fellow art-lovers. Art in Dialogue takes place after the galleries are closed to the public. Entry is free with Museum admission, but due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 914-251-6110 to reserve your place.
