Donna Huanca's CUEVA DE COPAL Transforms Arnolfini into Sensory Cave
Donna Huanca's site-specific multimedia installation CUEVA DE COPAL (Copal Cave) at Arnolfini, Bristol, envelops visitors in a sensory experience. The exhibition features four monumental oil-and-sand paintings, two anthropomorphic sculptures, and a soundscape of water, wind, and birds, plus a ligneous aroma referencing Central and South American spiritual-cleansing rituals. Unlike previous shows, live performances are absent due to the pandemic; body paintings were created in Huanca's studio, with photographic traces hidden beneath pigment layers. Sculptures Vipassana Journal (Ripped Torso) and Arbol de Sapito act as 'stand-ins for the body,' while mirrors recall Huanca's 2013 performance RAW MATERIAL at Malmö Konsthalle, where she was observed. Here, viewers become both observers and observed. The exhibition runs through 29 May.
Key facts
- Donna Huanca is Bolivian-American.
- CUEVA DE COPAL translates to 'Copal Cave' in Spanish.
- The installation is at Arnolfini, Bristol.
- It features four oil-and-sand paintings: CUEVA DE COPAL #1–4 (all 2021).
- Two sculptures: Vipassana Journal (Ripped Torso, 2021) and Arbol de Sapito (Sapito Tree, 2021).
- The soundscape includes sloshing water, rustling wind, and chirping birds.
- Huanca's self-made ligneous aroma references native Central and South American spiritual-cleansing rituals.
- Previous installations included live performances with painted naked bodies.
- Body paintings were made in Huanca's studio due to the pandemic.
- Mirrors reference Huanca's 2013 performance RAW MATERIAL at Malmö Konsthalle.
- Exhibition runs through 29 May.
Entities
Artists
- Donna Huanca
Institutions
- Arnolfini
- Malmö Konsthalle
Locations
- Bristol
- United Kingdom
- Malmö
- Sweden