Bernardo Mosqueira, a Brazilian curator known for his dedication to showcasing art from the Global South, is making waves in the art world as a challenging and innovative force. With a rich history of founding the nonprofit Solar dos Abacaxis in Rio de Janeiro and serving as the first chief curator for the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art in New York, Mosqueira brings a unique perspective to the art scene.
Mosqueira recently returned to Mexico City for the second year to curate Zona Maco Ejes, a section of the fair that focuses on emerging artists and galleries exploring the theme of freedom. This theme has been a central part of Mosqueira’s work since 2010, drawing inspiration from Clarice Lispector’s novel “Near to the Wild Heart.” Through his curation at Solar, ISLAA, and the New Museum, Mosqueira has delved into the complexities of freedom in relation to politics, gender, class, and more.
In a recent interview with ARTnews, Mosqueira shared his thoughts on the importance of exploring the relationship between freedom and art in today’s world. He emphasized the urgency of discussing freedom, culture, and art within the context of an art fair, highlighting the role of the market in shaping these relationships. Working closely with curator Matheus Morani, Mosqueira curated a diverse and expansive section at Zona Maco Ejes, featuring artists from nearly 30 countries, with a focus on young artists from the Global South.
Curating Challenges and Opportunities
Curating for a fair presents unique challenges and opportunities for artists, curators, and galleries alike. Mosqueira discusses how curators act as mediators and connectors, negotiating the value and visibility of artists within the art market. By curating sections of fairs like Zona Maco, Mosqueira aims to support artists in building relationships, gaining visibility, and fostering collaborations that can shape their artistic careers.
The location and context of art fairs like Zona Maco play a significant role in shaping the work showcased. Mosqueira reflects on the importance of considering the connections and knowledge exchange that can occur when artists and galleries from the Global South come together. By creating opportunities for artists to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, Mosqueira aims to challenge preconceived notions of freedom, democracy, and art within the art world.
Artistic Freedom and Expression
The theme of freedom in art takes on new dimensions when explored by artists from various cultural backgrounds. Mosqueira shares insights into the diverse interpretations of freedom presented at Zona Maco Ejes, from political critiques to explorations of eroticism, gender, and historical relationships. He highlights the use of abstraction as a powerful tool for artists to challenge traditional narratives and explore new forms of expression.
In discussing the importance of opacity in art, Mosqueira emphasizes how artists are using their work as a form of refusal to be categorized based on identity markers. By embracing opacity and complexity in their artistic practices, artists are pushing back against reductive interpretations of their work and opening up new possibilities for artistic expression.
As the 21st edition of Zona Maco unfolds in Mexico City, visitors can expect to encounter a rich tapestry of artistic voices, perspectives, and ideas. Through the curation of Mosqueira and his collaborators, the fair promises to be a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of freedom, art, and culture in today’s world.
