Abstract Art Beyond the Frame on Display at MOLAA

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is currently showcasing Abstract Art Beyond the Frame, a vastly different exhibition where all the works are geometric abstractions, eliminating the need of a frame to stretch the boundaries of art.

Abstract art is the kind of art that emphasizes the use of non-representational forms to create meaning and reality — meaning that it does not necessarily represent objects in the physical environment, like the sun, trees, or people. It uses the visual language of shape, form, color, and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.

“This is one of the most important exhibitions we’ve displayed at MOLAA this year presenting a selection of 22 artworks by 15 artists from six countries that highlight the best of geometric art abstraction.,” said Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., MOLAA President and CEO. “What is particularly interesting about this exhibition is anyone from any background can understand what the works are trying to do. Consequently, going beyond the frame is an exciting journey and we invite the public to come and share experience.”

Most works of art have frames because they serve a useful purpose, separating the realm of creation from the everyday world. But the frame is also a limitation, not only on creation, but also on perception. The exhibit begs the question, “What happens if we stretch the boundaries?”

The Latin American works in this exhibition transcend the frame in three ways: First, some works are three-dimensional in themselves. Unconfined by a frame, they occupy our space, and call on us to see them from various angles. This means that they cannot be taken in all at one glance, but rather across time as we collect views and impressions in our minds.

Second, some works that hang on a wall have their full effect only when the viewer moves across the space before them. They change colors or seem to vibrate as our vantage point changes. Often this is done through moiré effects or shallow louvers on the surface that partially block zones of color from certain viewpoints.

The third way is by putting painted shapes into space in new ways. Some works are simply not rectangular, showing that they are not pictures in the traditional sense. Other works use relief elements to bleed or reflect bright color into the space immediately surrounding.

The works on display are from the MOLAA Collection and through generous loans from the Duker Collection, Pasadena, California. The exhibit runs through January 2023.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS INCLUDE:

Jorge Albertella (Argentina, b. 1946), Carmelo Arden Quin (Uruguay, 1913-2010), Carlos Cruz-Diez (Venezuela, 1923-2019), Napoleón Graziani (Venezuela, b. 1977), Edgar Guzmanruiz (Colombia, b. 1969), Silvana Lacarra (Argentina, b. 1962), Edgar Negret (Colombia, 1920-2012), Alejandro Otero (Venezuela, 1921-1990), Sydia Reyes (Venezuela, b. 1957), Ana Sacerdote (Argentina, 1925-2019), Carolina Sanllehi (Venezuela, b. 1972), Jesús Rafael Soto (Venezuela, 1923-2005), Adán Vallecillo (Honduras, b. 1977), Gregorio Vardanega (Italy, 1923-2007), Ventoso (Argentina, b. 1975).