This article is significant because of how the journalist approaches the exhibition. Rojas de Lora discusses the novel nature of the event and the challenges the works in it represent for the viewing public, while also emphasizing the importance of trying to understand what Conceptual art is. Along these lines, the writer updates the conception of certain basic ideas; mentions local precedents as well as those that have exercised influence from abroad; and sheds light on the aim of curator Álvaro Barrios (born 1945). The article, then, clearly intends to provide the reader-viewer with a context for viewing the exhibition without forewarning or patronizing him.
Conceptual art gained ground in the sixties and its major local proponents include artists Antonio Caro (born 1950), Bernardo Salcedo (1939–2007), and Beatriz González (born 1938). On the basis of their specific visions, these artists appropriated and interpreted ideas that reflected this new way of conceiving art.
Arte de los años 80 was an important exhibition that brought together artists engaged in process art; their proposals questioned the concept of the work of art and focused on the idea and discourse associated with the artistic undertaking. This event was one of the few exhibitions in Colombia that focused solely on this type of art. The critics of the time were particularly interested in how the public, collectors, and the media would respond to these works.
Held at La Tertulia (Cali), the exhibition opened on May 23, 1980. It was organized by Álvaro Barrios, a Colombian conceptual artist whose critical stance on art practices gave rise to debates and spaces for reflection on Conceptual art. Arte de los años 80 featured twenty-three artists: Adolfo Bernal (born 1954), Delfina Bernal (born 1942), Javier Barrios (born 1957), Alicia Barney (born 1952), Antonio Caro (born 1950), Inginio Caro (born 1952) Rodrigo Castaño, Fernando Cepeda (born 1949), Ramiro Gómez (born 1949), Fabio González (born 1952), Álvaro Erazo, Eduardo Hernández (born 1954), Raúl Marroquín (born 1948), Sara Modiano (born 1951), Venezuelan artist Geo Ripley (born 1950), María Rodríguez (born 1955), Jorge Ortiz (born 1948), Víctor Sánchez, Luis Fernando Valencia, Argemiro Vélez, and a collective work by Jorge Mario Gómez (born 1950), Patricia Gómez (born 1951), and Fabio Antonio Ramírez (born 1950).