Photo by Paulina Kim Joo.
Kevin Quiles Bonilla presents a new iteration of his lecture-performance Study of Piles, using the concept of the pile as a catalyst to explore various moments, places, and people, specifically imagery from Puerto Rico's political history. The artist approaches the pile as a universal structure that transcends geographical, cultural, and political barriers, asking how we can utilize these often-overlooked yet pervasive structures within the urban landscape as symbols to reflect the human condition. The piece will be followed by a discussion between Quiles Bonilla and George Bolster, Curator at the Foundation.
All of our programming is free and open to the public, with RSVPs requested here. Geographic Bodies is on view from 11am on the day of the program, with select works obstructed from 5:30pm due to the event setup. Doors are at 6pm and the performance will begin no later than 6:30pm. Info on accessing our space can be found here. Email us with any questions.
Kevin Quiles Bonilla (b. 1992) is an interdisciplinary artist born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Through photography, performance and installation, his works explore ideas around power, colonialism, and history with his identity as context. He received a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Puerto Rico (2015) and an MFA in Fine Arts from Parsons The New School of Design (2018). He has presented his work at Brooklyn Museum, Queens Museum, Lincoln Center and Ford Foundation. Recent solo shows include Real Art Ways, Hartford, CT (2021), Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center, Bronx, NY (2022), and Baxter St at the Camera Club of New York (2024). His first public artwork, For centuries, and still…(anticipated completion) made in collaboration with artist Zaq Landsberg, was presented through NYC Parks in 2022. He has been an Artist-in-Residence at the Arts + Disability Residency (2018-2019); LMCC Workspace Residency (2019-2020); Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program (2022-2023); NYLAAT Residency (2023); Monira Foundation Residency (2024); LMCC Arts Center at Governors Island (2024) and a Fellow at En Foco Inc Photography Fellowship (2021); EmergeNYC (2021); Art Matters Artist2Artist Fellowship (2023) and the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop Kahn|Mason SIP Fellowship (2024). His work has been featured in Hyperallergic, The Washington Post, BOMB Magazine and The Guardian. He lives and works between New York and Puerto Rico.
Image description: In a darkened space, a performer kneels in front of a pile of crumbled white paper. He is in the motion of throwing a new crumbled paper into the pile.