top of page
higanbana flower I, 60x30cmsLOW.jpg

detail: Higanbana flower I, analogue collage, 30 x 60 cm, 2021

estellano invitation.jpg

Structure of the exhibition project to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Salta (MAC) in the period June-July 2022.

This document gathers all the information related to this exhibition and will be updated as it develops. 

INTRODUCTION

button.jpg

CURATORIAL FOUNDATION

by Cecilia Medina

When Morton Hilbert proposed to carry out the Human Ecology Symposium to give visibility to the scientists who warned about the effects that the deterioration of the environment produced on human health, the scenario was very different from the one we inhabit today.

When Rachel Carson presented her book Silent Spring and put the agrochemical industry in check by pointing out the damage they cause to humans and their impact on nature, the situation of the space we inhabit was not like the current one.

Scientists and politicians have spent more than half a century announcing what is happening today and what will happen in the coming decades, however, humanity continues to grow with a growing attitude of consumerism and disinterest in the environment.

In an essay published in The New Yorker in 1989, William McKibben pointed out that "...the chemistry of the atmosphere may be an abstraction or a text written in a foreign language...but its translation into the climate of a city will make us notice the how the life of each one of us will change”. Theories about these effects and global warming date back to the 1957 investigations of oceanographers Roger Revelle and Hans Suess. According to KcKibben, the studies carried out by both from California allow us to verify the signals that the ocean gave them then.

 

Fortunately, artistic expressions have another way of presenting us with this sum of concepts that scientists have shared for decades through articles, essays and books.

Sebastiao Salgado's photographs portray the greatest human atrocities: the exploitation of man by man, deforestation and mining exploration. Also in his travels he has documented the most exotic places on the planet: flowers, rivers, mountains, tribes, fauna, everything he has seen in more than one hundred countries has been printed in black and white images that testify to the same as scientists. they affirm. Each of these images are warning signs about what is happening here on Earth.

Signals that we find cited in the Gaia Theory -developed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis in the sixties- and that focuses on what happens in the layer that surrounds the Earth's surface.

 

Today, in the halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Salta, there are other images that summon us: Santiago Estellano displays his most recent works that have arisen around a question: what if the current pandemic were Gaia's Revenge?

Inspired by the aforementioned theory, Estellano transforms into images the reflections addressed for decades in the international scientific field. And these images -created from other images- contain within themselves the poetic use of collage. Collage that as a plastic tool is in tune with the proliferation of images that digital communication imposes on us -exponentially increased- after two years of social isolation due to the pandemic.

 

If the contingencies experienced by the Covid19 virus are a kind of revenge of nature, it is urgent for us to take action in favor of it immediately. Otherwise, we will be irremediably condemned to live the next few springs stunned by the deepest and most devastating silence.

 

Cecilia Medina

ninaconmuneca BAJA.png
gaiamister150x69LOW.jpg

Gaia Mister, digital collage, 150 x 69 cm, 2020

THEORETICAL FOUNDATION

by Santiago Estellano

This project constitutes an artistic interpretation of the moment we are living, and the reaction that the planet has to human actions due to the inappropriate use of its own resources. Man throughout his history has been a witness, perpetrator and victim of the progressive degradation of the environment and the depletion of natural resources. Their anti-environmental behavior is due to the desire for profit, both individual and social, and the lack of knowledge of their relationship with nature. According to the scientific community we are in a new Anthropocene geological era, characterized by human behavior on earth. These totally aggressive and violent actions, in which more than a thousand species per year disappear, is something worse, the Necrocene: the era in which human beings produce death massively...

 

…what if the current pandemic was Gaia's Revenge?

 

Gaia Theory was developed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis in the 1960s.  Gaia is a metaphor for the living Earth. The Greek goddess from whom the name comes.

From the inert or physical point of view (what is it?) it is the thin spherical layer of land and water that exists between the incandescent interior of the planet and the upper atmosphere that surrounds it.

From a biological point of view (who is it?) it is the interactive fabric of living organisms that have inhabited it for more than four billion years. The combination of that What and that Who, and how one continuously affects the other, is mother earth, Gaia.

 

Unbridled consumerism, a certain degradation of social norms, on the exploitation of human resources, and the environment continue to play against it.  The Earth, and its components mutate, adapt. There are enough signs that show that humans, and all living beings, are one more element that makes up this living organism. The coronavirus could be understood as the result of the behavior of a technocratic world, which has generated environmental problems for a long time such as the Greenhouse Effect, Global Climate Warming, Deterioration of the Ozone Layer, to name a few. During the strict quarantine in 2020 there was a sharp decline in pollution levels globally. The first values were seen in China, the United States and Italy when strict isolation began there with drops of between 20% and 30% in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions in the air.

 

Nitrogen Oxides (NO2) are generated by the exhaust pipes of motor vehicles, in the combustion process of coal, oil or natural gas, and in industrial treatments (arc welding, electroplating, metal engraving and dynamite detonation). ). They are also commercially produced by reacting nitric acid with metals or cellulose and are used in industrial production (nitric acid, lacquers, dyes, and other chemicals). Nitrogen oxides are also used in rocket fuels, in the nitrification of organic chemicals, and in the manufacture of explosives.

 

In urban centers hit hard by the coronavirus, such as Madrid, Milan, Rome, Paris, a decrease of between 40% and 60% of this contaminant concentration was recorded. In Argentina, using maps created by the GeoPortal of Web Services of the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE), the averages were analyzed three weeks prior to and three weeks after March 20, 2020. The results were surprising in cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba , Rosario, Mendoza and San Miguel de Tucumán. Daily observations from the Sentinel-5p satellite show that Nitrogen Dioxide in the atmosphere of urban centers was significantly reduced after mandatory isolation, up to 5 and 6 times lower. We do not have specific data for Salta Capital in 2020, but we understand that it had the same behavior, and that today in 2022 the levels are equal to or higher than at the time of mandatory isolation.

 

While we were in strict quarantine, the water in Venice was crystal clear. Deer were seen in Nara, Japan. Boars running through different cities in Italy, Spain, Israel. Ducks in the Fontana Di Trevi. Mountain Goats in Wales. Newly hatched turtles have been seen on beaches in Thailand. In Argentina, swamp deer were seen in Zarate and Campana, capybaras in Necochea, penguins in Miramar. In Santiago del Estero, the rescue and reintegration of wild fauna tripled. Birds, foxes, weasels and cougars were rescued. While we human beings locked ourselves in, the animals took over the cities.

 

For some, this lockdown turned out to be a mandatory spiritual retreat that led to introspection and analysis of what was happening and which in turn entailed a gigantic emotional roller coaster. The oppression generated by the exterior is very great. It is a feeling, it happens to most of us who live in big cities, sharing a public space that should be for leisure and recreation with the parties became a limited space, insecure, where it was difficult to share when there was no closeness to the other. We have developed new structures of thought and actions to deal with the relationship between us. These established systems, generated by us, and forced to control our behavior, have generated different types of phobias and even OCD that we had never experienced before.  We are learning to live with distance, not only physical, but also emotional, disconnected!

 

The only window that allows us to see and share with other human beings is a monitor. We have created autonomous artificial intelligence, resolving conflicts and algorithms for us. We interact with “bots”, we can do the “e-shopping” while we are in our pajamas and we hide our “corona-phobia” with a relaxed, luminous and perfect facial filter.

 

<<<<< System error, we must reformulate everything >>>>>

 

Higanbana Army is an organized military force that fights and defends the world of Gaia. Each warrior symbolizes a sign of the zodiac, with masks and the representation of the flower of  higanbana. They wear the same uniform and the same "Noh" mask that symbolizes a creature  supernatural, with 3 eyes and two mouths. They are standing with a defiant and confrontational posture. The two mouths allow rapid and continuous communication on the same frequency. The Higanbana flower, also known as "The Red Spider Lilies", is a brilliant summer flower native to Asia and is associated with final farewells. The red spider lily is said to guide the dead through samsara, the cycle of rebirth.

 

They are among us stalking us, watching us and letting us know everything we are doing wrong. They develop projects and programs that they use as tools to analyze the commitment we have with mother earth. This leads to making visible the slogan of the army, adding faithful and soldiers who proclaim to protect Gaia.

 

Taking as a scientific and research reference the information provided by the GeoPortal of Web Services of the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE), of Argentina, Higanbana Army presents: "Status of the situation: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) contamination levels in different urban conglomerates. Today is Salta Capital”

 

 

 

 

Santiago Estellano

Buenos Aires, February 2022

 

 

REF: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/baja-la-contaminacion-atmosferica-en-grandes-ciudades-de-la-argentina

bot in nature 44x60cm,2021BAJA.png

Bot in nature, analog collage, 44 x 60 cm, 2021

Higanbana Army is an organized military force that fights and defends the world of Gaia. Each warrior symbolizes a sign of the zodiac, with masks and the representation of the flower of  higanbana. They wear the same uniform and the same "Noh" mask that symbolizes a creature  supernatural, with 3 eyes and two mouths. They are standing with a defiant and confrontational posture. The two mouths allow rapid and continuous communication on the same frequency. The Higanbana flower, also known as "Red Spider Lilies", is a brilliant summer flower native to Asia and is associated with final farewells. The Red Spider Lily is said to guide the dead through samsara, the cycle of rebirth.

 

They are among us stalking us, watching us and letting us know everything we are doing wrong. They develop projects and programs that they use as tools to analyze the commitment we have with mother earth. This leads to making visible the slogan of the army, adding faithful and soldiers who proclaim to protect Gaia.

 

Taking as a scientific and research reference the information provided by the GeoPortal of Web Services of the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE), of Argentina, Higanbana Army presents: "Status of the situation: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) contamination levels in Jump Capital”

 

 

 

 

Santiago Estellano

Buenos Aires, February 2022

 

 

REF: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/baja-la-contaminacion-atmosferica-en-grandes-ciudades-de-la-argentina

warriorFINALLOW.png
SANTIAGO ESTELLANO_8296 BAJA.jpg

Satelital image  

GeoPortal of Web Services of the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) of Argentina

Higanbana Army presents:

“Situation Status: Pollution levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in Salta Capital”

SANTIAGO ESTELLANO_8291 BAJA.jpg
altarSALTA.jpg

Altar "Luna Santa"

LIGNUM VITAE:

Pre-Hispanic cultures used to use it for religious and spiritual rituals, to attract good luck, ward off negativity and to achieve better spiritual communication with their gods.  Whether in infusion or incense, Palo Santo is ideal for cleaning and purifying the environment.

 

AMETHYST:

Amethyst has great powers, it is a very relaxing stone, it gives balance, sincerity, purity and spirituality. It brings common sense, wisdom and creates harmony. Helps clarify problem solving, decision making and changes. Amethyst transmutes energy, like the alchemy of deep transformation, the cycles of life and death.

 

MOONSTONE:

Physical healing energy: this stone is responsible for boosting the biological forces of the body, that is, it promotes fertility, childbirth and relieves menstrual pain. In addition, it helps fight degenerative conditions in the skin, eyes and hair.

Emotional healing energy: Moonstone helps to relax the mind and body, it also helps to master emotions to express yourself correctly. Chakra healing and balancing energy: directly affects the crown chakra, and the spiritual center, bringing concentration, wisdom and peace into the body. Spiritual energy: using this stone was synonymous with hope and faith, for that reason, in India it was widely used, because it was considered to represent their hope. Amulets and talismans: for many years, the Moonstone was considered a talisman. In health: Moonstone does not replace any medical treatment, but some healers use it to stimulate the pineal gland and level the heartbeat. Magical properties: in the countries, women who wanted to get pregnant sewed moonstones into their clothes and used them during the full moon. This stone is also associated with business, protection, good luck and passionate love.

 

SELENITE:

Selenite is the name given to transparent gypsum crystals. Its name comes from the Greek "selene", which means "moon". Since ancient times, the existence of the Selenites was thought to be inhabitants of the Moon. The origin goes back to the Greek civilization, which believed in the existence of these beings and recounted the journeys of the first humans who visited the now known moon.

Selenite favors intuition and innate wisdom. It is used to make requests at the time of the new moon and full moon phase. It is a cleansing and purifying mineral and can be placed where you feel blockages or meditate between your hands.

 

OBSIDIAN:

Obsidian is a volcanic rock belonging to the silicate group, it is dark in color, often called volcanic glass.  Spiritually vitalizes the soul and removes energy blockages and tensions. Very powerful and creative stone, it helps to increase self-control, to be authentic. Repels negativity, shows us  what affects us inside and also allows us to integrate and balance our negative side with the positive. Stimulates and relates to the root chakra. Obsidian is associated with the new moon phase where the conscious and the subconscious merge and we can see inside ourselves.

 

TAROT CARD THE MOON:

The Moon (XVIII) is a card of the Tarot and the 18th arcana. According to the tarot, it is associated with the unknown atomic entity, security in the dark and with the seat of the soul and with eternity. What you hide or hide from you, are our pains that even though they hurt, you shine, but they're still there. The dogs are the people who are nearby, seeing and feeling your pain, attentive to what you need, even though what happens can affect them too. The climbing crab symbolizes something risen from the dark depths, our fears and deepest fears and the life of the imagination separated from the life of the spirit. The dog and the wolf are the fears of the mind in the presence of escape, when it is only reflected light.

 

 

VERBENA CEDAR ESSENCE:

Floral Herbaceous olfactory family: It is a unisex, citrus, fresh and clean fragrance. Ideal for hot summer environments in open and relaxed spaces. It contains watery, citrus top notes such as lime and mandarin, a herbaceous floral heart typical of verbena, chamomile and freesia and a warm background of Japanese red cedar, fig leaves and eucalyptus. Main fragrance ingredients: Cedar, Verbena, Chamomile and Eucalyptus.

GLITCH, collage of digital collages, 2022

bottom of page