Museo de Arte Contemporáneo of BARRANCO, Lima, Peru Review

Though it includes Peruvian artists, it actually is a place where locals interested in modern art (1950’s+) can go to glimpse the art scene from around the world. Perhaps there is more of a focus on Latin American art, which might be chronically underrepresented in the States. At the time of our visit, a special exhibit of Uruguayan art had top bill. With films, activities for children and more—this museo has a community focus.

What strikes most is that the themes in this museum are so like those back home. Here as elsewhere, the fragility of the planet and our species’ destruction of nature had a place. Also, touring during the time when sexual harassment was taking center stage back home, we found an exhibit showcasing little known women from around the world who made a mark. To this writer, some of the facts referenced in the black and white playing cards photos of these women were….perhaps needing a bit more research.

Focus on Immigrants Losing Their Home

It also was no surprise that immigration and the alienation of those uprooted from home was also an exhibit focus.

But for Americans who mainly associate Rapid City with the big motorcycle rally, the display of works by a Native American artist of South Dakota who has been uprooted to New York City was the stuff of eye-blinks. These are fun sculptural works that have unique personalities, making each one interesting, and with an eye for detail that you might not appreciate if you cruise by this collection too quickly. The creativity of Brad Kahlhamer’s work was apparent. Backtracking, how interesting that the people of Barranco though are getting a better glimpse of uprooted Native American realities than most people in the US get!