“De aquí comenzaron a moverse las montañas.”
— Raúl Zurita

The Skin of the Earth

In geological terms, life develops in the Earth's outermost solid layer, known as the crust. This thin layer, which envelops the planet like a skin, is composed of different tectonic plates. The crust is divided into two types: the continental crust, which forms the visible landforms, and the oceanic crust, which lies beneath the sea. Although they have different chemical compositions and physical properties, both share common characteristics: they are marked by the processes of erosion, volcanism and sedimentation, which leave visible traces on their surface.

The Earth's crust, much like the skin of a living organism, is in constant interaction with its environment. The tectonic plates that compose it move continuously, generating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that alter and reshape the earth's surface. Erosion, caused by wind, water and ice, also acts on the crust, slowly wearing it away and creating new contours and shapes in the landscape.

These movements of the skin reflect the active nature of the Earth. Through sedimentation, eroded particles accumulate and form new layers, while volcanism introduces new material from within the planet. This superposition of layers of memory is revealed before our eyes through the natural movements of the Earth. The Earth holds within it fragments of its history, and we can access them in this exhibition, through the work of Gabriel Rodríguez Pellecer, who invites us to extract that memory from the soil in order to understand its cycles.

Geological Scars

Ridges, mountains and volcanoes are the protrusions of the Earth, acting as geological scars that tell the story of its formation. These structures emerge as a result of crustal movement, reflecting the impact of the internal forces that shape the Earth's surface. Each elevation and geological feature is a record of the encounter between tectonic layers and of the dynamic processes that have affected the crust over time. In the words of Colectivo Rojonegro: “This movement also speaks of the meeting of our bodies in an assembly that unites our voice with that of our ancestors.”

In addition to being the visible record of geological history, these protuberances are crucial to the formation of minerals and natural resources. Tectonic movement and volcanism not only create relief, but also mobilize and concentrate minerals in the crust. Thus, geological scars contribute to the creation of mineral deposits, energy resources and fertile soils, all essential for human life.

The works of Adán Vallecillo and Elyla invite us to reflect on the relationship between humankind and nature. Vallecillo recovers materials from each of the sites where he works, allowing for a broader interpretation of the limits of the landscape. Conversely, Elyla approaches this relationship from a performative approach, connecting the human body with the territory and using the land itself as a medium to explore the interactions between identity, nature and the effects of colonialism. Both artists, from different perspectives, reveal the tensions between the overconsumption of natural resources and the possibility of establishing a more harmonious and spiritual relationship with the planet.

The Meeting of the Skin

America is crossed by the American Cordillera, a long scar resulting from the continuous meeting and collision of tectonic plates. At the center of this encounter, Mexico and Central America emerge as a result of the collision of three tectonic plates: the North American Plate, the Cocos Plate and the Caribbean Plate. In this process, the North American Plate and the Cocos Plate slide underneath the Caribbean Plate, as if the Caribbean was consuming the continent as it molds it. This process of subduction transforms the surface, leaving traces of their intense exchange at the migratory level. Donna Conlon explores in her work the effects of this migration, evidencing the ecological impacts of human displacement and the absences it leaves behind.

To the south, the convergence between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate acts in a similar way, forming the South American Pacific and giving rise to a variety of landscapes. The interaction between these plates produces diverse terrain, from glaciers to deserts and coastlines, culminating in the formation of the Andes Mountains. This mountain system is a testimony to the clash and fusion of tectonic plates, shaping the region both in the plane of common landscapes, such as elevations and valleys, and in the intimate landscapes of waiting and transit, explored by Francisca Aninat through her pieces.

The tectonic movements of the American continent function as mechanisms through which the Earth recognizes itself. The displacement of the plates not only shapes mountains and valleys, but also facilitates a continuous exchange between the ocean and the land. River water, which has flowed over mountain elevations, finds its ultimate destination in the ocean. In turn, the sea contributes to the transformation of the landscape by evaporating and condensing as rain, which eventually rests on the mountain tops in the form of glaciers.

Jamie Denburg Habie and Beatriz Cortez guide us on this geographical and temporal journey. Jamie explores time as an element within the body and develops a politics of time that allows for the liberation of movement. For her part, Beatriz examines the architectures of glaciers, whose bodies preserve minerals and atmospheres of other times. These glaciers allow us to access memories of the past when they are revealed. Such cyclical processes, through which the Earth can touch every part of its face, are a transversal element in the exhibition. With each interaction between mountain and sea, the Earth achieves a deeper understanding of itself.

Inhabiting a Scar

The geography of Latin America, marked by its jagged topography, reflects the complex and tumultuous narratives of its history. The region's geological formations, such as mountains, mountain ranges and valleys, are the result of intense tectonic processes and have been determinant in the development of geostrategic policies that have left deep traces in the social fabric. Manuel Chavajay's works confront us with these geological scars, which correspond to social scars, revealing how conflicts and political transformations have been as profound as the changes in the landscape

From an epistemological perspective, the exploration of these geological scars becomes an act towards the decolonization of knowledge and territory. Cordillera seeks to strip the layers of the earth at the same time that we strip our own identities and experiences. The mountains, as visible scars of the Earth, correspond to the scars of our collective skin. In this perspective, the study of geography and history not only reveals the shape of the territory, but also the dynamics of power and resistance that have shaped Latin American societies.

The participation of these ten artists in Cordillera represents a profound dialogue between history, epistemology and nature. Each work, from diverse perspectives and approaches, invites a critical review of our relationship with the natural and social environment. Through the exploration of materials, memories and performative practices, these artists explores both the scars of the Earth and history, while proposing new ways of understanding and connecting with the planet. Their work challenges traditional narratives and invites us to reconsider our existence within a system that binds us to the landscape.

— Cristian Toj. Guatemala City, September 2024.