From June 25 to September 30, 2026, Casa de América presents the exhibition “Tengo un coco contigo” (“I’ve Got a Coconut with You”) by Bernardo Medina, which offers an incisive reflection on the complex relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. The title, taken from a popular Puerto Rican expression alluding to a hopeless obsession, encapsulates the core concept of the exhibition.
Exhibition: Thursday, June 25 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Casa de América-ABANCA Gallery | Frida Kahlo Room B. Entrance at C/ Marqués del Duero, 2. Free admission until capacity is reached.
Through a series of works incorporating the colors of the Puerto Rican flag—shared, not by chance, with the American flag—the artist invites us to reconsider notions of identity, belonging, and cultural dependence. Among the pieces, plantains, an emblem of Puerto Rican culture, stand out, as well as a Caribbean reinterpretation of the iconic Campbell’s soup cans, a symbol of American consumer culture. Also featured are the “caballitos de pícaro” (little horses of the rogue), a traditional element that introduces a touch of humor and a sense of belonging.
Bernardo Medina, known for his “jíbaro pop” or “Caribbean pop” style, unfolds in this exhibition a unique perspective that intertwines popular culture with social and political critique. The result is a visual and emotional journey that engages the viewer and invites them to rethink the tensions of identity within a global context.
250th Anniversary of the Birth of the United States:
In 2026, Casa de América will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, an event that recalls the foundational process that led to the birth of the nation at the end of the 18th century.
The exhibition “Tengo un coco contigo” is part of the activities surrounding this event, through which Casa de América will serve as a platform for encounter, reflection, and artistic creation that reflects the diverse realities of the Americas. The celebration of this 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the historical, political, and cultural development of the United States, as well as its relationship with the rest of the American continent.
