Kené Artists Face Crisis Amid COVID-19 in Peruvian Amazon

In the Peruvian Amazon, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the marginalization of Indigenous Shipibo-Conibo artists, particularly those practicing kené, a traditional geometric drawing art form. Christian Bendayán, the Peruvian artist who represented the country at the last Venice Biennale, denounces the government's delayed and insufficient response, especially in Amazonia. Kené, recognized as 'Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación' in 2008 thanks to the efforts of Shipibo painter Filder Agustín Peña, who died of COVID-19 on May 10 in Cantagallo, is at risk of disappearing. Bendayán criticizes the Ministries of Culture and Tourism for using Indigenous artists' images in tourism campaigns while failing to provide real support. The pandemic has hit Shipibo women artists hard, with many falling ill. In response, the campaign 'Dessins pour l'Amazonie' mobilized over 300 artists who donated drawings; proceeds provided food, masks, and medicine to Indigenous communities. Bendayán emphasizes that these are concrete actions, not political promises. The article also highlights the spiritual and cultural significance of kené, which originates in visions or dreams and is transmitted through breath or whistling, often materialized on skin or ceramics. Artists like Sanken Runa, Deysi Ramírez Flores, Lastenia Canayo, and Agustina Valera are mentioned for their work. Peru is the second most affected country in South America by the pandemic, according to the WHO.