Art and Soul, Latin American Art — AARP VIVA Arts & Leisure

Art and Soul

Three art lovers talk about identity in Latin American and Spanish art — and the museums they love

— MARCO CRISTOFORI/CORBIS
An Artist's Preoccupation Tony Bechara lives among art. From his New York City studio, which doubles as his home, the acclaimed Latino artist says that while he embraces his culture, it does not define his art. "People are becoming more aware that it's hard to stereotype when it comes to Latino art," says the Puerto Rican painter, whose multicolored-grid abstract works have captivated fans at exhibitions worldwide for decades. "My preoccupation has been with the optics of color—not because of my essence as a Latino, but as an artist," says the board chair of New York City's , the only museum in the city dedicated to Caribbean and Latin American art. Bechara counts the Museo, Spain's , and New York's among his favorites.

Other Hispanic Art Centers

Features art from Portugal, Spain and Latin America. The largest Latino museum in the U.S. A collection of larger-than-life subjects by Fernando Botero. Dedicated to the work of Dalí and to those who share his artistic vision. A Historical View In Spanish art, identity transcends Europe, says Barbara von Barghahn, professor of Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American colonial art at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. "While Spanish art reflects inspiration from other European countries," she notes, "it also encompasses the Moorish and North African traditions, Greek and Roman influences, and Celtic themes." Nowhere is Spanish art on greater display than at Madrid's Prado, also one of von Barghahn's favorites. Situated in the heart of the Spanish capital, the structure holds thousands of masterpieces, including some by Diego Velázquez and Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (known as Goya). A visit to the Prado can be capped off with a trip to another of von Barghahn's favorites: the nearby , whose works include some by Spain's Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. A Social Justice Perspective Cynthia MacMullin, curator at the (molaa) in Long Beach, California, says she makes pilgrimages to the Frick Collection in Manhattan for inspiration. "The works are so historically pivotal," she says. "I weep when I view the art." The Frick boasts works by Goya, Spanish master El Greco, and others. Latin American art is distinguished by its focus on social issues, MacMullin says. For example, a piece at the molaa, Cotzij, by Guatemalan artist Verónica Riedel, explores identity by creating a multimedia Baroque-themed collage of a young contemporary girl as a princess. "We utilize the art...to understand cultural concepts different from ours in the United States," MacMullin says. The recently renovated molaa—its facelift reflecting contemporary Latin American architecture and style—features artists such as Cuban surrealist Wifredo Lam and Peruvian painter Fernando de Szyszlo. The museum is 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites.

AARP In Your State br

Visit the for information about events, news and resources near you. Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.