Guatavita at Eleven Rivington references Laguna de Guatavita, a sacred lake of 14th century Muisca, a nation and culture now part of Central Colombia. The ruler of Muisca used to cover himself in gold dust and sail on a raft to the center of the lake where he'd leave gifts, jewels, and offerings for the goddess Guatavita. The exhibition displays recent work by nine artists that either incorporate "precious metals and minerals, including gold, silver, and agate," or feature landscapes and nature scenes that focus on the "historical significance of place" (from press release).
Hilary Harnischfeger's thickly textured Ry (2010) was made with a mix of paper, plaster, pigment, crushed glass, aquamarine and agate. Ishmael Randall Weeks dusted plastic grocery bags and Coke bottles with bronze, and Hilary Berseth created a fuzzy, intricate wreath with copper, nickle and plaster (Plated Point 2, 2010). Davide Balula pays tribute to Laguna de Guatavita with his River Painting (2010) while Valeska Soares offers the goddess floating, porcelain teacups and saucers (Other, 2010) and Cameron Martin depicts a serene, ghostly mountain scene (Icliste, 2010). Guatavita is an intimate, diverse, and respectful tribute to an ancient, little-known place and a regal ritual. Learn more at elevenrivington.com. Through August 13th.
Valeska Soares, Other, 2010; Hilary Harnischfeger, Ry, 2010
Hilary Berseth, Plated Point 2, 2010
Chris Caccamise, Divining Rod, 2010; Davide Balula, River Painting (Sunflower River, Clarksdale, MS), 2010
Cameron Martin, Icliste, 2010
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