"COLORS FROM ACONCAGUA, DIALOGUE BETWEEN CRAFTS, BODIES AND THE TERRITORY"

 

We present an experimental research project, focused on soil colors from the Aconcagua Valley in the Valparaíso region, Chile.

During the last 5 years, we have been going all over several locations of the valley, connecting with the land and harvesting different soil and rock materials, which are later transformed into pigments. Harvesting is for us a dialogue with the land and her inhabitants. Each collection site has become a place to honor the memory of the Earth, where we ask for permission and show gratitude to the land. Taking the time to do that, in this current hyper productive and fast world, is for us a political act of resistance.

We have been involved in a journey of experimentation, exploring countless possibilities of mineral colors, delving into diverse techniques and media, such as textiles, ceramics, painting, and architecture.

Our experiences have been shared in exhibitions and several workshops. They have also been recorded in a book, in a series of short videos, and in photographs covering our research processes, landart works, and performances.

We wish that mineral pigments can come to the fore again as a source of color that support local economies, and respect nature and cultures.