Amazonian Tradition & Modern Abstractions

Last month, Casa de América in Madrid hosted the exhibition Convergencias / Divergencias. Dos estéticas en diálogo, a compelling exploration of the interplay between Ye’kwana Indigenous art from the Amazon and modern geometric abstraction. Curated by Ariel Jiménez, the exhibition featured over 170 works, including more than 60 Ye’kwana artifacts—such as baskets, benches, and vessels—collected over 30 years by Venezuelan explorer Charles Brewer-Carías and acquired by the Juan Carlos Maldonado Collection (JCMC) 

The exhibition was thoughtfully organized around three thematic axes: technical functionality and symbolic value, generative models, and purity and economy of means. This structure highlighted the shared emphasis on essential geometric forms—circles, squares, and lines—and the restrained use of color and materials in both Ye’kwana crafts and modern abstract artworks. Notable artists featured included Carlos Cruz-Diez, Josef Albers, Mira Schendel, Gego, and Torres García, among others.

By juxtaposing these diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition challenged traditional hierarchies that often separate "primitive" and "modern" art. Instead, it presented a nuanced dialogue that underscored the universality of geometric abstraction and its deep roots in various cultural traditions. As art critic Ariel Jiménez noted, this approach invites viewers to reconsider the origins and influences of modern art beyond the conventional Western narrative.

Convergencias / Divergencias was part of the parallel program of ARCOmadrid 2025, aligning with the fair's focus on Amazonian themes and postcolonial discourse. The exhibition offered a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of global artistic practices, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural dialogues in contemporary art.