¡Viva La Música! (1940 to present) explores the evolution of Latin music album cover art over the last 50 years. The presentation is curated by Pablo Yglesias, author of: “¡Cocinando! : 50 Years of Latin Album Cover Art” (Princeton Architectural Press).
Taking inspiration from Pablo Yglesias’ recent book ¡Cocinando! this exhibition visually traces the history of Latin identity, culture, and aesthetics through the display of over 400 album covers.
¡Viva La Música! proposes that the album is not only an invitation to dance, but the jacket is a piece of art inspiring feelings of nostalgia while speaking to social and political concerns. In the words of curator Yglesias, “Album covers provide us with a visual companion to the evolving soundtrack of Latin identity.”
¡Viva La Música! features sexy, colorful and creative cover art from the albums of legendary performers such as Machito, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Cortijo, Pérez Prado, Eddie Palmieri, and Ray Barretto.
In addition, the young lions of the 1960s and 70s like Willie Colon, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, and Joe Bataan are well represented, as are their counterparts in South America and Asia. Brazilian and post-Revolution Cuban music, as well as Latin Jazz and Rock, are also included in the show’s definition of Latin music.
The exhibit pays tribute to the numerous graphic artists who often times received very little (if any) credit or recognition for their efforts in promoting Latin music and culture. Work by the following artists (and many more) is represented in the show: Chico Alvarez, Ely Besalel, Dominique, Drago, Rogério Duarte, José Expósito, Henry Fiol, Warren Flagler, Ricky Gaskins, Ron Levine, Lee Marshall, Charlie Rosario, Yogui Rosario, Izzy Sanabria, Manny Vargas, Jorge Vargas, Angelo Velázquez, and Walter Velez.
October 14-November 25, 2006
Opening Saturday, October 14, 7-10pm
Exit Art Gallery
475 Tenth Avenue (corner 36 Street)
New York, NY 10018
212-966-7745
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-6pm
Friday 10am – 8pm
Saturday 12 noon-8pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Closed Thanksgiving Day (November 23), open Nov 24 – 25 12 – 6pm
Buy ¡Cocinando!
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
