Expanding Internationalism - A Conference on ... - Mary Jane Jacob

Gerardo MOsquera
Cuarta Bienal de la Habana
Havana, Cuba
"International art, " to a great extent, means only what is produced in
New York and in very few other hegemonic metropolises, "internationalized" by
the most powerful circuit of museums, galleries, biennials, and publications.
If Chicago and even Paris are discriminated against -- what can we expect for
the Third World!
This selective distribution -- in fact a cultural apartheid
-- needs to be democratized to benefit not only the excluded, but also the
excluding ones, and most of all the public who loses the richness of diversity.
A pressure from the public and the artistic community is needed to open
up to the world these greater circuits. And also indispensable is the
creation of new spaces and events, specifically aimed at truly
"internationalizing" the "international artistic scene. "
There should be an
atterrpt to form independent, international groups of artists, critics,
curators, with private and public funding, to work on exhibitions, meetings,
publications, and information exchange.
The cultural differences, far from being an obstacle, may provide a
mutually enlightening pluralism. But for a better understanding, it would be
advisable for there to be development of more sophisticated curatorial work
based on a discussion of ideas among and participation of specialists of the
different regions of countries, instead of organizing "bazaar" exhibitions.
This would also avoid visions with exotic tendencies, typical from the West
searching for the "unusual." Also of utmost importance is the organization of
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