Artists from Latin American Cultures: A Biographical Dictionary »

KRISTIN G. CONGDON is a Professor of Art and Philosophy at the University of Central Florida. She has published extensively on the study of folk arts, community arts, and contemporary art issues. She is co-editor of several books. She is the 1998 and 1999 recipient of the Manual Barken Memorial Award for scholarship from the National Art Education and the 1998 Ziegfeld Award from the United States Society for Education Through Art for international work in the arts.

KARA KELLEY HALLMARK edited and wrote several essays for the University of Central Florida's graduate student House of Blues folk art project. She is a doctoral student in Art Education at Flordia State University.

This biographical dictionary profiles 75 artists from the United States and 13 nations of Central and South America and the Caribbean, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, printmakers, installation artists, and performance artists.

VOYA

Although they comprise a limited sampling, the more than seventy-five extraordinary men and women featured in these pages represent some of the finest contributions Latin Americans have made to the world art scene. In the voluptuous, oversized figures of Colombia's Fernando Botero; the papier-mâché artistry of Mexico's Linares family; the striking wood block sculptures of Venezuela's Marisol; the surrealist genius of Cuba's Wifredo Lam; and the many works of their colleagues, these multitalented artists offer a kaleidoscope of awesome creativity. They present a lush, color-rich landscape with intriguing subjects, inventive techniques, and masterly presentations. The biographical sketches are particularly interesting, with insights into the subject's artistic influences, imaginative concepts, personal philosophies, and sometimes even political ideas. Each biography is followed by a listing of places where the artist's work may be seen and a bibliography. The diversity of backgrounds, multifaceted personalities, and dynamic accomplishments of these eminent artists combined with the well-written, easy-to-read format, make this volume a fascinating read and an excellent resource for readers of all ages. It would certainly make a worthy addition to any library, teen or adult. Glossary. Index. Photos. Biblio. 2002, Greenwood, 344p. PLB Culberson