︎2019
︎Recycled Plastic

The current context of shrinking glaciers and inevitable climate change, fueled by petro-chemicals produced plastic blanketing the whole earth lends urgency to my art and the constructivist origins of its concept. I am proposing to engage in  new work revolving  around an ancient Andean ice pilgrimage in southern Peru called Qulluriti; The tradition involves cutting blocks of ice from the highest peaks, its sacred water carried back down the mountain to be placed in many communities farmlands for an abundant crop and healing. The ice is now scarce or non-existent; replaced instead by an overpopulation of spiritual pilgrims and curious tourists leaving a trail of non-biodegradable plastic in their wake. I aspire to respectfully intervene this yearly festival with proper traditional permission and respect; re-creating a traditional Jester costume called the Ukuku of colorful recycled plastic. The Ukuku is an ancient legend,  the son of an Andean bear father and a native human mother, the Ukuku is not accepted by either the bears or the humans. Wandering alone in the cold Andean night, he becomes the master of the glaciers and high inaccessible mountaintops. This Synchronistic blend of beliefs represents the mixed races and the Andean philosophy of acceptance and integration.

The plastic Ukuku would focus on trash enforcement and creative, interactive recycling via andean textile traditions. This project is in its initial development and requires the 3 year commitment and formal acceptance into the Ukuko fraternity.

It is a long arduous walk to the glacier; not just because of the distance covered, but ideologically arduous due to the protective and strict protocol based around the event.  Modernity and especially Globalization has been an antagonist to native communities the world over; many traditions, languages and whole logical frameworks of venerating our Mother Earth have been undone in the last two decades. Meeting and sharing my vision with the Quechua social groups that organize the pilgrimage is no simple matter.  As with any stranger invited into someone else's home and in accordance with the community based research ethics mentioned in this application; one must deconstruct the western goal oriented research structure in order to fully re-integrate within traditional Andean logic. 

Re-creating plastic versions of the Ukuku costume requires time and space because it’s not just a costume, the thoughts and energy that go into the object must communicate all the strength and love that has guided this ancient pilgrimage for all these long years before and after, the advent of plastic.