Phaidon's 'Latin American Artists' Critiqued for Geographic and Methodological Flaws

Phaidon's publication, 'Latin American Artists: From 1785 to Now,' has come under fire for its simplistic perspective, even though Brazilian curator Raphael Fonseca provides an essay that critiques its geographic limitations. He raises concerns about the representation of Cuban artists such as Carlos Garaicoa and Coco Fusco, while artists from Haiti, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are overlooked. Fonseca also highlights the absence of North American artists with South American heritage and criticizes the term 'America' for its colonial implications. The editors' alphabetical arrangement diminishes the visibility of significant historical issues like racism and performance art's impact. The index reveals Brazil's preeminence with over 50 mentions, in stark contrast to Colombia's nine. Priced at £49.95, the book ultimately feels lacking in depth and coherence, disappointing readers.