Cecilia Vicuña’s new exhibition, Living Threads, at the Whitechapel Gallery showcases over six decades of her impactful art, activism, and advocacy against patriarchal and colonial systems that contribute to the current climate crisis. Known for her quipus—dyed wool sculptures based on traditional Andean communication—Vicuña combines her visual art with poetry and social activism.
The exhibition includes a diverse collection of installations, videos, and paintings, reflecting her journey as an artist since moving to London in the early 1970s. Vicuña’s experiences of cultural shock upon her arrival and the subsequent brutal military coup in Chile deeply influenced her work. She connects themes of the female body with nature, aiming to highlight ecological and feminist concerns.
Some notable works in the exhibition include Quipu Menstrual 1 (unknotted) and playful pieces like Llaverito (Blue Lady), which merges human figures with nature, and Jaguar II, symbolizing strength and solidarity. Vicuña challenges traditional notions of art, asserting that her “bad painting” approach subverts the colonial gaze and emphasizes cultural identity.
Her work is framed within a broader context of ecofeminism, advocating for a nurturing, communal approach to both art and environmental issues. As she reflects on her path, she celebrates the wisdom of age, asserting the strength and beauty of older women.
