Visual Arts
superreal: alternative realities in photography and video
This exhibition explores the layered meanings and interpretations of the real as it is represented in photography and video art. Drawing on the presentation of the landscape, the human figure, the world of architecture, various objects and natural phenomena, these images explore alternative realities despite their use of the photographic or video image, traditionally understood as a reflection of actuality. superreal features works that challenge the notion of the camera’s lens as presenting visual accuracy and explores the subversion of narrative form, the creation of a parallel reality, surreal or super-real encounters with objects, people and environments. Partial, hidden, or enigmatic meanings are explored by the artists gathered here. Iconic works by significant photographers and video artists are included along with newer works by younger artists. The incisive points of view and varied methodologies seen here allow the artists to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality. The works, ranging in dates from the early 1960s to the present, reveal the various ways in which the real is emphasized and subverted, revealed and obscured.
superreal will feature more than 70 works by artists including ADÁL, John Albok, Yolanda Andrade, Tania Burguera, Nao Bustamante, Leonel Cruet, Ana de la Cueva, Alfredo de Stéfano, Jamie Denburg Habie,Vicente Fernández, José Rubén Gaztambide, Lissie Habie, Christina Howard Sandoval, Las Hermanas Iglesias, Andrea Juan, Ken Light, Christopher López, Eugene Merinov, Pedro Meyer, Priscilla Monge, L. Morales, Abelardo Morell, Vik Muniz, Alfonso Muñoz, Julio Nazario, Rubén-Ortiz-Torres, Esteban Pastorino Díaz, María Teresa ponce, Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, Miguel Rio Branco, Sophie Rivera, Betsabée Romero, Andres Serrano, Teresa Serrano, Edin Vélez, Tony Vélez, Manuela Viera-Gallo and Julio Zadik. Their incisive points of view and varied working methods allowed them to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality.
superreal is made possible with the support of Tony Bechara.
El Museo del Barrio would like to thank the following institutional donors for their generous support of its general operations that make its exhibitions possible: Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., Bloomberg Philanthropies, Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, Inc., Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
El Museo would also like to thank its Corporate Members for their support: Bank of America, Bloomberg, Colgate-Palmolive Company, ConEdison, Inc., The History Channel en Español, Moody's Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., New York University, Pfizer, Inc., and Time Warner, Inc.
El Museo is also grateful for public funds from the National Endowment Association (NEA), the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts - a state agency, and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development in partnership with the New York City Council. Additional public support is provided by New York City Council Members: Speaker Christine Quinn, The Hon. Daniel Dromm, The Hon. Inez Dickens, The Hon. Julissa Ferreras, The Hon. Daniel Garodnick, The Hon. Robert Jackson, The Hon. Melissa Mark-Viverito, The Hon. Annabel Palma, The Hon. Domenic Recchia, Jr., The Hon. Diana Reyna, The Hon. Jimmy Van Bramer, the Manhattan Delegation, and Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan Borough President.