July 1–August 22, 2014
Online application deadline: Monday, March 31, 2014
Application review process begins on February 24
SOMA Summer is a unique eight-week program for visual artists, art historians, and curators conducted in English in Mexico City. The size of the group is limited to twenty-five participants, and collectives are welcome to apply.
SOMA Summer 2014 will focus on the notions of participation and collaboration in art. The increasing number of college degree programs termed “Social Practice” as well as the growing recognition of art collectives illustrates the normalization of collective work as a mainstream artistic strategy. Yet collaboration in art is frequently political by nature or, at least, claims this status. The group dynamic allows for a certain kind of anonymity that often translates into a high degree of open confrontation and criticality. However, using the rhetoric of war, collaboration can mean working with the enemy. Collaboration can also connote neoliberal, creative entrepreneurialism. This is to say there are many ways to engage the other. This summer, seminars and workshops will focus on the various forms of collectivity and its operational implications.
SOMA Summer offers a series of short seminars and workshops led by a selection of renowned Mexican and international artists. Participants will meet weekly for individual critiques with a variety of artists and curators. Activities are designed to promote intense creative work and artistic dialogue. Participants will be introduced to the dynamic art scene in Mexico City. A number of visits to museums and artists’ studios are scheduled. At the end of the program, participants will present their work/research in an open studio event.
SOMA is a space for reconsideration and reflection, where participants have the opportunity to critically analyze their work and to revisit their creative processes. SOMA facilities consist of shared working studios. Labs and workshop space are not available. Nevertheless, we provide logistical support for producing work within Mexico City. Applicants must demonstrate significant experience in their field. Accepted SOMA applicants are expected to participate in all of the program’s activities.
Seminars and workshops 2014:
Eduardo Abaroa (artist, MX)
Carlos Aguirre and Víctor Muñoz (Proceso Pentágono, artist collective, MX)
Alexander Garcia Duttman (philosopher, DE)
Harrell Fletcher (artist, USA)
Superflex (artist collective, DK)
Special sessions/lectures 2014:
Mariana Botey (artist, MX)
Camel Collective (artist collective, DK/MX/USA)
Ted Purves (artist, USA)
Chip Lord (artist, USA)
Studio visits and individual critiques 2014:
Magali Arriola (curator, MX)
Irving Dominguez (critic, MX)
Carlos Amorales (artist, MX)
Maris Bustamante (artist, MX)
Amy Sara Caroll (art historian, USA)
Tatiana Cuevas (curator, MX)
Mariana David (curator, MX)
Ricardo Dominguez (artist, USA)
Iván Edeza (curator, MX)
Magnolia de la Garza (curator, MX)
Anthony Graves (artist, USA)
Graciela Kasep (curator, MX)
Alejandra Labastida (curator, MX)
Luis Felipe Ortega (artist, MX)
Raúl Ortega Ayala (artist, MX)
Bárbara Perea (curator, MX)
Iker Vicente (artist, MX)
Tercerunquinto (artist collective, MX)
For more information, please check our site: somamexico.org/en/soma-summer.
A detailed list of activities scheduled for this summer can be found at somamexico.org/en/program-2014
Application procedures: somamexico.org/soma-summer-applications
Any further questions: somamexico.org/faq or [email protected]