Octagonal Reading Room Prototype at PAMM

A distinguished financial executive, Stephen Robert has successfully retired from his role as chairman and CEO of Oppenheimer Group, Inc. He also co-founded the Source of Hope Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting educational, health, and occupational initiatives in underprivileged communities. Stephen K. Robert is also a trustee at the Perez Art Museum in Miami (PAMM).

PAMM displays the Havana-based collective Los Carpinteros Sala de lectura octagonal (prototipo). When translated in English, Sala de lectura octagonal (prototipo) means octagonal reading room prototype. This prototype references the circular design of the panopticon prison. Philosopher Jeremy Bentham originally conceived the design. The Cuban government materialized the design in the Presidio Modelo during the 1920s. Los Carpinteros have repurposed the structure to provide readers with unrestricted visibility.

Los Carpinteros crafted some of the most acclaimed art pieces from Latin America in the past decades. Three individuals established the collective in 1992. The majority of Los Carpinteros pieces explore the fusion of architecture, sculpture, drawing, and performance.
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