Firelei Báez
“Firelei Báez”, the first North American survey of Dominican-born, New York–based Firelei Báez, features over 30 paintings, drawings, and installations that explore colonial histories and the African diaspora through pattern, myth, and archival overlays. Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA.. Runs through Sept. 21, 2025.
This exhibition takes place at the Des Moines Art Center at 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Runs through September 21, 2025.
Exhibition Description
Organized by ICA/Boston and co-curated by Eva Respini and Tessa Bachi Haas, this traveling survey spans nearly 20 years of Báez’s work, integrating painting, drawing, and large-scale multimedia installations. It highlights her engagement with themes of colonialism, diaspora, folklore, science fiction, and gender, rendered through intricate patterns, saturated colors, and historic map overlays. The Des Moines presentation, mounted across three architectural galleries, includes immersive environments like A Drexcyen chronocommons (To win the war you fought it sideways) (2019) and her iconic portrait series exploring identity and resistance.
Gallery
