From June to September and on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, Casa de América presents a special program that adds to the international celebrations of the so-called Semiquincentennial of the United States (America250).
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress proclaimed the independence of the thirteen British colonies in North America, giving rise to a new nation. This historical milestone marked a turning point in modern history and laid the foundations for a political, social, and cultural process whose influence remains relevant today.
In this context, Casa de América joins the commemorations that will take place in the United States and in various parts of the continent, proposing a space for reflection on the historical, political, and cultural construction of the country, as well as its relationship with Latin America and the entire American continent.
As a platform for meeting, thought, and creation, Casa de América will develop a diverse agenda that will include art exhibitions, book presentations, round tables, conferences, and concerts. These activities will bring together specialists, creators, and the general public around a key anniversary for understanding the past and present of the Americas.
This program aims to promote dialogue and the exchange of perspectives, highlighting the plurality of views that shape American identity and its international projection, while reinforcing cultural ties between Spain and the American continent.
The confirmed program as of today is as follows:
– From June 10 to September 30: Exhibition Everybody loves to Cha Cha Cha, by Bego Antón.
A photographic project developed in the United States that investigates canine freestyle musical, a cultural practice born in the late 20th century in the context of dog shows and popular entertainment. In collaboration with PHotoEspaña.
– From June 25 to September 30: Exhibition Tengo un coco contigo, by Bernardo Medina.
An incisive reflection on the complex relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico based on the Caribbean reinterpretation of the iconic ‘Campbell’s soups’, a symbol of American consumer culture, or the ‘pícaro little horses’.
From June 25 to September 30: Exhibition Democracia Americana, consisting of two shows: American Colors and American Democracy.
With its ‘social geometry’, the collective PSJM generates minimalist compositions based on statistical data or electoral recounts. For example, using the five colors conventionally applied to races in a work where the censused percentage dictates the amount of each color.
– From June 25 to September 30: Exhibition American Latinos 1935-1945, by Alberto Ferreras.
Through photography, music, and storytelling, filmmaker Alberto Ferreras creates this immersive exhibition that brings together nearly 300 portraits of Hispanic communities in the United States. With works by key photographers such as Dorothea Lange, Jack Delano, Russell Lee, John Collier Jr., Marion Post Wolcott, and Arthur Rothstein.
– Friday, July 10 at 6 PM: Commemorative concert on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, organized in collaboration with the Madrilenian Association of Composers (AMCC).
The concert will be performed by Sonor Ensemble and will include works by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Yvonne Freckmann, Katrina Penman, and Flores Chaviano.
