Discover the Philosophy and Art of Cecilia Vicuña

Discover the Philosophy and Art of Cecilia Vicuña

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Early Life and Career
3. Exile in London
4. Arte Precario
5. Conscious Choice of Focus
6. The Philosophy behind Arte Precario
7. Quipu
8. Collaboration and Co-creation
9. The Social Uprising in Chile
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will Delve into the work and life of Cecilia Vicuña, a Chilean poet and artist. From her early life to her exile in London and the philosophy behind her art, we'll explore the various aspects of her creative work. Vicuña's art is known as 'Arte Precario', which means 'precarious art' in English. We will discuss what that means and how the idea of disappearance shapes her work. We'll also talk about her use of the ancient Andean system of encoding information through knots called 'Quipu.' Finally, we'll touch on Vicuña's collaboration and co-creation with her audience and the social uprising in Chile in 2019.

Early Life and Career

Cecilia Vicuña was born in Chile and grew up in Santiago. From a very young age, she was interested in art as a means of communication. In her early 20s, she began publishing her poetry and became an active participant in the Chilean art scene. Her work was often politically charged, reflecting the turbulent times in which she lived.

Exile in London

In 1972, Vicuña came to London to study on a grant from the British Council. However, a military coup occurred in Chile, making it impossible for her to return. She remained in London and became part of the vibrant Latin American community there. This period was a formative time in Vicuña's life and career as an artist.

Arte Precario

Vicuña's art is known as 'Arte Precario,' which emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability of life. It is a conscious choice to focus on what is decaying and disappearing, which is what makes it so precarious. Vicuña believes that everything has a history and a potential for beauty in its dissolution. In her art, she uses various materials such as twigs, stones, metals, and even plastics to Create works that highlight the beauty of decay.

Conscious Choice of Focus

Vicuña chooses to focus on disappearance because of the new kind of death that human activities have created. She believes that if we don't wake up in time and protect the ecosystems We Are destroying now, we are on the precipice of extinction. Therefore, all the materials in her art are shredded, falling apart, and about to become nothing.

The Philosophy behind Arte Precario

Vicuña's art is more than her use of materials. It is the philosophy behind her art that is significant. She believes in celebrating the change and embracing the uncertainty of life. In a world obsessed with stability, she sees the beauty in dissolution. In her art, she invites her audience to see beyond surfaces and embrace the vulnerability and fragility of life.

Quipu

Quipu is an ancient Andean system of encoding information through knots that was used for almost 5000 years in the Andes until the conquest. Vicuña has used Quipu in her art to encode information about the history and culture of the Andean people. The system of encoding information through knots is so complex that it can convey as much information as the Phoenician alphabet, which is the writing system used in the West.

Collaboration and Co-creation

Vicuña believes in collaboration and co-creation with her audience. In her art, she invites her audience to participate in the creation of the art. She sees the audience as co-Creators and invites them to share their experiences, creating a collective experience.

The Social Uprising in Chile

In October 2019, a social uprising began in Chile. People began picking up certain lines of Vicuña's poetry and made banners displaying her words. One such line was "Tu rabia es tu oro," which means 'Your rage is your gold.' The phrase encapsulates the idea that rage that's coming from love for each other and the earth can transform the world.

Conclusion

Cecilia Vicuña's art is a reflection of her philosophy of life. It celebrates the beauty of dissolution and emphasizes the vulnerability and fragility of life. Her use of Quipu and collaboration with her audience invites us to see beyond surfaces and embrace a collective experience. Vicuña's art is not just symbolic but embodies the change she wishes to see in the world.