Before América: Tracing Ancient Sources and Indigenous Cultures in Modern Art at Juan March Institute

This exhibition explores the continuous reinterpretation of forms and meanings from ancient civilizations and indigenous cultures of the Americas in modern and contemporary culture. It traces this process from 18th-century expeditions and discoveries to its evolution in 20th and 21st-century art, design, and identity.

The exhibition "Before América: Original Sources in Modern Culture" delves into a profound historical and cultural process: the reinterpretation of the forms and meanings of ancient civilizations and indigenous cultures from Alaska to Patagonia within modern and contemporary culture. This exploration begins by documenting the 18th century, a period marked by scientific expeditions, archaeological discoveries, the formation of early collections through the plundering of the continent, and the rise of historicist architecture. It then progresses to the early 20th century, highlighting how American identity was reshaped by reinterpreting pre-Columbian wisdom and languages in educational materials, which in turn influenced graphic design, literature, theater, film, music, and fashion. The exhibition further examines the sculptural proposals of the mid-20th century, where artists recuperated or invented "the ancestral" through their travels, collecting and documenting their findings in drawings and photographs that permeated their subsequent works. Extending into the present day, "Before América" reveals the enduring influence of the global Amerindian paradigm. This influence is evident in the conscious use of geometry and color, critical or ironic citations of the past, performance art, postmodern architecture with indigenous roots, intentional kitsch, the refinement of conceptual art, new artistic attitudes, and the sophisticated renovation of ancient arts and trades, all imbued with new sociopolitical and aesthetic meaning.