Magali Lara’s exhibition “Stitched to the Body” at the Institute for the Study of Latin American Art showcases the artist’s dynamic and intimate works spanning from 1977 to 1995. The show opens with abstracted landscapes from the 1990s, evoking a sense of turbulence and emotional depth reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner’s paintings. However, Lara’s art refuses to be confined to traditional European art styles, as her sinuous trees and vibrant colors convey a sense of agency and power.
Moving through the exhibition, viewers encounter Lara’s early works from the late 1970s, which include art books, collages, and series paying homage to Frida Kahlo. The “Ventanas” series features collages that act as windows into private spaces, incorporating elements of text, stitching, and photocopied images of the artist herself. These works explore themes of femininity, domesticity, and voyeurism, challenging traditional gender roles and art historical norms.
One striking piece from the exhibition is “Naturaleza muerta” (“Still life”) from the series “La infiel” (“The unfaithful”), which depicts a vase of roses, a snake, and a pair of high-heeled shoes, with the legs and feet of a woman hovering above. This work plays with the idea of still life painting as a way to aestheticize and contain the complexities of gendered experiences.
The most visceral impact in the show comes from Lara’s colorful paintings of banal interiors, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. Works like “Intimidad” (1984) and “Escusado” (1984) depict everyday objects with a sense of uncanny sentience, challenging viewers to reconsider the significance of domestic spaces and gendered roles. Through statements like “I wear my destiny stitched to the body, then I wash it,” Lara subverts traditional expectations and liberates her art from historical constraints.
Overall, “Stitched to the Body” offers a profound exploration of personal and political themes through Lara’s vibrant and evocative artworks. The exhibition runs at the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art in Manhattan until August 16, offering viewers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
