ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Paul Ramírez Jonas Survey at CAMH Explores Participation and Collective History

exhibition · 2026-04-20

From April 29 to August 6, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston will host Paul Ramírez Jonas's inaugural survey exhibition in the Americas. This showcase delves into the dynamics between artists and their audiences, the collaborative nature of history, and the importance of community involvement. Notable pieces featured are The Commons (2011), a life-sized cork sculpture designed for audience interaction, and Dictar y recordar (2010), a 24-hour event in Honduras that gathered public stories into a book for both the National Archives of Honduras and the Smithsonian Institution. Additional works include Album: 50 State Summits (2002–) and Top of the World (Red Ball) (1997). Jonas's art promotes a hopeful perspective on collective creativity and encourages audience engagement to rethink established narratives.

Key facts

  • Paul Ramírez Jonas's first career survey in the Americas runs from 29 April to 6 August at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
  • The Commons (2011) is a lifesize equestrian cork sculpture where visitors pin contributions like drawings and notes
  • Dictar y recordar (2010) was a 24-hour event in Honduras transcribing public narratives into a book gifted to the National Archives of Honduras and the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art
  • Album: 50 State Summits (2002–) includes book pages for photos at the highest point of each U.S. state
  • Top of the World (Red Ball) (1997) is a curved red rubber platform viewers can stand on
  • In Public Trust (2016–), visitors make promises displayed on a marquee board alongside news promises
  • Jonas's work explores themes of participation, collective history, exploration, and community
  • The exhibition features artifacts including a typewriter and written documents from Dictar y recordar

Entities

Artists

  • Paul Ramírez Jonas

Institutions

  • Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
  • National Archives of Honduras
  • Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Houston
  • United States
  • Honduras

Sources