In a momentous occasion for the contemporary art world, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) is hosting the first-ever museum survey dedicated to the captivating artist Firelei Báez. This unprecedented exhibition is now open to the public and promises to be a transformative experience for art enthusiasts.
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, in 1981, Firelei Báez has carved a distinct niche in the realm of contemporary art with her richly layered and profoundly evocative works. Spanning nearly two decades of her prolific career, the exhibition will feature a staggering array of 40 pieces, offering a comprehensive overview of Báez’s artistic journey. From immersive installations to exuberant paintings, visitors will have the opportunity to delve deep into the multifaceted world of this visionary artist.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the exhibition is the debut of a spectacular floor-to-ceiling mural, specially commissioned for the occasion. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Boston Harbor, this monumental artwork promises to be a mesmerizing ode to Boston’s colonial and marine history, inviting viewers to contemplate the city’s rich heritage through Báez’s unique perspective.
Jill Medvedow, the ICA’s Ellen Matilda Poss Director, expressed her excitement about the upcoming exhibition, emphasizing Báez’s pivotal role in reshaping our understanding of historical narratives. “Firelei Báez is part of a vital movement in contemporary art that embraces the role of art in understanding gaps in the historical record,” she remarked. “Her work invites audiences to reimagine and reassess, offering a deeper and richer encounter with the complexities of our shared history.”
Curated by Eva Respini, Deputy Director and Director of Curatorial Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery, along with Tessa Bachi Haas, ICA Curatorial Assistant, the exhibition promises to be a tour de force in contemporary art scholarship. Respini underscored Báez’s mastery of storytelling and mythmaking through the medium of painting, noting her ability to challenge conventional narratives and foster a multiplicity of perspectives.
Báez’s art is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery drawn from Caribbean culture. Through her work, she explores themes of identity, history, and power, weaving together elements of folklore, fantasy, and mythology to create immersive worlds that captivate the imagination. Her paintings often feature enigmatic female figures, blurring the boundaries between human, animal, and myth, and symbolizing both struggle and renewal.
Among the notable works to be showcased in the exhibition is “Untitled (Les tables de geographie reduites en un jeu de cartes)” (2022), a striking portrayal of horses in various states of abstraction, juxtaposed with colonial maps and playing cards. Another standout piece is “Man Without a Country (aka anthropophagist wading in the Artibonite River)” (2014-2015), a monumental installation that ruminates on the history of Hispaniola while challenging traditional notions of academic writing and cultural representation.
In addition to her paintings, Báez also ventures into three-dimensional territory with her sculptural installations, creating immersive environments that invite viewers to reconsider historical narratives and contemplate the complexities of the Black diaspora. These sculptural works, such as “A Drexcyen Chronocommons (To win the war you fought it sideways)” (2019) and “once we have torn shit down, we will inevitably see more and see differently and feel a new sense of wanting and being and becoming” (2014), offer poignant reflections on themes of revolution, resilience, and cultural heritage.
As visitors journey through the exhibition, they will be guided on a thought-provoking exploration of Báez’s artistic evolution, culminating in the breathtaking sight of her site-specific mural adorning the walls of the ICA’s Founder’s Gallery. With its panoramic views of Boston Harbor, this monumental artwork serves as a powerful testament to Báez’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on the contemporary art world.
From its inception, the Firelei Báez exhibition represents a groundbreaking milestone in the cultural landscape of North America, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the work of one of the most innovative and visionary artists of our time. As the exhibition prepares to embark on a North American tour, its legacy is poised to endure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who encounter it.
For more ideas on things to do in Boston read our guide to the best food and drinks deals on Marathon Monday.
Leave a Reply