Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa Seeks Art World's Non-Commercial Realness

Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa, a public scholar, independent curator, and art critic specializing in Afro-Latinx, Latinx, and Black Atlantic history, has articulated a preference for "non-commercial realness" within the contemporary art world. Rosa, who is based in Harlem, focuses her scholarship on how migration, memory, identity, and diasporic experiences continue to influence modern artistic expressions. This unique perspective shapes her curatorial and critical approach, leading her to seek out artworks and exhibitions that resonate emotionally, challenge established narratives, or offer novel interpretations of the present moment, rather than adhering strictly to what the art market deems significant. Her insights were shared as part of HypeArt's "State of Art" series, which features leading figures from the art community discussing current trends and future directions. In a recent installment, Rosa reflected on the art that has left a lasting impression on her in 2026, highlighting specific exhibitions and experiences. She expressed particular admiration for Bony Ramirez's "El Cielo Del Mar," an installation of large-scale sculptures presented at the Historic Chapel of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, which was curated by Anne-Laure Sa. Rosa described this exhibition as having a persistent hold on her thoughts. Furthermore, she referenced her experience at the Venice Biennale, where she found unexpected solace in recorded apologies from strangers while navigating the event with a deactivated mobile phone. Rosa also commented on the late Koyo Kouoh's contribution to the Venice Biennale, perceiving it less as a conventional exhibition and more as a "praise dance." Her critique of the contemporary art landscape includes a call for greater emphasis on poetic expression and a reduction in what she terms "noise." Despite the complexities and challenges of the current global environment, Dr. Rosa awarded the art world an "A+" for its enduring capacity to engage and provoke. The "State of Art" series itself aims to provide an intimate platform for artists, curators, collectors, and other influential voices to share their perspectives on the ideas, debates, and cultural shifts that are currently defining contemporary art, offering a closer examination of what excites the art world, what requires transformation, and the potential trajectories for its future.