Chilean dictatorship examined in photographs

A Chilean history professor will speak March 1 at Grand Valley State University on the topic of photography and imagery under the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

Professor Gonzalo Leiva of the Universidad Católica de Chile will give a lecture on the topic: " The Historical-Cultural Imaginary of the Chilean Military Dictatorship, 1973-1989." Leiva's presentation will outline the main elements of the aesthetic approach and cultural world view that the Chilean military dictatorship sought to impose during its tenure from 1973 to 1989. It will outline the regime's official rhetoric and actions as well as the ways that artists challenged the dominance of this official view.

Leiva's research examines the social and cultural history of photography in Chile and postmodern aesthetics in Latin America. His recent publications on Chilean visual culture include “Fotografía y Conflicto en el campo expandido de la estética chilena” (Photography and Conflict in the Expanding Field of Aesthetics in Chile) and the book "Luces de modernidad" ("Lights of Modernity"). He has served as curator for dozens of exhibitions on Chilean art in North and South America. In addition, he edits single-artist monographs from artists such as Luis Navarro and Alvaro Hoppe.

The lecture is March 1 from 2:30-4 p.m. in rooms 215/216 Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Joel Stillerman, coordinator of GVSU's Latin American Studies Program, at (616) 331-3129 or [email protected]. The event is sponsored by GVSU's Latin American Studies Program, the Department of Art and Design and the History Department.