Edgar Calel's Indigenous Dreamscapes Transform Inhotim with Kaqchiqel-Maya Culture
Edgar Calel, a Guatemalan artist, showcases his inaugural significant solo exhibition in Brazil at Instituto Inhotim, marking 15 years since his first visit. Titled "Ru Jub’ulik Achik’ – Aromas de um sonho," the exhibition comprises 15 large installations, with 12 specifically created for Galeria Lago in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, where it debuted in October. Hailing from the Kaqchiqel-Maya community, Calel spent nearly two months in Brumadinho to set up the artworks, which delve into the cultural connections between Guatemala and Brazil. The display features symbolic motifs such as jaguars, ritual candles, and clay pots, including a prominent installation of a red pickup truck adorned with clay sculptures of his family. Curated by Beatriz Lemos and Lucas Menezes, the exhibition is set to continue until 2027.
Key facts
- Edgar Calel's solo exhibition "Ru Jub’ulik Achik’ – Aromas de um sonho" opened at Instituto Inhotim in October.
- The show features 15 large-scale installations, with 12 created specifically for the venue.
- Calel is a Kaqchiqel-Maya artist from San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala.
- The exhibition occupies the Galeria Lago in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- It will remain on view until 2027, designated a "long-duration" exhibition.
- The curators are Beatriz Lemos and Lucas Menezes.
- Calel spent nearly two months in Brumadinho with his family for installation.
- The exhibition explores cultural parallels between Indigenous communities in Guatemala and Brazil.
Entities
Artists
- Edgar Calel
- Beatriz Lemos
- Lucas Menezes
Institutions
- Instituto Inhotim
- Bienal de São Paulo
- Galeria Vermelho
Locations
- Brumadinho
- Belo Horizonte
- Minas Gerais
- Brazil
- São Paulo
- Guatemala
- San Juan Comalapa
- América Central