Latin American Art: Myth & Reality

Expressing rich, fascinating and complex concerns, Latin American art has moved to the forefront of the world of visual arts. This art-ranging stylisti-cally from folk art to the avant-garde movements of Europe and North America-reflects the enormous diversity of Latin culture today. Latin artists such as Wifredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Arnaldo Roche-Rabell and Adriana Varejao have been at the intersection of politics, society and art, using their art to comment on the worlds that surround them and inspiring artists of all cultures. Latin American Art: Myth & Reality, opening at Nassau County Museum of Art on Sunday, August 26 and remaining on view through Sunday, November 4, looks at the diverse inspirations and traditions of Latin American art, particularly the pervasive themes of myth, nature, religion, animals and the mysteries of birth and death. The curators examine the conflicting concerns of these artists, among them Christian themes versus folk traditions and the impact of modernist art. Many of the artists included in the exhibition are of Mexican or Cuban origin, among them the Mexicans, Alejandro Colunga and Sergio Garval, and the Cubans, Carlos Alfonzo and Carlos Luna. Among the significant Latin artists included in the exhibition are Fernando Botero, Roberto Matta, Vik Muniz and Wifredo Lam.

Latin American Art: Myth & Reality, sponsored by David Lerner Associates, is jointly curated by Constance Schwartz and Franklin Hill Perrell. In conjunction with the exhibition, NCMA is presenting several stimulating lectures and discussions that will serve to illuminate the works on view. Among the events are Tea & Tour, introduced by Constance Schwartz with an exclusive docentled tour of the exhibition; What is Latin American Art?, a lecture by Chief Curator Franklin Hill Perrell; Family Fall Festival celebrating the many cultures of Latin America; and Frida Kahlo, a centennial celebration lecture by Hayden Herrera. Additionally, docentled tours of the exhibition are offered each day at 2 pm and family-walk throughs are offered each Sunday afternoon. These tours are free and no reservations are needed. Span-ish-language tours are available by prior arrangement; call (516) 484-9338, ext. 12.

Nassau County Museum of Art is located at One Museum Drive (just off Northern Boulevard, Route 25A, two traffic lights west of Glen Cove Rd.) in Roslyn Harbor. Hours are 11 am to 4:45 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the main building, the Arnold & Joan Saltzman Fine Art Building, is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+) and $4 for children; includes admission to the Tee Ridder Miniatures Museum. There is a $2 parking fee on weekends (members free). The Museum Shop and Red Room gallery are open all museum hours. Call (516) 484-9337 for current exhibitions, events, days/times and directions or log onto nassaumuseum.com