Latin American Art in the world

If someone asked you to name the 10 most famous works of art in the world, most people would probably respond with pieces belonging to the European continent. It is almost inevitable to stop referring to Paris and its bohemian artists, to the Louvre Museum, to Florence, to Rome and its exalted Renaissance artists, such as Leonardo or Michelangelo, to Picasso, to Dalí or to the famous Velázquez. This happens because for many centuries Europe set a benchmark in political, economic, cultural and artistic trends in the Western world. But what about Latin America? Could you name the 10 most representative works of art from this region of the continent?

Latin American Art has been built from realities that are very different from those in Europe, because the life circumstances of our continent are vastly different. The art that is built and proposed from Latin America is created in different climates, with living conditions that have nothing to do with European cities and, of course, with artists whose job opportunities are far from those available in the countries from the first world. Therefore, the concern of the artists who reside here is constructed from other perspectives, which include a particular appropriation of what is seen, what is experienced, what is criticized and what is proposed through art.

The lack of financial support and the low institutional value given to the arts and humanities in Latin American society forces artists to rely on other resources that allow them to carry out their work, regardless of whether or not they have the recognition of some official agency. This results in incalculable wealth in cultural capital because it results in endless innovative works in various artistic genres.

There are an enormous number of Latin American artists in the course of history, but there are few who shine or have shone on the international art scene, perhaps because the predominant aesthetic in the general imagination is still governed by European guidelines. This, added to the lack of support, reduces the number of artists from this continent who stand out worldwide. Even so, names such as Diego Rivera (Mexico), Frida Kahlo (Mexico), Antonio Berni (Argentina), Tarsila Do Amaral (Brazil) and Fernando Botero (Colombia) are popular. The latter being the most sought-after living Latin American artist in the world and who currently has exhibitions on all continents.

Unfortunately, this international recognition is a privilege that few have been able to enjoy, both in the past and currently. There is much to know about Latin American artists, about their personal and professional stories, about their works, their concerns and their proposals. Perhaps the name of Pablo Picasso is more familiar to us than that of Saturnino Herrán (Mexico), that of Salvador Dalí than that of Wifredo Lam (Cuba), that of Leonardo Da Vinci than that of Xul Solar (Argentina), but his works are still They are present as a testimony of its history, of the cultural history of our continent and the richness of Latin American art.

The importance of recognition of our art is essential to vindicate it on a cultural level and better understand our continental identity. The Anáhuac University of Puebla offers an excellent opportunity that will allow you to delve into these topics. A Diploma in Latin American Art History in which you can become an expert on the subject, even without having prior knowledge. To register you can contact the School of Continuing Education.

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