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Introduction

The Cold War in Latin America: Art and Politics

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

Latin America was spared the widespread destruction of World War II. After the war ended, many nations in the region enjoyed a period of relative prosperity, as economic growth and increasing industrialization offered a sense of optimism for the future. The utopian possibilities of modernism inspired various forms of abstraction from artists throughout Latin America, especially in the use of new industrial materials. Modernism became a leading force shaping large urbanization projects in rapidly expanding cities. Brazilian modernism reached its height in the development of the new capital city of Brasilia, where futuristic architecture was inspired by abstract art. International abstraction shaped the design of University City in Caracas, the main Campus of the Central University of Venezuela, which featured the art of leading Venezuelan and European artists side by side.

Image credit:
Antonio Caro
Colombia Coca-Cola (detail), 2010
Enamel on tin
69.8 cm x 100 cm (27 1/2 in. x 39 3/8 in.)
The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin
Susman Collection, 2014

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