Identity Imprint

Through January 14, 2005 The Association of Ibero-American Cultural Attachés presents:
XIII Ibero-American Art Salon “Identity Imprint, a glance at Ibero-American printmaking"

Every year the Association of Ibero American Cultural Attaches of Washington, D.C. stages an exhibition with artists from the countries it represents. This year the Association has organized a printmaking exhibition around the theme of "Identity," to show how different traditions have come to identify and also differentiate the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that share the Iberian culture.

Given the cultural differences among the many nations that comprise the Association, and the great number of artists of quality in each of them, selecting just one artist per country has been difficult, to say the least. The fact that the exhibit does not offer a comprehensive selection is, in this instance, part of the point. As curator of the exhibit I would like to say that these artists were selected from among an enormous number whose originality is sufficient proof of the overwhelming vitality of the contemporary art scene. Their works are a small sample of what printmaking has come to represent within the repertoire of artistic expression in our hemisphere, as well in Spain and Portugal.

The works included in the current exhibit reflect a great diversity of social and artistic influences, but also individuality and ingenuity. From European traditions to American interpretations that embrace the ancient civilizations of our continent, one sees elements that are unique to Latin American and Iberian culture; the pieces from Spain and Portugal are very European, with gothic elements, and american artists explore myths and precolumbian elements. It has taken a little more than 500 years to blend these influences into images that are both regional and universal in their appeal.

Juan Bernal. Curator.

Participating Countries and Artists:

  • Argentina - Zulema Maza
  • Bolivia - Daniela Rico
  • Brazil - Fernando Vilela
  • Chile - Gabriela Guzmán
  • Colombia - José Antonio Suárez
  • Costa Rica - Jorge Crespo Berdecio
  • Cuba - Alberto Sautua Fernández
  • Ecuador - Carlos Monsalve
  • El Salvador Licry Bicard
  • Guatemala - Erwin Guillermo
  • Honduras - Byron Mejía
  • Mexico - Carlos García Estrada
  • Nicaragua - Carlos Barberena
  • Panama - Julio Zacrhisson
  • Paraguay - Olga Blider
  • Peru - Juan Valladares
  • Portugal - Madalena Fonseca
  • Spain - Ines Azagra
  • Uruguay - Pedro Peralta
  • Venezuela - Susy Dembo