A Selection of Contemporary Latin American Art Sold to Beneft FLORA ars+natura Lots 56-69
FLORA ars+natura is a non-proft foundation in Bogota, Colombia that deals with the myriad relationships between art and nature. FLORA’s programs have had important implications for both artistic and non-artistic circles; its team works closely with local communities, considering social, environmental, and political issues through contemporary art projects. Directed by the husband and wife team of José Roca, and Adriana Hurtado, FLORA was founded in 2012 as a meeting place for artists and those interested in contemporary art. Prior to launching FLORA, José Roca held positions as TATE Estrellita B. Brodsky Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art and co-curator of the 27th Bienal de São Paulo (2006). Located in a former residential house in the working-class neighborhood of San Felipe—which has since become one of Bogota’s most vibrant cultural districts—FLORA is a space with an open character and a domestic scale. In just fve years, it has become a point of reference for the local scene in Bogota, establishing links with the rest of the country and abroad through international residencies, commissioned projects, and intense educational activity. All of FLORA’s programs are free for the participants and the public.
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Since 2016, FLORA has focused on supporting emerging artists through long-term residencies in a brandnew building contiguous to the original architectural structure, housing a total of 20 artist studios. The residencies are accompanied by a practice-based Independent Study program called Escuela FLORA, where curators, art historians, established artists and other guest speakers give seminars and arrange studio visits. FLORA is currently giving grants to 25 artists from 13 countries, all of whom receive a space to work for an entire year, access to the study program, and a monthly stipend for housing, food and transportation. Each studio is generously sponsored by a specifc benefactor— both institutions and individuals—but running such a complex project requires extra funding. The proceedings from Lots 56-69 will greatly aid FLORA by providing supplementary funds for the programs. FLORA and Phillips are incredibly grateful to the artists who have donated works to this section.
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