The art world received a grand toast on September 6 when the recipient of the inaugural Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize was honored at a splendid affair in Manhattan.
A dozen well-heeled guests gathered at Manhattan’s legendary The Polo Bar to raise their glasses to renowned artist, Carlos Martiel. Maestro Dobel Tequila, creator of the world’s first Cristalino from 11th-generation tequila maker Juan Dobel, in partnership with El Museo del Barrio, the country’s leading Latinx cultural institution located in New York City, announced during the lavish soiree the winner.
“I am honored to have been selected as the inaugural winner of the Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize, an award that celebrates my community and stresses the crucial role of Latinx art in the creative world,” said Martiel. ”Through this prize, I am looking forward to producing new work that will continue to drive conversations on subjects that matter and shine a light on the importance of representation.”
The fierce and bold artist was selected due to his outstanding work as a visual artist, his thought-provoking performances, and the impact of his art in that deeply resonates with current Latinx audiences. Born in Havana and now based in New York, he is highly accomplished with a diverse body of work has gained global recognition.
“On behalf of our jury, I am delighted to announce Carlos Martiel as the recipient of the 2023 Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize,” said Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director of El Museo del Barrio. “Martiel’s work beautifully explores the complexity and nuance of racism and racialization, gender, immigration, and the legacy of colonialism in the Americas. We are grateful for our partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, who shares our commitment to supporting Latinx artists in the United States.”
Welcoming nominations of Latinx artists from across the United States and Puerto Rico, this prize establishes a wonderfully unique platform to promote the work of talented Latinx artists. Created to promote awareness and elevate the production of Latinx artists, a $50,000 grant was awarded along with the placement of an upcoming Spring 2024 showcase in El Museo del Barrio’s Room 110 multidisciplinary space,
Juan Dobel, Founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila additionally stated, “We are proud to award Carlos Martiel the inaugural Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize. Through this prize and collaboration with El Museo del Barrio, we hope to further our long-standing commitment to championing communities of artists, creatives, and artisans. This is just the beginning of what I’m confident will be a significant step forward for our artists, our community and all the talented individuals it comprises.”
After reviewing a wide range of nominees submitted by leading curators and experts across the United States based on predetermined criteria established by El Museo, the jury committee – comprised of Cesar Garcia, founder, director and chief curator of The Mistake Room in Los Angeles, Mari Carmen Ramirez, Wortham Curator of Latin American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Alejandra Martinez, Creative Director of Maestro Dobel Artpothecary and founder of Anonimo Colectivo and Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director of El Museo del Barrio – deliberated and selected Carlos Martiel from a shortlist of talented Latinx artists.
To continue the grand toast tribute El Museo del Barrio and Maestro Dobel Tequila also hosted on September 7 a gala that honored the artist Coco Fusco for Excellence in the Arts and Juan Beckmann for Outstanding Patron of the Arts.
These trailblazing moments were simply refreshing and indicative of a profoundly different future. The days ahead look bright an gloriously blissful thanks to all of these innovative visionaries.
