Citizens across the globe reel from an explosion of autocracies in recent years that have left more countries run by roughshod regimes than governments protecting basic civil rights. This year, the United States became a dangerous headliner among rogue states snatching sovereignty from citizens by seizing stunning control over courts, commerce and communications.

What’s trending today in the Americas, North-South, is a steep devolution from democracy with an unmistakably govern and grab modus operandi: that is, control the rule of law, amass mega wealth, and muzzle any cultural response.

When civil society suffers, the creative response is often the most poignant and powerful. Of course, autocrats target art, media and culture to eliminate distractions from their message, to ensure sameness without challenge. Indeed, what an artist sees, creates and expresses draws popular appeal, and commands some sort of reaction. The tyrant shuts it down.

 Our roster of nine leading artists show us the stirring and often stunning effect of resistance. Hardly exhaustive, the exhibition calls on some of the finest creatives in the Americas whose works are significantly representative of popular sentiment. Our accompanying storyboards provide essential context. And, for viewers interested in learning more, the gallery offers a list of well-vetted resources to explore.

 Art and Autocracy in the Americas proudly includes American sculptor Mimi Herbert; Cuban painters Jabriel Lafrance and Sandra Dooley; Colombian painter Fabio Mesa and Colombian muralist DJ LU; Haitian voodoo flag maker Valentin Valris; Mexican illustrator Juana Estrada Hernández; Chilean-American painter Francisco Letelier; and Peruvian pop artist Amapolay.

Join us for the Opening Thursday May 29th, 6pm to 7:30pm at Amy Kaslow Gallery.