Natalia Ángeles Vieyra, the first Latinx art curator at the National Gallery of Art. Photo: Isabel Vieyra

The National Gallery of Art names Natalia Ángeles Vieyra as Latinx Art Curator, setting a new standard for diversity in art. 

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., has announced the appointment of Natalia Ángeles Vieyra as its inaugural associate curator of Latinx art. This prestigious position underscores the gallery’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts, particularly within the Latinx community. Vieyra’s extensive background in Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean art makes her an ideal candidate for this role.

Vieyra brings a wealth of experience to her new role at the National Gallery of Art (NGA). As an independent curator, she has curated exhibitions focusing on Latinx and Latin American art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of these regions. Her doctoral thesis at Temple University, which was focused on the works of Puerto Rican artist Francisco Oller, demonstrates her deep understanding and appreciation of Latinx art history.

A Leading Expert in Latinx Art

Prior to joining the NGA, Vieyra served as an associate curator of American art at the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. During her tenure there, she played a pivotal role in acquiring numerous works by Latin American artists. In addition to enriching the museum’s collection, Vieyra also provided visitors with a broader perspective on American art history.

Expressing her appreciation, Vieyra stated, “I am deeply honored to join the National Gallery of Art at this pivotal juncture in its history.” She expresses enthusiasm about engaging and inspiring Latinx communities through the medium of art. More importantly, she sees her appointment as an opportunity to advocate for Latinx artists on a national platform.

A Vision for the Future

In her new role at the NGA, Vieyra will focus on researching and expanding the gallery’s collection of works by Latinx artists. This includes artists such as Ana Mendieta, Felix González-Torres, Rupert García, Carmen Herrera, and Daniel Lind-Ramos. Others are Freddy Rodríguez, Christina Fernandez, Miguel Luciano, and Martine Gutierrez, whose works are already part of the gallery’s collection.

In a statement, E. Carmen Ramos, the NGA’s chief curatorial and conservation officer, expressed excitement, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Natalia Ángeles Vieyra as our inaugural curator of Latinx art. Her extensive expertise, ranging from late 19th-century Puerto Rican art to contemporary works, aligns perfectly with the National Gallery’s comprehensive collections.”

Ramos, a scholar of Latinx art herself, eagerly awaits collaborating with Natalia. She envisions how Natalia will enhance the gallery’s collections and lead projects. Most importantly, Ramos anticipates Natalia’s role in illuminating the significant ideas and practices of Latinx artists, emphasizing their relevance to our world, both past and present.

Vieyra’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the NGA, as it seeks to engage and inspire Latinx communities through artistic expressions.  Her advocacy for Latino artists on a national platform will help raise awareness of their contributions to the global discourse. More importantly, it will ensure that we hear and celebrate their voices.

The gallery’s decision to create this new curatorial role is part of the Advancing Latinx Art in Museums (ALAM) initiative. The initiative aims to provide 10 US museums with $500,000 each to hire curators dedicated to Latinx art. ALAM has support from prominent philanthropic organizations such as the Mellon, Ford, Getty, and Terra foundations. It highlights the growing recognition of the creativity of Latin American artists in the art world.

A Testament to Diversity in the Arts

Natalia Ángeles Vieyra’s appointment is significant. Her position as the inaugural associate curator of Latinx art at the NGA is an important milestone for both the gallery and the Latin creative community. Vieyra’s expertise and passion for Latin art makes her the ideal candidate for this role. Her appointment reflects the gallery’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence. Above all, Vieyra’s vision for the future of Latinx art promises to enrich the gallery’s collection. Additionally, it will inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.