Oswaldo Guayasamin (1919-1999) is considered one of the most important visual artists of the 20th century, not only in Ecuador or Latin America, but in the world. His work is visually vibrant, emotionally compelling, and politically engaged. He depicted scenes of pain, love, violence, and hope; he organized his work in eras. The Era of Anger denounces violence agains those who suffer the most in war, colonial enterprises, or under the rule of dehumanized capitalism. The Era of Tenderness focuses on human contact, love, healing, and physical touch, particularly inspired by mother-child relations. Learning about his work, one focuses on the ideas and emotions expressed through his art; being in the spaces where he lived, worked, and welcomed loved friends fills the body and soul with awe and the realization that he was and still is a giant.
Our students enjoyed time with his works and the pre-Hispanic and Colonial art he collected. They engaged with Guayasamin’s art, ideas, and processes.
Students were advised to engage in self-reflection while at the Casa Museo. They took the reflection part TOO literally. From the Age of Tenderness, “Mother and Child” Guayasamín’s studio. On the left, we see a portrait of famous Argentine protest singer Mercedes Sosa. From the Era of Rage, “Los mutilados” (The Mutilated), a homage to WWII victims. Not sure what is happening here, it must be art. Our amazing guide, Michelle showing us part of Guayasamin’s colonial art collection. Art imitates reality, students imitate art (you have to look at the picture in the back). Meta-photo or metaphor? Mmh? Overheard: “That’s so cute!” Students looked at a piece that denounces the torture and killing of protest singer Víctor Jara during the Pinochet Era in Chile. Enter through the gift shop. “Students walking”, 2024 Art can be overwhelming Before touring the galleries, the museum showed videos of interviews with Guayasamin. “Students III”, 2024, mixed media. If you don’t understand it, that is just art. One of the patios has a beautiful pool and gorgeous view of the city. The students are not part of the permanent exhibit. “Self portrait”, 2024, mixed media. Art imitating life or students imitating art? You decide.
We found these in last summer’s file…
“Not a saint, not an angel”, 2024, Mixed media —Anonymous.
