Present Tense: Five Centuries of Colonialism in Latin American and Caribbean Art

April 30–June 20, 2021

An exhibition of historical and contemporary art that reveals how colonialism has shaped life in the Latin Americas offers captivating works that critique society and introduce beauty as a form of healing.

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Papo Colo: America America, 2009; inkjet print with string; 30 ½ x 44 ½ in.; gift of Exit Art.

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Present Tense: Five Centuries of Colonialism in Latin American and Caribbean Art

Cal Conversations

April 30–June 20, 2021

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Present Tense: Five Centuries of Colonialism in Latin American and Caribbean Art examines historical and contemporary works that reveal how colonialism has shaped life in the Latin Americas. For the artists in this exhibition, the injustices that linger in the wake of colonialism have served as sites for personal expression, often resulting in captivating works of art that critique society and question those in power, bringing a voice to those without one and introducing beauty as a form of healing.

Reserve Timed Tickets
Advance tickets required for gallery visits. More info »

Present Tense: Five Centuries of Colonialism in Latin American and Caribbean Art is organized by UC Berkeley History of Art Professor Todd Olson and Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Ivonne del Valle with Carmel and Howard Friesen Collections Engagement Associate and Academic Liaison Lynne Kimura and Curatorial Assistant Lucia Olubunmi Momoh, and students in their graduate seminar Cal Conversations: Object Histories + Critical Concepts + Curatorial Practicum in Latin American Art / The Long Sixteenth Century: Colonization and Its Aftermath. The student curators are Joseph Albanese, Albie Cartagenes, Alejandra Decker, Gabriel Lesser, Christine Theunissen, Ilianna Vasquez, and Sam Warren.

This is the fifth in a series of annual exhibitions, Cal Conversations, developed in collaboration with UC Berkeley classes.