MIAMI, FLA.- The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University is presenting the exhibition Continental Abstraction: Highlights from the Art Museum of the Americas on view through Feb. 18. Originally organized by Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara, in collaboration with the Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of the American States (AMA).

The Art Museum of the Americas’ partnership with the Organization of American States was founded with the premise that the arts play a social role in fostering democracy and freedom of expression during times of upheaval.

From the 1950s through the 1980s, the Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of the American States (AMA) collected work by young and emerging Latin American artists, often launching their international careers (including Manabu Mabe and Maria Luisa Pacheco, who today are considered Latin American Masters).

Continental Abstraction spans six decades, and includes photographs, prints, installations and sculptures by 26 artists from 20 countries including: Gyula Kosice and Rogelio Polesello from Argentina; Rudy Acoria and María Luisa Pacheco from Bolivia; Manabu Mabe and Tutaka Toyota from Brazil; Marcos Irizarry from Puerto Rico; and Tony Capellan from the Dominican Republic. At the Frost Art Museum FIU, this exhibition was coordinated by Maryanna Ramirez, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, and Klaudio Rodriguez, Curator. This exhibition was originally curated in Guadalajara by Marisa Caichiolo and Laura Ayala. At the AMA it was coordinated by Adriana Ospina, Curator of the Permanent Collection.

These works illustrate the rich cultural and visual history of geometric abstraction as it evolved across the Americas. Features more than 40 works by Latin American artists who experiment with form and materials, investigating through an abstract lens themes of migration, exile, poverty, freedom and creativity. This museum has historically served as the cultural diplomat for the Organization of American States, and was the first museum of modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean Art in the United States. Their collective goal is to foster strong cultural connections to nurture artistic trends between the U.S. and Latin America.

“There is no greater international moment for Miami than Art Basel season, and this year more than ever, Miami’s position as a portal to South America and the Caribbean is reflected in our headline exhibitions at the Frost Art Museum FIU,” said Jordana Pomeroy, the Museum’s Director. “Showcasing a passionate world of art, these Latin American exhibitions transform our galleries with a powerful and far-reaching scope of artists.”

“Our museum is committed to bringing global knowledge and international cultural awareness to Miami’s doorstep, to FIU’s students and faculty, and to the leaders and influencers from the art world who come to Miami every year for Art Basel week,” adds Jordana Pomeroy.