Juan Carlos Alom

This project marks the first solo museum exhibition of Cuban artist Juan Carlos Alom (b. 1964), who is recognized for his exploration and documentation of Afro-Cuban culture, displacement, and the environment. Developed in collaboration with the artist, this exhibition will be organized thematically in sections devoted to earth, air, fire, and water.

Alom uses innovative photographic techniques to create powerful images that portray the complex social and political realities of life in Cuba. He investigates Cuba’s past and present, a limbic space to which many in South Florida can relate. This exhibition offers an expansive view of the artist’s oeuvre including black-and-white and color photography as well as a selection of the artist’s films in a viewing room. The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication with scholarly contributions.

Alom came of age during the late 1980s, a pivotal moment in Cuba’s artistic development. He received degrees in Semiotics Studies at the Instituto Internacional de Periodismo and Photographic Images Restoration at the Fototeca de Cuba. His works are found in major museum including Museo Reina Sofía, Walker Art Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Art Institute of Chicago. This debut exhibition will draw on some of these collections to explore the artist’s significant contribution to visual culture.

Florida International University is recognized nationwide as a locus for Cuban studies. The museum will partner with the Cuban Research Institute and other entities at FIU to promote and create dynamic educational programming.

Juan Carlos Alom: Entre los Elementos/Between the Elements, curated by Amy Galpin and Yady Rivero, will be on view from June 15 to November 3, 2024.

Juan Carlos Alom, TV Caribe, from the Special Period series, 1989–1994, Gelatin silver print, 12.2 x 9.5 inches, Courtesy of the artist and El Apartamento