Beatriz González @ Barbican // Bad Review

I cannot believe Beatriz Gonzalez has been around for 90 years and I have never heard about her. It’s no coincidence she’s called la Maestra in Colombia. The exhibition is a must-see, for the following reasons: she’s a bright and humorous observer of Colombian society; her original approach and wit are inspiring, and it allows a fresh interpretation of even the most atrocious crimes she documented with a lens of respect without heaviness; the exhibition is curated in a way that shows you the development of her practice into a more political approach, always empathic - the series dedicated to the women of Colombia grieving for their lost ones (with a self-portrait of the artist) really is a deep emotional exploration of maternal grief; the originality of her approach to kitsch ante-litteram (see her furniture) is a funny and fun ideas, alongside the rare ability of shaping the mundane parts of the folkloristic prints culture in Colombia into something more, something deeper; she approaches her culture with humour, but always full respect, and it’s sweet to see how much she loves her home country, and yet is brutally honest in unveiling its flaws. Overall, this show is a real gem. I was really impressed by Gonzalez’s eye, innovatory approach, and courageous humour and sensitive intelligence.