Juan Roberto Diago
By using the very materials from the neighborhood, Diago creates a direct connection between the artwork and the lived experiences of the people in Pogolotti, reinforcing the idea of "presence" in the face of adversity. A couple of the houses contain videos depicting the daily life in the area, further emphasizing the theme of memory and the persistence of life despite the challenges. The installation not only reflects the physical realities of life in this community but also brings to light the unseen narratives of resilience, dignity, and strength.
Through this work, Diago captures the power of presence—how individuals and communities continue to thrive, leave their mark, and assert their identity, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Provenance
Robert Diago Studio > Pan American Art ProjectsExhibitions
“Infinite Island: Contemporary Caribbean Art" exhibit, the Brooklyn Museum, Aug. 31st, 2007 to Jan. 27th, 2008. Note: The illustrations at page 108 and 109 of the Brooklyn Museum catalog are from a previous display at the artist studio."Juan Roberto Diago: 20 Years of Creation". Cernuda Art. From Nov 2019 to January 2020.
Diago: The Pasts of This Afro-Cuban Present — Ethelbert Cooper Gallery of African & African American Art, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). February – May 2017.