Tigua: Arte desde el Centro del Mundo – Exploring Ecuadorian Folk Art at the National Anthropology Museum

This exhibition showcases the unique folk art from the Tigua communities in Ecuador, which emerged in the 1970s. The paintings, traditionally created on sheepskin, depict religious festivals, daily life, and cultural traditions of the Kichwa people, often featuring vibrant colors and distinct Andean landscapes.

Originating in the 1970s from the Kichwa communities in the Tigua region of Ecuador, this exhibition delves into the unique folk art known as Tigua painting. Initially inspired by motifs decorating ceremonial drums, the art form was adapted to easel painting by collectors, utilizing sheepskin as a support and retaining the vibrant colors and traditional themes. The artworks prominently feature religious festivals, particularly Corpus Christi, alongside daily activities and traditional life cycles, offering a vivid reflection of Kichwa culture and worldview. The exhibition highlights how these artistic expressions serve as a form of cultural resistance and identity reinforcement, often blending indigenous Andean traditions with Catholic celebrations. Characterized by ensemble scenes set against the Andean landscape and the use of intense, bright colors, the art of Tigua has been significantly shaped by pioneering artists like the Toaquiza brothers, whose family continues to be influential in innovating materials, techniques, and themes. The exhibition likely showcases these rich visual narratives and the cultural significance of this distinctive art form.

This exhibition was held at the National Museum of Anthropology and the Embassy of Ecuador in Spain. Specific ticketing information for this past exhibition is not available on the source page; visitors would have typically entered via museum admission or event-specific arrangements. For current exhibitions, please refer to the museum's official ticketing channels.