NEW YORK, NY.- El Museo del Barrio today announced the appointment of Rodrigo Moura to the position of Chief Curator, effective immediately. In this role, he will work closely with Executive Director Patrick Charpenel and the curatorial team to create an overarching framework for the Museum’s curatorial department, expand the understanding and scope of its Permanent Collection, foster relationships with emerging and established artists, strengthen the Museum’s commitment to its mission, and deepen its relationship to Puerto Rican, Latinx and Latin American communities both locally and internationally.
Moura joins El Museo del Barrio after twelve years at Instituto Inhotim in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, home to one of the largest foundations of contemporary art in Brazil and one of the largest outdoor art centers in Latin America. During his tenure, Moura served as curator and artistic director, focusing on the research and presentation of the institution’s groundbreaking collection of contemporary art. In his artistic leadership role, Moura was also integral in spearheading audience development strategies, and reinvigorating the institution’s commitment to community, education, and public programs.
“Rodrigo brings a bold curatorial vision to El Museo del Barrio, combining energetic innovative thinking with leadership skills honed over twelve years at one of Brazil’s leading cultural institutions,” stated Executive Director Patrick Charpenel. “Rodrigo’s established and impressive roster of exhibitions align with the core values of our institution and engage with issues central to El Museo. His understanding of the needs of emerging artists, and his intersectional approach to exhibitions, education, and public programs render him exceptionally prepared to shape El Museo’s curatorial framework and lead our curatorial initiatives. I am confident he will be a great addition to our team as we plan El Museo’s bright future.”
“It is with great enthusiasm that I join the team at El Museo del Barrio in imagining and implementing a new curatorial vision for this historic and singular institution,” said Moura. “El Museo del Barrio is a striking example of what museums should be doing today: a pioneering, community-centered approach to cultural expressions of art and culture. The museum continues to be a visionary leader in this area at a time when many leading museums are looking at ways to further connect with their nearby communities. The curatorial department is poised to further expand the art historical canon and increase the relevance of Latino/Latinx and Latin American art in the international stage and I am honored and excited to carry on this legacy.”
Immediately prior to joining El Museo del Barrio, Moura served as adjunct curator of Brazilian art at Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) from 2016 to 2018. His exhibitions at MASP include Djanira: Picturing Brazil (2019), Melvin Edwards: Lynch Fragments (2018); Images of the Aleijadinho (2018); Who’s afraid of Teresinha Soares? (2017); and Portinari Popular (2016). His major initiatives at Instituto Inhotim include commissioned exhibitions and projects such as Claudia Andujar: Maxita Yano (2015); Geta Bratescu: The Garden and Other Myths (2014); Babette Mangolte (2013); Juan Araujo: Mineiriana (2013); Carlos Garaicoa: Now Let’s Play to Disappear (2012); Miguel Rio Branco (2010); among others.
