"Arte no es Vida"

Deborah Cullen curated this highly interesting show that takes a historical look at four decades of Performance Art in Latin America and Latinos living in the U.S. It gives a fresh perspective never seen or experienced before as an exhibition. I recommend that you visit El Museo and let yourself be transported to where these actions took place. I assure you that the works will enlighten your knowledge of the social, artistic and political history of these countries (U.S. included). Many of these works were produced (or were informed) under politically or socially repressive circumstances. Art may have the power to produce conscious thought and reflection but the basic premise of this show is that art is not equal to real life lived under troubled conditions. The ephemeral is a characteristic of performance art. The only way of going back in time to a performative action is through its documentation. Arte no es Vida translates into a visual archive of historical information.

Just as every opening at El Museo, this one was a lot of fun; Rums of Puerto Rico, music, great energy. We had the opportunity to meet many artists who traveled from abroad to be here for this fresh take on the history of performance art. Live performances by Raphael Montañez Ortiz, Tania Bruguera and Tunga made the night even more vibrant! The after party was at Camaradas in El Barrio! We packed the place and danced to the tunes of the Boricua roots music of Yerbabuena!

Camaradas is for Camaradas! A word of revolutionary connotations meaning colleage, friend!! So mi querido camarada! Come live Arte no es Vida!! You'll see how you'll find Vida en Arte!!! You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Rebeca Noriega-Costas
Special Projects Coordinator
El Museo del Barrio