To my Grandmother Isabel

To My Grandmother Isabel (A mi abuela Isabel) is a piece shown in the frame of the exhibition ‘Is this intimacy?’ organized by BLOCKFREI in cooperation with Die Angewandte (University of Applied Arts Vienna).

Theartworkisatributetomygrandmother.Thispieceisareinterpretationof a Kipu —a system used by the Inkas to record information using knots. The artwork is a medium that transmits/represents a code I have developed about our relation—my memories during my childhood and the traditional knowledge I received from her. The knots are present in a system of hooks I made by hand, which are articulating the dialog between us (my grandmother & me) and the interaction with the public. Also is very similar to the technique she used called Filigrana, which was made with silver threads characterized by the use and interpretation of determined symbols stemming from the nature and characters of the community.

The process of developing the Kipu takes me back to the past and reconfirms my identity. The configuration and composition I made is very instinctive and intimate. The process, was a kind of transition from my memories, beliefs and thoughts about the time and distance from the places I grew up. The Kipu leads a way of intervening and exploring the surrounding space and intends to have an impact on the sensitivity of the public.