The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) in Seville presents "Alien Queen / Strange Paradise," a solo exhibition by Mexican artist Manuela Solano. Curated by Gilberto González, the show features over thirty large-scale paintings created over seven years, drawing on pop culture from the 1980s to early 2000s. Solano, who lost her eyesight at age twenty-six due to a negligently treated HIV-related infection, paints directly with her hands, layering dense pigment to explore memory, identity, and visual culture. The exhibition runs through November 8, 2026.
This exhibition matters because it highlights a visually impaired artist whose work challenges conventional notions of sight and painting, using personal trauma and pop culture references to reconstruct memory and identity. Solano's practice bridges alternative and mainstream aesthetics, inviting viewers to reflect on their own cultural icons and societal roles. The show underscores the CAAC's commitment to showcasing contemporary art that engages with pressing social and personal themes, positioning Solano as a significant voice in current painting.