For over a decade, artist Tony Vazquez-Figueroa has delved into the complex narrative of Modernism in Latin America, focusing particularly on its manifestation in Venezuela. Through this exhibition, Vazquez-Figueroa unravels the tangled relationship between Venezuela’s aspirations for modernity and the profound impact of oil on its society.

In the mid-20th century, Venezuela, home to the world's largest oil reserves, found itself at the center of an oil boom that promised prosperity and rapid development. Fueled by an extraordinary influx of wealth, the country embarked on a series of ambitious projects, building grand infrastructures, hotels, and shopping malls — all under the banner of "modernization." Yet, this push towards modernity came with a price: a period marked by political repression, social inequality, and restricted freedoms.

Vazquez-Figueroa confronts this paradox head-on, exposing both the allure and the consequences of Venezuela's quest for a modern identity. Through his work, he invites us to consider how the promises of progress, driven by oil wealth, have shaped — and continue to shape — the nation's socio-political landscape. His research-based art becomes a means of rethinking the ideals of modernism, challenging the viewer to question who truly benefited from this vision of progress and who was left behind.

As Venezuela remains caught in the grip of crisis, the exhibition offers a timely reflection on how the legacy of modernism, intertwined with the relentless pursuit of oil, continues to affect the fabric of Venezuelan society today. Vazquez-Figueroa’s exploration serves as both a historical examination and a contemporary critique, reminding us that the pursuit of modernity is rarely a straightforward path.