WASHINGTON, May 18, 2011 - A major exhibition of contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean opened today at the World Bank headquarters, offering a unique insight into the way artists view the far-reaching changes that have impacted this region of the world.
Organized by the World Bank Art Program and the Vice Presidency for Latin America and Caribbean, the visual art exhibition entitled About Change brings for the first time to the World Bank a collection of over 350 vanguard artworks from both Latin America and the Caribbean. The exhibition will be on view through July 31, 2011.
“About Change is a visual experience for contemporary artists from the region to portray the ongoing economic and social change of a unique time in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Pamela Cox, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and Caribbean, during the opening ceremony. “This initiative highlights the critical role of citizens’ participation in decision making and how broadening opportunities can help the region fulfill its promise of real change,” Cox added.
Artists featured in About Change share their own interpretations of the economic and social changes that have swept this region. Some of the paintings, sculptures and photographs highlight current development challenges such as high food prices, social inequality, migration, urbanization and violence. Other artworks convey the hopes and dreams of millions of people in the region and explore the positive roles that communities play in mediating change in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The artists of About Change challenge stereotypical images of their respective countries,” said Marina Galvani, World Bank Art Program Curator. “They give international audiences an opportunity to look at Latin America and the Caribbean with a whole new perspective,” she added.
About Change presents talented artists from Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
About this program of exhibitions:
The World Bank organized About Change in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of American States (OAS). About Change includes over 350 artworks (painting, sculpture, photography, video art and animation, installations.)
About the World Bank’s Art Program:
An important part of the Art Program’s mandate is to help artists in the World Bank’s member countries strengthen their role as sensitive social barometers in order to promote dialogue between the institution and its stakeholders.
The Art Program manages a permanent collection of over 5,000 pieces in Washington, D.C., and organizes cultural programs year around, including exhibitions, guided tours, panel discussions with experts, workshops with artists, and publications.
