The recent military raid and abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the United States military has sparked a wave of reactions from artists and art workers around the world. The raid, which resulted in the death of at least 40 people, including civilians, has divided opinions on whether it was a necessary intervention or a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Javier Téllez, a New York City-based artist from Valencia, Venezuela, expressed his disappointment in the lack of condemnation from Venezuelan artists towards the US military intervention. While acknowledging Maduro’s dictatorship, Téllez emphasized the importance of respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and the potential dangers of US military involvement in the country.
Jeffly Gabriela Molina, a Chicago-based artist from Táchira, Venezuela, shared a mix of hope, frustration, and fear following Maduro’s arrest. Molina highlighted the oppressive regime under Maduro and the hope that his arrest brought to many Venezuelans. However, concerns were raised about Trump’s comments and actions, which overshadowed the initial optimism.
Silvia Benedetti, a Venezuelan art historian, curator, and critic based in New York, recounted her experience witnessing the bombings in Caracas. She emphasized the need for the restoration of sovereignty, democracy, and peace in Venezuela, as well as the release of political prisoners. Benedetti also criticized local artists and curators who collaborate with the regime while supporting a US invasion.
Vero Bello, a Venezuelan-born artist based in Brooklyn, shared a personal perspective on the intervention, reflecting on her family’s history in Venezuela and the impact of the regime on their lives. Bello expressed a mix of emotions, including distrust towards Trump and concerns about the intervention breeding more political divides among Venezuelans.
Cassandra Mayela, a Caracas-born artist based in Brooklyn, emphasized the importance of listening to the people of Venezuela and prioritizing honesty and solidarity over blind radicalism. Mayela called for real liberation from autocratic regimes and a focus on healing generational wounds and building community through art.
The diverse perspectives of these artists highlight the complex and nuanced nature of the situation in Venezuela. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the military raid, it is crucial to consider the voices of those directly impacted by the crisis and work towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution for the Venezuelan people.
