Abstractions between Puerto Rico and Chicago: An Ongoing Conversation about Nationalism and Nonrepresentational Art
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Published:December 2024
Abdiel D. Segarra Ríos, 2024. "Abstractions between Puerto Rico and Chicago: An Ongoing Conversation about Nationalism and Nonrepresentational Art", Nuyorican & Diasporican Visual Art: A Critical Anthology, Arlene Dávila, Yasmin Ramirez
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The chapter delves into the long-standing relationship between Puerto Rico and the city of Chicago, exploring the intersection of various diasporas and racialized communities in shaping the city’s political history. The chapter aims to incorporate abstract art into the discourse of historical reparation, challenging its often apolitical perception and highlighting its potential for nuanced identity expression. It critiques the historical narrative in Puerto Rico that has centered on figurative art tied to nationalist struggle, neglecting contributions from abstract practices. The text discusses the intricate political nature of abstract art, particularly for nonwhite artists, who use it as a form of resistance against imposed expectations and stereotypes. The chapter examines the relationship between the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the Puerto Rican art scene, presenting perspectives from Puerto Rican artists based in Chicago and New York.
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