Though not intended, the group of works in The Lovers
resembles an adulterated version of a bar. The sum of
art put together for this exhibition spins a jukebox,
a cooler, a pool table and a hippie bead curtain.

Carolina Caycedo’s SOLO UNDER (2005) is a
coin-operated jukebox that blasts the history of the
Regueton genre from its inception (roughly 1990) to
the present. Regueton evolved from rap and fusions
reggae and dance hall. As a foreigner visiting Puerto
Rico, Carolina recognized the phenomenon early on. The
process behind the jukebox echoes the title of an
earlier project: Immigrants Influence Home Cultures.

Michael Linares’ piece, titled Oasis (2006), is a
pedestal stuffed with beer. Strategically located
between other works in the exhibition, it works
simultaneously as gathering and refreshment area. The
seemingly abstract forms contrast with the open-ended
relational formations produced by them.

Jesús ‘Bubu’ Negrón’s piece (not titled, 2006) is a
pool stick fashioned as a rifle. Though his version of
politics of resistance wedded with humor, it is mostly
a craft by someone who loves the game and plays to
win. As José Lerma notes, Bubu is not interested in
actions that spark large-scale social movements. He’s
different… he’s one of those still using visual
poetry, I mean, his work is not literal in that
sense.

Chemi Rosado Seijo’s Beer counts (2006) is a homage to
Félix González-Torres Blood works. González-Torres
marks time counting white and red blood cells; Chemi
does it with beer caps. The first is interested in the
time remaining and the latter on time past.

While most of the works stand on the floor, the walls
will feature memorabilia of past projects by Caycedo
(UK, 1978), Linares (Puerto Rico, 1979), Negrón
(Puerto Rico, 1975) and Rosado Seijo (1973). Also, in
a move that exemplifies the constant flow of
colleagues in this and other groups, two artists not
on the header will be present: José Lerma (Spain,
1971) and Radamés Figueroa “Junior” (Puerto Rico,
1982). As in any Mom & Pop bar, the walls will collect
highlights of the lives of both owners and patrons.

Related blog post: James Wagner