The exhibition 'Imagining an Archipelago: Art from Cuba, Guam, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Their Diasporas' brings together the experiences of these islands through the eyes of dozens of artists, inviting the public to reflect on the historical, cultural, and political ties that unite them beyond geographical borders. The exhibition, which opened at the Colby Museum of Art in Waterville, Maine, serves as a bridge between several Caribbean and Pacific islands that share a common element: they were all part of the US military and colonial expansion in the late 19th century.
Curator Jessamine Batario, who was born in the Philippines, noted that the project has an educational mission to teach this often-overlooked history. The exhibition features around 50 works, including pieces by prominent Puerto Rican artists such as Judith R.
Escalona, Daniel Lind-Ramos, and Juan Sánchez. The exhibition was the result of a extensive research process that included visits to artist studios, exhibitions, and meetings with curators around the world, made possible by a curatorial research grant from the Teiger Foundation.