CITYist

Untitled, 1960, Collection of Françoise Ferrer

Retro/Active, the exhibit at El Museo Del Barrio, is a contradiction–one which accurately describes Rafael Ferrer, who’s worked for more than half a century and is still working today. Unfortunately, Ferrer never rose to the same fame of other 20th century contemporary artists, like say, Picasso or, Matisse, but his notable work is fueled by a passion and curiosity for life: the Puerto Rican-born artist draws on everything from his love of jazz to snippets of life in his Caribbean homeland.

As one of the pioneers of the Process Art movement of the 60s and 70s, Ferrer uses various everyday materials (i.e. paperbags) to create masks and sculptures (more out of experimentation than resourcefulness). His use of distorted representations in his later paintings of human situations are riveting. Overall, the collection is a reflection and explosion of feeling, enhanced by vivid colors that bring his eclectic perception to life. Nearly 200 works of sculpture, drawings, paintings and more will be on display at El Museo del Barrio through August 22.

Ensayo (Essay), 1997, Collection Museo de Arte de Ponce, The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc. Ponce, PR Photo courtesy Maud Duquella

Do Not Call It Fixity (T.S. Eliot), 2008 Gouache, Collection of the artist Photo by Jason Mandella

El Cuarteto (The Quartet), 1981, Collection of Max & Molly McCall Photo courtesy Nancy Hoffman Gallery

El Sol Asombra (the Sun in Shadow/The Sun Astounds), 1989, Collection The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio Photo courtesy Nancy Hoffman Gallery

La Pintura: Descarga del Monte (Painting: Jungle Jam), 1995, Collection of Abby and David McCall, Photo courtesy Nancy Hoffman Gallery