Kara Walker. Burning Village

Meet Kara Walker, an artist who isn't afraid to dive deep into the big questions of race, identity, and history. Born in California in 1969, Walker uses her art to explore the long-lasting impact of slavery, showing us how the past continues to shape our world and the way we see one another today.

Walker is most famous for her iconic cut-paper silhouettes. While these works might remind you of charming, old-fashioned shadow portraits or Victorian theater, they carry a powerful punch. She uses satire and dark humor to reveal the hidden contradictions in our national identity, creating art that is both strikingly beautiful and boldly provocative.

Through scenes full of chaotic energy, Walker explores how power and desire have played out across centuries. As she explains, her work is a constant reflection on how "current events" overlap with history and myth. This exhibition invites you to step into her world and consider the recurring themes of social justice and human connection that define her career.

The show presents 44 works from the Michael Jenkins and Javier Romero collection here at MACA. This is one of the most significant gatherings of Walker’s art in Europe, spanning her entire creative journey. You will see a wide range of her work, including drawings, prints, sculptures, artist books, and one of her latest videos.

The display features 31 pieces generously donated to the museum in 2021, joined by 13 special loans arriving from New York specifically for this exhibition. Live the experience the visionary and vital work of one of the most important artists of our time.