Exploring the IDB Art Collection at Longview Gallery
Renata, Ana, Julieta and Jane
Yesterday, our art club had the privilege of visiting the IDB Art Collection exhibition at the Longview Gallery in Washington, D.C.
We were warmly welcomed by Julieta, the curator responsible for this captivating exhibit. After she introduced us to the collection, which features 60 pieces carefully selected from the Inter-American Development Bank’s extensive art collection.
While the entire collection is accessible via Google Arts & Culture, this in-person exhibit, which closed today, October 24th, offered a truly unique experience.
Later we were joined by Blanca L. Cedilhos, a esteemed member of the IDB Family Association and an art enthusiast with lots of experience in museums and galeries tours around the DC area.
The afternoon was not only productive but also filled with admiration for the beauty and diversity of the artworks. One piece that particularly caught our attention featured vibrant watermelons.
The artist’s consistent use of this motif (sandia in Spanish) throughout her works made it a standout, especially with the bold use of color. Some of us were impressed by the red contrast outlining the figures in the painting.
We were also intrigued by some of the more peculiar elements in the exhibit, including two pieces that featured motorcycles and two others centered on chairs.
The variety in media—ranging from mixed media, collage, and acrylics to sculptures—was remarkable.
One of the most striking pieces was a sculpture depicting a boat, symbolizing themes of immigration.
There is hope that this collection may travel to other venues in the future, allowing even more people to experience it firsthand.
The tactile quality of the materials used in these works - such as paper, aluminum truly makes an in-person viewing essential.
Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, you can explore the IDB Art Collection online through this link to Google Arts & Culture.
