Art at Americas Society is pleased to present 'Amazonia Açu', an exhibition that provides a kaleidoscopic overview of the aesthetic, cultural, and material diversity found in Amazonia as a means to upend flattening generalizations typically associated with the region and to reframe discourse on the subject within a contemporary context. Led by curatorial advisor Keyna Eleison and co-curated by a committee of representatives from all nine countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) of the territory, the exhibition presents over fifty works by thirty-four local artists and collectives.
For an exhibition about the cultural production of Amazonian communities to be organized around principles of Western statehood involves a contradiction that we acknowledge and hope to directly address. Given that our institution is housed in a policy center, our art program is uniquely situated to think through such paradoxes and consider what the role of cultural diplomacy should be in shaping art historical discourse.
Eleison describes 'Amazonia Açu' as a nine-faceted prism which “stands as an invitation to unravel colonial myths and clear spaces for different epistemologies. Each curator in this exhibition is one face of the prism, radiating their unique and indispensable perspective to help take account of Amazonia’s immensity.” By highlighting the different intellectual and artistic approaches implemented by artists from the Amazon, the exhibition places emphasis on and celebrates the multiplicities found throughout the region. Together, the artworks reflect how the artists engage with a variety of topical questions, including methods of artistic production, modes of knowledge sharing, community engagement, land rights politics, cultural heritage, and spirituality, and how they relate to our current moment.
The artists and collectives participating in this exhibition include: Danasion Akobe, Angélica Alomoto, Pablo Amaringo, Johan Amiemba, Lola Ankarapi, Chonon Bensho, Darrell A. Carpenay, Elías Caurey Caurey, Colectivo TAWNA, Comunidad Weenhayek, Estela Dagua, PV Dias, Sara Flores, Dawa García, Sheroanawe Hakihiiwe, Shaundell Horton, Sri Irodikromo, Carlos Jacanamijoy, Wilfrido Lusitande Piaguaje, Thiago Martins de Melo, Hélio Melo, Mary Morales Barrientos, NouN, Claudia Opimí Vaca, Bernadette Indira Persaud, Javier Puunawe, Abel Rodríguez (Mogaje Guihu), Aycoobo (Wilson Rodríguez), Nancy Santi, Nelly Sheimi, T2i, Agustina Valera and Oliver Agustín, Gê Viana, and Santiago Yahuarcani.
The exhibition will be on view from September 3, 2025 to April 18, 2026 at Americas Society.
