By Museum of Contemporary Art Bogotá
Museum of Contemporary Art Bogotá
Natividad (1999) by Nadin OspinaMuseum of Contemporary Art Bogotá
In Nadín Ospina's artworks we spot constant elements like cultural diversity, humor mixed with irony, and the search for identity in a globalized world. "Nativity" is based on the recognized Portinari Altarpiece made by Hugo Van de Goes, where the central panel includes the adoration of the shepherds. It was one of the first Flemish paintings to arrive to Italy.
From Florence to Bogotá
The architecture and landscapes of de van de Goes are conserved, but each of the characters have been adapted or reinterpreted with pop culture icons of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and Child are a reference to the popular rubber figurines used in the manger, the angels have been replaced by Disney figurines like Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, and Donald.
On the right left hand corner we find Freezer from the famous Dragon Ball Z anime and the transformer Optimus Prime.
On the right we find Goku, a character that many generations shared adventures with.
The beautiful still life of lilies, ceramics and glass vases, next to the bundles of wheat retain their same positions in the composition, but lack the details of the original.
The shepherds of the original painting have been replaced by the three wise men and Santa Claus, who in today's day and age are the ones who bring the presents.
The fusion of religious, cultural, topographical, ironic and artistic elements make this piece an attraction for the public, who can comment and see the different elements.
This piece was included in the exhibit "Hybrid Identities" a project that encourages us to discover our identities through the permanent collection of the museum.
Texts by Gustavo A. Ortiz Serrano
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Bogotá, UNIMINUTO.
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