A U R E A T E

When the Spanish people came to the Americas they stole gold that was later melt down and used to create new objects and decorate churches among other buildings. Gold can not go back to its original state. The objects taken included everyday objects such as jewellery as well as ritualistic items. The indigenous group ‘Muiscas’ used to live in Bogota, where I was born. Many of gold treasures they made would still be buried or would have been found and sold, or they are in the Gold museum. The pieces used for ceremonies usually follow a symmetry, which relates to a need for balance. Thinking of the concept of balance I created these human/sculpture/gold like pieces. I did this series considering my identity as a Latin American. To be found, to be discovered, to be transformed. People in Europe left to find themselves in the “New world” and they did and it is all of us who were born in America.

Photos printed on fabric. Exhibited at Deakin University, 2018