Timur Si-Qin's 'Mariposita' Debuts at Art Basel Unlimited 2026
At Art Basel Unlimited 2026, Timur Si-Qin introduces his innovative installation titled 'Mariposita'. The piece draws inspiration from 3D imagery of the Renaco tree and its surrounding pond in Peru's Ucayali region. This work intricately combines elements of the ecosystem, such as roots, insects, water, and light, to emphasize its complexity. Si-Qin, of Mongolian-Chinese heritage and raised in Germany, challenges the dichotomy between nature, technology, and spirituality, advocating for beauty as a means of connection. Through his 'New Peace' initiative, he encourages a contemporary understanding of spirituality and our bond with the environment, influenced by diverse cultural narratives.
Key facts
- Timur Si-Qin presents 'Mariposita' at Art Basel Unlimited 2026.
- The installation is presented by Société.
- 'Mariposita' is based on 3D scans of a Renaco tree and pond in the Peruvian Amazon's Ucayali region.
- The work translates roots, insects, water, plant matter, and reflected light into a sculptural environment.
- Si-Qin is German-born of Mongolian-Chinese descent.
- He challenges the assumption that nature and technology exist in opposition.
- Si-Qin views technology as an extended phenotypic expression of Homo sapiens.
- He critiques the 'Cologne School anti-beauty position' and advocates for beauty in art.
- The artist's practice includes the 'New Peace' project.
- Si-Qin cites exposure to Native American culture and the story of Saint Boniface as influences.
Entities
Artists
- Timur Si-Qin
Institutions
- Art Basel Unlimited
- Société
- Whitewall
- Art Basel
- Artribune
Locations
- Peruvian Amazon
- Ucayali region
- Berlin
- Arizona
- Cologne
- Beijing
- Germany
- United States
- Ucayali
- Peru