THE FIRST LATIN AMERICAN ART FAIR IN EUROPE

MIRA, THE FIRST LATIN AMERICAN ART FAIR IN EUROPE
From September 18 to 22, 2024, the Maison de l’Amérique Latine in Paris was the setting for the first edition of the MIRA Latino Art Fair in Paris, a key event for the Latin American art scene, which has historically been underrepresented in Europe. Through an intimate and exclusive format, MIRA brought together 24 galleries from countries such as Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, France and the United Kingdom.

MIRA’s mission was to celebrate and promote the diversity and richness of Latin American art, integrating sustainability as a fundamental axis of its proposal. This was implemented by incorporating ecological practices in the planning and execution of the fair, prioritizing the circular economy, maritime transport of works of art and support for biodiversity projects in Latin America, a region deeply affected by the climate crisis.

In addition to exhibiting works of art, the fair offered a complete cultural experience that included lectures, performances, music and gastronomic specialties, reflecting the authenticity and vitality of Latin America. By choosing the Maison de l’Amérique Latine as its venue, MIRA sought to promote Latin American art in a space steeped in history and symbolism, which has served as a bridge for cultural exchange between the two regions.

The selection committee was made up of the galleries Proyectos Monclova (Mexico) and El Apartamento (Cuba, with a presence in Madrid); curators Laura Salas Redondo, co-author of the book Cuba Talks with Jérôme Sans, and Maylin Pérez, co-author of Latin American Artists; as well as collectors Renaud and Stéphanie Bergonzo, and Barbara Newman, founder of the Newman Art Collection. The selection of galleries, which spanned 20 nationalities, was notable for the strong representation of artists from Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean, through the participation of Monclova, Continua, El Apartamento and Olivier Waltman. In parallel with the presentation of the galleries, parallel exhibitions were organised. In Time/In Place, curated by Thomas Hug, brought together in the courtyard of the Maison sculptural works by established artists that reflect the cultural diversity of the Americas and their connection to notions of space, including Francis Alÿs, Adrián Villar Rojas, Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Simon Starling, Adriana Lara, Rodrigo Matheus, Gonzalo Lebrija, Agustín Cárdenas, Héctor Zamora, Claire Fontaine and Carlos Jacanamijoy. Read more