Latin American artists say 'we are here' with new exhibition in Marietta

In a new art exhibition titled “Something to Declare,” the Latin American artist’s desire to say, “We are here,” informs a vivid showcase of 20 artists from all over the Eastern United States. The display is on view through March 20 at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Atlanta artist Carlos Solis curated the exhibition, and joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom along with the museum’s curator, Madeline Beck, introducing the show’s themes of Latin American being and representing in the U.S. art world.

In 2008, Solis founded the contemporary Latin American artists collective Contrapunto, or, “Counterpoint,” after moving to Atlanta from Chicago. “When I started visiting galleries and museums, I noticed a lack of Latin-American art. I don’t know, I just felt the urge. It’s like a call, telling me we need to do something about it,” said Solis.

His collective now comprises six artists from Latin American countries, including Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Solis’ own home country of Venezuela, with the goal of changing stereotypes and encouraging appreciation of the art traditions and innovations of those diverse communities.