Though not intended, the group of works in The Lovers resembles an adulterated version of a bar. The sum of art put together for this exhibition spins a jukebox, a cooler, a pool table and a hippie bead curtain.

Carolina Caycedo’s SOLO UNDER (2005) is a coin-operated jukebox that blasts the history of the Regueton genre from its inception (roughly 1990) to the present. Regueton evolved from rap and fusions reggae and dance hall. As a foreigner visiting Puerto Rico, Carolina recognized the phenomenon early on. The process behind the jukebox echoes the title of an earlier project: Immigrants Influence Home Cultures.

Michael Linares’ piece, titled Oasis (2006), is a pedestal stuffed with beer. Strategically located between other works in the exhibition, it works simultaneously as gathering and refreshment area. The seemingly abstract forms contrast with the open-ended relational formations produced by them.

Jesús ‘Bubu’ Negrón’s piece (not titled, 2006) is a pool stick fashioned as a rifle. Though his version of politics of resistance wedded with humor, it is mostly a craft by someone who loves the game and plays to win. As José Lerma notes, _Bubu is not interested in actions that spark large-scale social movements. He’s different… he’s one of those still using visual poetry, I mean, his work is not literal in that sense._

Chemi Rosado Seijo’s Beer counts (2006) is a homage to Félix González-Torres Blood works. González-Torres marks time counting white and red blood cells; Chemi does it with beer caps. The first is interested in the time remaining and the latter on time past.

While most of the works stand on the floor, the walls will feature memorabilia of past projects by Caycedo (UK, 1978), Linares (Puerto Rico, 1979), Negrón (Puerto Rico, 1975) and Rosado Seijo (1973). Also, in a move that exemplifies the constant flow of colleagues in this and other groups, two artists not on the header will be present: José Lerma (Spain, 1971) and Radamés Figueroa “Junior” (Puerto Rico, 1982). As in any Mom & Pop bar, the walls will collect highlights of the lives of both owners and patrons.

Related blog post: James Wagner