This course explores the imbrication of aesthetics, politics, and media in Latin American art and culture from the mid 1950s to today. We will begin with the emergence of South America abstract, kinetic and concrete movements to the development of neo-figuration, pop and conceptual art in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia. We will analyze the photo iconography of the Cuban and Sandinist Revolutions, the art of resistance during the military juntas in Chile and Argentina, the narco representations in Mexico and Colombia, as well as performance, video art and queer artistic production. We will also study the “architecture of necessity” and hip hop music in contemporary Cuba. Crucial topics such as: political criticism, hybrid cultures, violence, race and border politics, post-colonialism, and postmodern strategies will be discussed. As part of the course, we will visit institutions and art galleries that specialize in Latin American art. First year students are permitted to register for the course with the permission of the instructor.