Joseph Kattou: PUERTO RICANISH Liberty and Justice for Some

Joseph Kattou: PUERTO RICANISH
Liberty and Justice for Some
July 12 - August 25, 2024
First Friday Opening Reception, Friday, July 12, 6-9 pm

Joseph Kattou makes Vejigantes, a type of traditional Puerto Rican mask typically made from the outer husks of coconuts. Their devilish visages, horrific amalgams of horns and fangs covered in colors and patterns, were meant by colonists and religious fanatics to strike fear into the Puerto Rican community. Once a symbol of religious oppression and fear, Vejigantes are now a symbol of perseverance and celebration in the Puerto Rican community. Working with archival resins and plastic forming, Kattou creates contemporary Vejigantes that represent Puerto Ricans’ resilience in the face of disaster, neo-colonial forces, and corporate beasts. His sculptures personify hardships being overcome, transformed from tools of religious extremism and fear into celebratory heritage objects.

Practice is honored to have Joseph Kattou show with us in July and August. Please join us for the opening on July 12th from 6-9pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

Artists BIO

Joseph Kattou is a multimedia artist and Vejigante maker. He draws on his Puerto Rican heritage to create works about the island's political movements within the diaspora. He travels internationally frequently as a photographer and researcher to learn and exhibit work in diverse environments and create relationships with new collaborators. He received his MFA in Sculpture in spring of 2023 from the State University of New York At New Paltz and works professionally as a professor and a film and television production artist.

@josephkattouart