Puerto Rican artist takes on colonialism & oppression in a new solo show at Longwood Art Gallery in Bronx
"Puerto Rico in its Labyrinth" runs through Dec. 8
By Tanyanika Samuels / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 27, 2012, 6:00 AM
Courtesy Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
The exhibit PUERTO RICO IN ITS LABYRINTH Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis features the works of José Buscaglia, including this piece titled “Let Them Be Satisfied with the Leftovers.”
If nothing else, the new exhibit now open at Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos will get you talking.
“Puerto Rico in its Labyrinth: Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis” showcases the works of José Buscaglia and tackles such weighty topics as colonialism in Puerto Rico and oppression in the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa.
The exhibit at the Mott Haven gallery features Buscaglia’s paintings, sculptures and writings.
“The colors are stunning, but then you start reading the narrative that accompanies the works. They’re almost like essays, and it’s all so impactful,” said Wallace Edgecombe, director of Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture.
In the piece, “Let Them Be Satisfied with the Leftovers,” Buscaglia depicts politicians carving up and devouring Puerto Rico.
In another piece, the artist takes on Arizona’s controversial immigration law.
Also on view is “Plaza de la Identidad: Public Art Under House Arrest,” an installation of a public art project commissioned by the Puerto Rican legislature in 2003. The work was deemed too nationalistic for display and until recently was kept in storage.
The Bronx gallery will show models of the piece which includes three female forms representing Puerto Rico’s African, Spanish and Taino heritage; a 53-foot relief depicting the history of Puerto Rico; and an omphalo stone, a repository that will house samples of soil and water from various parts of the island.
“Buscaglia is very nationalistic and it comes out in his work,” Edgecombe said. “Even people who don’t agree with him should see the show. He’s a voice to be heard.”
“Puerto Rico in its Labyrinth: Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis” will remain on display through Dec. 8.
An opening reception with Buscaglia is set for Oct. 3 at the gallery, 450 Grand Concourse. To learn more, visit bronxarts.org.
n Beethoven in the Bronx
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Ave.
The program will include Beethoven’s “Septet” and “John’s Book of Alleged Dances” by American composer John Adams.
The event will also feature a food drive to benefit City Harvest. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the performance.
To learn more, visit oslmusic.org/concerts.
n Poetry in Nature
The Elisa Contemporary Art gallery presents a new exhibit, “Poetic Landscapes,” featuring the artwork of Marie Danielle Leblanc and Sharon Gordon.
Both artists take a colorful and abstract look at nature in a series of oil and acrylic paintings.
“Poetic Landscapes” opens Saturday and will run through Nov. 11 at the Gallery, 5622 Mosholu Ave. in Riverdale.
To learn more, visit ElisaContemporaryArt.com.
tsamuels@nydailynews.com
“Puerto Rico in its Labyrinth: Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis” showcases the works of José Buscaglia and tackles such weighty topics as colonialism in Puerto Rico and oppression in the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa.
The exhibit at the Mott Haven gallery features Buscaglia’s paintings, sculptures and writings.
“The colors are stunning, but then you start reading the narrative that accompanies the works. They’re almost like essays, and it’s all so impactful,” said Wallace Edgecombe, director of Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture.
In the piece, “Let Them Be Satisfied with the Leftovers,” Buscaglia depicts politicians carving up and devouring Puerto Rico.
In another piece, the artist takes on Arizona’s controversial immigration law.
Also on view is “Plaza de la Identidad: Public Art Under House Arrest,” an installation of a public art project commissioned by the Puerto Rican legislature in 2003. The work was deemed too nationalistic for display and until recently was kept in storage.
The Bronx gallery will show models of the piece which includes three female forms representing Puerto Rico’s African, Spanish and Taino heritage; a 53-foot relief depicting the history of Puerto Rico; and an omphalo stone, a repository that will house samples of soil and water from various parts of the island.
“Buscaglia is very nationalistic and it comes out in his work,” Edgecombe said. “Even people who don’t agree with him should see the show. He’s a voice to be heard.”
“Puerto Rico in its Labyrinth: Chronicles of a Country and a World in Crisis” will remain on display through Dec. 8.
An opening reception with Buscaglia is set for Oct. 3 at the gallery, 450 Grand Concourse. To learn more, visit bronxarts.org.
n Beethoven in the Bronx
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Ave.
The program will include Beethoven’s “Septet” and “John’s Book of Alleged Dances” by American composer John Adams.
The event will also feature a food drive to benefit City Harvest. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the performance.
To learn more, visit oslmusic.org/concerts.
n Poetry in Nature
The Elisa Contemporary Art gallery presents a new exhibit, “Poetic Landscapes,” featuring the artwork of Marie Danielle Leblanc and Sharon Gordon.
Both artists take a colorful and abstract look at nature in a series of oil and acrylic paintings.
“Poetic Landscapes” opens Saturday and will run through Nov. 11 at the Gallery, 5622 Mosholu Ave. in Riverdale.
To learn more, visit ElisaContemporaryArt.com.
tsamuels@nydailynews.com
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