Kara Walker’s ‘Burning Village’ Highlighted in MACA Retrospective

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The Alicante Museum of Modern Art (MACA) is currently showcasing a grand exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking artist Kara Walker. Named “Burning Village“, this display features diverse works spanning multiple disciplines such as drawings, etchings, sculptures, and films produced by the artist over the past forty years. The exhibition runs until September 7th.

Forty-four pieces were taken from the Michael Jenkins and Javier Romero Collection of MACA, with thirty-one generously donated to the institution and twelve purchased by MACA in 2024. This collection was used to present a wide-ranging exhibition showcasing Walker’s art, which addresses political themes, delves into the complexities of martyrdom, examines iconography, and investigates the lingering effects of American slavery, providing insight into its legacy.

One of Walker’s early works, titled “I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle,” is showcased and is known for its distinctive black cut-out silhouettes made by Walker. Additionally, there’s another collection of work featuring big silkscreens filled with Southern folklore images that Walker combined with harsh portrayals of slavery. These depictions are contrasted with aspects from Greek mythology. The exhibition concludes with a 12-minute animated film created by the artist herself.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “In my analysis, Walker delves into how contemporary and historical aspects of race, identity, power, and desire operate within oppressive and subjugating systems, using her art to explore this topic from both established artistic roots and the bizarre, sometimes grotesque, realms of imagination.

Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art
Pl. Sta. María, 3
Alicante 03002
Spain

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2025-03-06 23:25