• Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    Sheree, 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

    Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    Sheree, 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

  • Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    DJ Luis, 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

    Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    DJ Luis, 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

  • Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    Dálida and Michael (Serenata del Tres Cubano), 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

    Aliza Nisenbaum, (Mexican-American, born 1977)
    Dálida and Michael (Serenata del Tres Cubano), 2021, oil on canvas, 64 x 57 inches

    art and photo © Aliza Nisenbaum

Aliza Nisenbaum: Aquí se Puede (here you can)

Thursday, August 19, 2021 to Sunday, July 31, 2022
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

For the sixth annual Atrium Project, New York-based artist Aliza Nisenbaum (born Mexico City, 1977) created large-scale portraits of individuals connected to Kansas City salsa music and dance communities. 

Nisenbaum is known for her bright paintings and unique approach to portraiture. Nisenbaum has exhibited her work across the world, working with locals in each city—from Immigrant Movement International members in Queens, NY to staff of the Liverpool Alder Hey Children’s Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Throughout 2020 and 2021, Nisenbaum communicated with the Kansas City sitters via video from her studios in Los Angeles and New York. Their conversations resulted in portraits that embody the personality, interests, and energy of each individual and their relationship to salsa. 

This exhibition is organized by Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Erin Dziedzic, director of curatorial affairs.

The Atrium Project is an annual series of commissioned projects that presents the work of emerging and mid-career Hispanic and Latinx artists. Past projects have featured work by José Lerma (2016), Firelei Báez (2017), Paul Henry Ramirez (2018), Angel Otero (2019), and Joiri Minaya (2020).

Artist Talk

In the News

Kansas City's salsa community dances into the spotlight at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | KCUR
KCUR interviews the individuals featured in Aliza Nisenbaum's portraits.

Editor's Picks | artnet news
Each week, we search for the most exciting and thought-provoking shows, screenings, and events, both digitally and in-person in the New York area. See our picks from around the world below. 

KC Events | Kansas City Star
Things to do around Kansas City

No. 522: Aliza Nisenbaum | The Modern Art Notes Podcast
Episode No. 522 of The Modern Art Notes Podcast features artist Aliza Nisenbaum and curator Davide Gasparotto.

La Guardia’s New Delta Terminal to be Defined by New York Artists | New York Times
Aliza Nisenbaum is one of six New York artists creating site specific installations. 

Exhibition Programs

Programming is made possible in part by the Jack and Karen Holland Visiting Artist Fund.

Studio Night: Bringing Art to Life (Figure Drawing) – AT CAPACITY
Thursday, May 26, 6–8 p.m. | Kemper Museum
FREE | All Ages | Registration required

Join us for a guided figure drawing session at the museum, inspired by Aliza Nisenbaum: Aquí Se Puede (Here You Can), an installation of large-scale portraits picturing individuals connected to Kansas City salsa music and dance communities. The live models for this session are Dálida T. Pupo Barrios and Michael McClintock, the subjects of Nisenbaum's portrait Dálida and Michael (Serenata del Tres Cubano). Materials will be provided. Drawing sessions will take place at Kemper Museum. All levels of experience are welcome. 


Studio Night: Bringing Art to Life (Figure Drawing) 
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Thursday, June 30, 6–8 p.m. | Kemper Museum
FREE | All Ages | Registration Required

A night where paintings come to life! Join us for a guided figure drawing session inspired by Aliza Nisenbaum: Aquí Se Puede (Here You Can), an installation of large-scale portraits picturing individuals connected to Kansas City salsa music and dance communities. Our guest models will be Luis Sainz, the subject of Nisenbaum's portrait, and his wife Virginia Blanco. Materials provided. Drawing sessions take place at Kemper Museum. All levels of experience are welcome. Email eclosen@kemperart.org to register

Exhibition Sponsors

Lead Sponsor

Bill and Christy Gautreaux

Sustaining Sponsor

Copaken Family Fund