Artwork by Carlos Solis “Negro Primero” -Oil Painting on Canvas 30×26 (2011)
Started in 2008, Contrapunto was created to address the lack of a Latin presence in Atlanta’s arts community at the time.
Hailing from various Latin American countries, the collective of artists strive to showcase Latin culture, folklore, and history through their artistic works.
In “Contrapunto: A Latinx Visual Artists Collective in Metro Atlanta”, exhibiting in Gallery 72 from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Wednesday, Feb. 5, artists Pedro Fuertes (Peru), Jorge Arcos (Mexico), Graciela Nunes-Bedoya (Peru), Dora Lopez (Peru), Catalina Gomez (Colombia), and Carlos Solis (Venezuela) showcase their art while building awareness of the artistic contributions of Latin artists.
Having already shared their works in multiple cultural institutions across the United States, Contrapunto hopes the exhibition helps exchange ideas and points of view across our society to those who still do not have a full understanding of Latin artistry.
In describing the collaborative nature of the group, member Carlos Solis states, “The best way to describe our collective is that we have connected and worked together harmoniously in a supportive and uplifting way, hence our name ‘Contrapunto’.”
In music, Contrapunto, which in English translates to the musical term Counterpoint, is the technique of combining two or more melodic lines in such a way that they establish a harmonic relationship while retaining their linear individuality.
Much like the musical term that inspired its name, Contrapunto recognizes that it is important to work with other people in harmony to make the presence of Latin American artists, both individually and as a community, stronger and more recognizable.
Gallery 72 at 2 City Plaza, a municipal gallery operated by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is dedicated to presenting stimulating and thought-provoking contemporary art and programs that focus on advancing Atlanta’s arts offerings.
Gallery 72 is located at 72 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am until 5 pm.