The exhibition features a selection of three projects by Sofía Echeverri. In each of these, the artist proposes a critical reality that questions and denounces some of the manifestations of patriarchy. A common, recognizable thread is the presence of colorful geometrical figures that could be understood as a kaleidoscope lens showing us another way of seeing the world. Echeverri unveils a female universe; we are witnessing a universe revealed.

Certain indigenous rituals still performed today support the artist´s line of investigation that resulted in her Invoking Rain series: why are women not seen as active participants? In Echeverri´s paintings, tastuanas, tlahualilas and female shamans are the ones tasked with establishing ties between goddesses and idols. Everything has become female. 

In her Secret Archaeology series, Echeverri poses a new question: why are pre-Hispanic ceramic figures representing women identified exclusively in terms of their sex and not their trades? The artist recognizes the contribution women made as geologists, topologists, linguists, cactologists, protectors and goddesses, and reverts the invisibilization of their roles by eliminating the anonymous label of “female figure” so often used. 

Finally, her Women of Wisdom series denounces violence and feminicide. Ten totemic figures make for a powerful installation in which each represents a specific attribute (light, health, universe, sisterhood, blood, identity, depth, seeds, containment and darkness). The Women of Wisdom create, structure and participate in a revolutionary ritual in which ten voices sing an emblematic global feminist anthem in native languages, thus integrating the cultural baggage of Mesoamerica and that of the modern world. 

In this exhibition, Sofía Echeverri urges us to revisit our past, rebuild our present and reconfigure our future in a world that acknowledges, validates and does justice to the wisdom and powers of women. Let us dare to answer her call.

— josefa ortega / july, 2021