BARRIO ALTO
Solo exhibition curated by Juliana Forero
Coral Springs Museum of Art, Coral Springs, FL, USA
August 1 - October 5, 2024
Barrio Alto, 2013 - 2024
Barrio Alto offers a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between real estate, construction, and socio-economic disparities. Through a series of meticulously crafted dioramas, each scene is brought to life using cardboard, a material that underscores the fragility and impermanence of the structures portrayed. These dioramas reveal the stark contrasts in housing construction and cost, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of these differences.
The title, "Barrio Alto," is intentionally ambiguous, alluding to both a wealthy neighborhood and a struggling favela. This duality challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of social and economic status, highlighting the often-overlooked connections between wealth and poverty within urban spaces. The series delves into the impact of materials on construction, illustrating how they shape the final outcome of human habitation and the socio-economic divides within cities.
"Barrio Alto" does more than document disparities, it provokes a critical examination of urban development and gentrification, prompting us to question the forces that drive these processes. Through this work, the series seeks to illuminate the underlying tensions that define our built environment, encouraging a deeper understanding of the socio-economic dynamics that shape the world we live in.
Made possible with support from the Broward County Cultural Division. Support has been provided by the Community Foundation of Broward.
Barrio Alto #8, 2024