Ancient Craft with a Modern Twist
In the lushness of the Peruvian Amazon, along the banks of the Ucayali River, the Shipibo-Konibo people have flourished for millennia. Their art, steeped in tradition, draws from natural materials like foraged clay, wild cotton, and plant-derived pigments. This rich heritage is encapsulated in the intricate and spiritual designs of Kené.
The exhibition Akinananti at White Cube shines a light on artist Sara Flores, who remains a custodian of this ancient art form. Through organic, handmade inks, she revives and reintroduces her culture’s timeless patterns, presenting them in a contemporary art context. The term “Akinananti,” translated from Shipibo, denotes collaborative work executed with love and joy, symbolizing a philosophy deeply rooted in community and harmony with the environment.
A Lifelong Journey in Art
Flores, born in 1950 in Tambomayo, began learning Kené from her mother at 14. Originally intended for textiles used in clothing, Kené’s practical application tied deeply into everyday life. Alongside learning these elaborate patterns, Flores’ mother introduced her to “joni-ati” or ‘person making,’ highlighting personal and communal growth.
Flores recalls her mother gathering ipobekené leaves, using them as a tool to inspire and visualize intricate designs. Over time, her works grew beyond textiles into standalone pieces stretched like paintings, some measuring several feet in length.
From Tradition to Recognition
The road to recognition was long. At 75, Flores showcased her first exhibition at MALI, the Museo de Arte de Lima, defying prior dismissals of folk art by major institutions. Her show, Non Nete, was the museum’s first celebration of Indigenous artistry.
For more on indigenous artistry and innovative presentations, explore the stunning hoop art by Diti Baruah, which offers a fresh perspective on traditional crafts.
Today, alongside her daughters, Flores continues to weave magic with Amazonian materials. This collaborative effort extends the Kené tradition, intertwining meditative craftsmanship with the spiritual beliefs of the Shipibo-Konibo people.
If you’re interested in diverse art expressions, discover how photographers capture vivid beauty through their lens, similar to Flores’ artistry with Amazonian materials.
The exhibition Akinananti runs in New York City until August 14, alongside Flores’ breakthrough solo presentation at the 61st Venice Biennale, marking a historic moment as the first Indigenous artist to represent Peru at this prestigious event.
Sources & Links
Source: thisiscolossal.com