The New Museum in Manhattan is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Puerto Rican-born artist Pepón Osorio’s “My Beating Heart/Mi corazón latiente” has been described by one critic as a “drenching, exhilarating tsunami of a 30-year survey,” offering visitors a deeply immersive experience through five monumental installations created between 1993 and the present.
Each of Osorio’s works functions as both a theatrical masterpiece and an installation of profound artistic significance. The artist’s background as a social worker adds a layer of poignancy to his creations, which often explore themes of violence, whether inflicted by human hands or nature itself. One notable piece, “Scene of the Crime (Whose Crime?),” presents a visceral crime scene where violence has occurred, forcing viewers to confront the aftermath of brutality. Another installation, “Tina’s House,” features a meticulously detailed tabletop model of a house ravaged by fire, highlighting the destructive power of nature.
In an exclusive interview filmed as part of Art21’s renowned series “Art in the Twenty-First Century,” Pepón Osorio’s reflects on the impact of past installations and their connection to the communities they evoke. Discussing “The Scene of the Crime,” which was previously exhibited at the Whitney Museum, Osorio recalls how the piece transposed a fragment of the South Bronx into the heart of Madison Avenue, generating a powerful juxtaposition that confronted audiences with raw realities.
Central to Osorio’s artistry is the depiction of specific places and communities, with an emphasis on his Puerto Rican heritage. His works incorporate objects, foods, and clothing that resonate with the multifaceted aspects of Puerto Rican culture – both those cherished within the community and the stereotypes perpetuated by external perspectives. In “Scene of the Crime,” the presence of films perpetuating violent portrayals of Latinos near the victim’s body, shrouded under a sheet, provokes contemplation: Is the artist referencing the violence against the victim or the violence perpetuated by media representations?
Osorio’s artistic philosophy revolves around a deep commitment to returning art to its roots – the community. “My principal commitment as an artist,” Osorio emphasizes, “is to return art to the community.” This mission is palpable in his creations, which are infused with narratives and experiences that speak directly to the people they depict. Through “My Beating Heart/Mi corazón latiente,” Osorio brings his Puerto Rican heritage to life on a grand scale, sparking dialogues about culture, identity, and the complex intersections between the two.
The exhibition continues to draw crowds at the New Museum, inviting viewers to engage with the potent reflections of an artist whose work transcends the confines of traditional artistic mediums, touching hearts and minds alike.
