Minerva Cuevas, a conceptual artist, uses her pieces to convey strong messages of the social inequalities that still remain in the 21st century. Cuevas was born in Mexico City in 1975, and in wake of the recent earthquakes across Mexico it will be interesting to see what, if any, art she produces to reflect the tragic events. Cuevas takes on corporations and political bodies, undermining their contributions to equality. Her ideas to help better equality in Mexico and worldwide include the redistribution of money flow, and local action. Her work is reminiscent of many powerful artists using their creations to incite movement from the people and fight injustice. Her contribution to the piece below emblazoned with “égalité” juxtaposes the expensive, and elite water that is Evian with the harsh fact that more than 700 million people live without clean water. Similarly, her critical piece of the Del Monte brand speaks to the grim history of the fruit and vegetable company. Capitalism drove the executives of Del Monte to mistreat Latin American laborers, especially those of Guatemala. Cuevas touches on the idea that consumerism often takes out the human aspect involved in efficient production. The workers become keys to profitability. I discovered Cuevas’ powerful work after following a trail of influential Mexican contemporary artists. I find this work interesting and crucial to the progression that some Latin American countries are making towards better equality, while others are taking steps back. Capitalism that is driven by foreign greed has taken advantage of many Latin American countries, and charged art pieces such as Cuevas’ can help support the spread of hope for better lifestyles.
“peace” 2004 by Cuevas in collaberation with other artists
Cuevas “Del Monte” 2003