Byzantine Bembé, New York by Manny Vega

“Byzantine Bembé, New York by Manny Vega” is an exhibition at the City Museum of New York that celebrates the vibrant artistry of Manny Vega. This showcase highlights Vega’s significant contributions to public art in El Barrio (East Harlem) and provides insight into his creative habits and practices. It is a bembé, a joyful dance of rhythm and color, embodied in his work.

The exhibition is thoughtfully organized into two distinct areas. The corridor serves as an introduction, offering a glimpse into Manny Vega’s impact on El Barrio. It features introductory text about the exhibition, the artist, and a personal statement from Vega himself. A graphic representation, inspired by an abstracted map of New York, highlights the locations of his public artworks in the neighborhood.

Inside the gallery, the space is divided into three interconnected thematic paths: Music, Figures, and Justice. Each theme is brought to life with its own distinct color palette—blue for music, yellow for portrait drawing (figures), and red for justice and spiritual practices. This dynamic approach immerses visitors in Vega’s artistic vision, connecting his public works with his personal inspirations.