The exhibition inaugurates the gallery’s new space in Venice and establishes a conceptual dialogue between the island of Puerto Rico and the Venetian archipelago.
VENICE, Italy — REM Project is pleased to announce the opening of REM Project Venezia, its new international space directed by Veronica Piras, featuring the solo exhibition ISLAS by Puerto Rican artist Mónica Parada. The exhibition will open to the public on November 28th, 2026, and will remain on view through March 28th, 2027, accompanied by a curatorial text by REM Escobar.
About the Exhibition
Islands reveal a fundamental paradox: what appears to divide territories often becomes the very element that connects them. ISLAS brings into dialogue two distinctive island geographies: the island of Venice and the island of Puerto Rico.Separated by the Atlantic Ocean and shaped by unique historical, political, and cultural dynamics, both have developed identities deeply tied to water, collective memory, and the continuous negotiation between local life and the outside world.
Moving beyond a simple comparison, Mónica Parada’s practice opens a visual and conceptual meeting point. Her perspective, rooted in Puerto Rico yet presented within the Venetian context, invites us to reconsider the island not merely as a geographical condition, but as a living territory shaped by its people and evolving cultural expressions.
Exhibition Highlights
- Connection to the 61st Venice Biennale: The artist’s relationship with the city extends beyond this solo presentation. Her participation in the 61st Venice Biennale as a collaborating artist in the Official Collateral Event Baile, Botella y Baraja introduces participatory sculptural tables inspired by Puerto Rican brisca and domino traditions, bringing Caribbean social spaces into an international setting. With ISLAS, this dialogue takes on a more intimate dimension.
- Historical & Cultural Parallelisms: The exhibition explores how the maritime identities of the Venetian Republic and Puerto Rico’s strategic position in the Caribbean shaped their economies and identities. It also reflects on the vitality of their public celebrations: the Carnival of Venice and its theatrical tradition alongside Puerto Rico’s patron saint festivals and the vejigante mask tradition of the Carnival of Ponce.
- Reflections on the Present: ISLAS examines shared contemporary pressures facing both territories, including mass tourism, gentrification, and the displacement of local residents, raising critical questions about the preservation of community life amidst international visibility.
Inauguration of REM Project Venezia
This exhibition marks the official launch of REM Project Venezia, establishing a dynamic platform for artistic exchange between Puerto Rico, Italy, and the international art community. Under the direction of Veronica Piras, the gallery begins a new chapter in its international presence, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and advancing the visibility of contemporary Puerto Rican art in Europe.
Exhibition Details
- Title: ISLAS
- Artist: Mónica Parada
- Curatorial Text: REM Escobar
- Venue: REM Project Venezia, Venice, Italy
- Gallery Director: Veronica Piras
- Dates: November 28th, 2026 – March 28th, 2027
Media Contact:
REM Project Venezia
Email: community@remproject.gallery