Superreal: Alternative Realities in Photography and Video at El Museo del Barrio, New York

Superreal, explores the layered meanings and interpretations of the real as it is represented in photography and video art. Drawing on the presentation of the landscape, the human figure, the world of architecture, various objects and natural phenomena, these images explore alternative realities despite their use of the photographic or video image, traditionally understood as a reflection of actuality.

Superreal features works that challenge the notion of the camera’s lens as presenting visual accuracy and explores the subversion of narrative form, the creation of a parallel reality, surreal or super-real encounters with objects, people and environments. Partial, hidden, or enigmatic meanings are explored by the artists gathered here. Iconic works by significant photographers and video artists are included along with newer works by younger artists. The incisive points of view and varied methodologies allow the artists to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality. The works, ranging in dates from the early 1960s to the present, reveal the various ways in which the real is emphasised and subverted, revealed and obscured.

Superreal will feature more than 70 works by artists including ADÁL, John Albok, Yolanda Andrade, Tania Burguera, Nao Bustamante, Leonel Cruet, Ana de la Cueva, Alfredo de Stéfano, Jamie Denburg Habie,Vicente Fernández, José Rubén Gaztambide, Lissie Habie, Christina Howard Sandoval, Las Hermanas Iglesias, Andrea Juan, Ken Light, Christopher López, Eugene Merinov, Pedro Meyer, Priscilla Monge, L. Morales, Abelardo Morell, Vik Muniz, Alfonso Muñoz, Julio Nazario, Rubén-Ortiz-Torres, Esteban Pastorino Díaz, María Teresa ponce, Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, Miguel Rio Branco, Sophie Rivera, Betsabée Romero, Andres Serrano, Teresa Serrano, Edin Vélez, Tony Vélez, Manuela Viera-Galloand Julio Zadik. Their incisive points of view and varied working methods allowed them to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality.

Superreal: Alternative Realities in Photography and Video, 6 February until 19 May, El Museo del Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10029. www.elmuseo.org

Image: Betsabee Romeo, Ayate con Perro, 2005. Courtest El Museo del Barrio, the artist and Ramis Barquet.