María Inés Rodríguez: A committed curatorial vision
By Christian Wabenga / March 23, 2025
María Inés Rodríguez is a Franco-Colombian curator currently leading the Walter and Nicole Leblanc Foundation in Brussels. Known for her dedication to emerging artists and intercultural dialogues, she is also the founder and artistic director of Tropical Papers, a cultural platform exploring intersections between art, architecture, and design. This interview delves into her career, curatorial vision, and efforts to provide fresh perspectives for emerging talents in Belgium and beyond.
Beginnings rooted in creation and collaboration
María Inés Rodríguez's entry into the art world was shaped by hands-on practice and collaboration. In her early years in Colombia, she surrounded herself with artist friends and explored video as a medium, participating in various festivals and exhibitions. “Showcasing others' work has always felt natural to me,” she reflects. This instinct for sharing would never leave her.
© Copyright - Walter Leblanc, SABAM 2022 - Lisa Frisco
After moving to Paris for her studies, she entered the circle of Christian Boltanski, a pivotal encounter. Fascinated by the discussions surrounding his work, she realised that her true passion lay in creating spaces for artists and audiences to connect.
A global commitment
Her career took her across the world: she served as Chief Curator at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León (MUSAC) in Spain and later at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC-UNAM) in Mexico, where she refined her approach to education and audience engagement. She then developed independent projects in Berlin, particularly focused on architecture, before assuming the directorship of CAPC in Bordeaux (2014-2018), one of the most defining moments of her career.
Her Colombian identity permeates her work, yet she refuses to be confined by labels. “I do not want to be reduced to a Colombian curator. My work should speak for itself.”
A new energy at the Walter and Nicole Leblanc foundation
© Copyright - Walter Leblanc, SABAM 2022 - Lisa Frisco
Since joining the Leblanc Foundation, María Inés Rodríguez has fostered a spirit of experimentation and exchange. Inspired by the visionary ethos of Nicole and Walter Leblanc, she has opened the foundation to new generations of artists and researchers. In 2023, she launched a research grant programme and a series of international conferences. Each year, the foundation organises two to three exhibitions, encouraging dialogue between Leblanc and contemporary artists.
She emphasises the importance of providing a platform for new voices, particularly women, queer artists, and talents from underrepresented communities. Her goal: to transform the foundation into a laboratory of ideas and opportunities.
Tropical Papers: A space for dialogue and encounters
Founded in 2011, Tropical Papers continues a journey that began in 2003 with “Tropical Papers Editions,” a publishing house. This inclusive digital platform brings together artists, thinkers, and cultural innovators from around the world to explore themes that bridge art, architecture, design, and social engagement.
Tropical Papers offers various programmes such as Monday Learning, Tuesday Books, Tunog Sessions, Sunday Brunch, and On Residence — with an upcoming school-residency project in collaboration with young artists. “I wanted to create a space for support, dissemination, and exhibition for talents from diverse tropical diasporas,” she explains.
© Copyright - Walter Leblanc, SABAM 2022 - Lisa Frisco
Inclusivity: A daily mission
We believe that the Belgian art scene is dynamic, yet there is still room for greater inclusivity and according to María Inès Rodríguez supporting young creatives requires several key actions :
Residencies and mentorship programmes to provide resources and professional guidance.
Collaborations with institutions to create exhibition and production opportunities.
A strong digital presence to reach wider audiences and bypass traditional institutional circles.
If one action were to take priority, it would be securing access to creation and exhibition spaces.
“Too often, financial and institutional barriers prevent underrepresented artists from advancing. We must offer grants, production spaces, and programming that values the plurality of voices.”
María Inès Rodríguez embodies a committed curatorial approach where networking and visibility for emerging talent are essential. Whether through her work at the Leblanc Foundation or with Tropical Papers, she is actively shaping a more inclusive and daring artistic landscape.
Her commitment directly resonates with the mission of Out the Lies, which seeks to promote underrepresented talent and encourage open cultural dialogue. By developing spaces for creation, dissemination, and collaboration, she demonstrates that inclusivity is not just an abstract concept but a tangible action to be pursued daily.