CROMA Biennial Announces 2024 Participants: Featuring Prominent Artists from MÍRAME Fine Art

The anticipation is building as the 2024 CROMA Biennial approaches, set to be hosted once again at the prestigious Escazú Country Club in San José, Costa Rica.

This year, the second edition of the biennial is expected to further solidify the event's reputation as one of the most significant platforms for contemporary art in the region.

Running from October through November 2024, the CROMA Biennial will bring together a diverse lineup of artists, with several renowned names from MÍRAME Fine Art, including Aimée Joaristi, Osvaldo Sequeira, Sofía Ruiz, Daniela Marten Rothe, and Jesus Mejia.

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A Tribute to Max Jiménez: Hope in the Future

This year’s theme, “Hope is a mirror hanging in the future,” pays tribute to Max Jiménez, a towering figure in Costa Rican art. Jiménez’s legacy as a multidisciplinary artist—sculptor, painter, writer, and poet—continues to influence generations of Costa Rican artists. Born in 1900 in San José, Jiménez's body of work was ahead of its time, often exploring existential themes and human emotions. His statement about hope hanging in the future is poignant, particularly in today’s uncertain world.

By choosing this theme, the CROMA Biennial aims to inspire participating artists to reflect on the notion of hope, allowing them to interpret it in ways that resonate with their personal experiences and creative practices. Whether through painting, sculpture, photography, or mixed media, the artists’ works will delve into the idea of hope as something to strive toward, an ideal suspended in the future.

A Look Back at the 2022 Edition

First place at the 2022 CROMA Biennial: Daniela Marten Rothe, La Diosa Lenguona.

The 2022 CROMA Biennial marked the debut of this promising art event, and it did not disappoint. More than 300 artists submitted their works, offering a stunning variety of artistic expression across numerous mediums. The biennial’s inaugural edition successfully brought together emerging and established artists, solidifying the CROMA Biennial as a vital space for artistic dialogue and innovation.

The winners of the 2022 edition were:

• • First Place: Daniela Marten Rothe, La Diosa Lenguona
  • Second Place: Ricardo Alvarado Cruz, Blanco
  • Third Place: Walter Rojas Hidalgo, Agosto Moderno

Additionally, honorable mentions were awarded to Stella Valencia Iragorri, Tathyana Aguilar Orozco, and Greivin Ureña Ramirez, recognizing their outstanding contributions. Daniela Martén Rothe’s first-place work, La Diosa Lenguona, became part of the Costa Rica Country Club’s private collection as part of her prize.

2024: A Prominent Line-Up and International Jury

The 2024 CROMA Biennial promises an equally dynamic and enriching experience for both artists and visitors. Alongside notable MÍRAME artists like Aimée Joaristi, Osvaldo Sequeira, Sofía Ruiz, and Jesus Mejia, a diverse array of other established and emerging artists from across Costa Rica will be showcasing their work.

This year’s biennial will be evaluated by an esteemed international panel of judges. The panel includes:

• Dr. Ana María León, a respected art historian and curator known for her expertise in contemporary Latin American art.
• Carlos Gutiérrez, an influential art critic and former director of the National Museum of Costa Rica.
• Isabella Ruiz, a celebrated visual artist whose work spans conceptual and mixed media art.
• David Morales, an experienced gallery owner and art consultant with deep connections to both national and international art scenes.

The jury’s diverse perspectives will ensure a comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of the submitted works. The selection process will involve multiple rounds, starting with a virtual review, followed by in-person evaluations to identify the 40 participating artists. Their work will then be exhibited in the CROMA Biennial from October to November.

What to Expect from the 2024 Edition

The theme of hope, inspired by Max Jiménez’s reflection on the future, invites artists to tackle one of the most universally felt emotions. In today’s global context—marked by challenges ranging from environmental crises to societal upheavals—hope can feel both elusive and essential. How will contemporary Costa Rican artists interpret this concept? Attendees can expect a wide range of interpretations, from introspective personal journeys to broader societal critiques.

The diversity of mediums allowed in the biennial will further enrich the exhibition experience. Accepted techniques include painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more, with one restriction: the work must be unpublished and created specifically for this event. The guidelines ensure that the artists’ contributions will be fresh, original, and responsive to the biennial’s theme.

Prizes and Recognition

As with the 2022 edition, the 2024 CROMA Biennial will offer significant prizes for the top three artists:

• First Prize: USD 7,000 and a solo exhibition at the Costa Rica Country Club in 2025. The winning work will also become part of the Club’s private collection.
• Second Prize: USD 3,000.
• Third Prize: USD 1,000.

These prizes not only offer financial support but also provide valuable recognition and exposure for the winning artists. For the first-place winner, the solo exhibition in 2025 is a unique opportunity to further establish their presence in the Costa Rican art scene.

Looking Ahead

With an outstanding panel of judges, a powerful theme, and a remarkable group of artists set to participate, the 2024 CROMA Biennial is shaping up to be an unmissable event in Costa Rica’s cultural calendar. As it continues to grow, the CROMA Biennial is becoming an increasingly important platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, connect with an international audience, and contribute to the country’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

For art lovers, collectors, and curators, the biennial offers a chance to experience firsthand the diverse, thought-provoking, and inspiring works being created by Costa Rican artists today. Keep an eye on CROMA’s official social media channels and website for updates on the final selection of artists and event details.