Shipibo Pot Stories. Patterns of the universe

The universe of the Shipibo is filled with invisible patterns. But how do shamans perceive them? And how can the spheres of the cosmos be kept in balance? 

Featuring unique patterned drawings, these chomos beer pots visualise Shipibo stories about the cosmos. In this spin-off exhibition, one of the human faced pots, called joni chomo, by ceramic artist Virgínia Maynas Piñon is virtually brought to life for a period of three weeks. The multimedia installation - and thesis project - by artist and student René Appel allows the pot to speak, thanks to digital animation. Contemporary Shipibo artist Harry Pinedo advised Appel on the cultural content and contributed his own art works for the animations. This cooperative project connects contemporary Indigenous art and knowledge and the art of digital design.

“Shipibo Pot Stories. Patterns of the Universe” augments the current major exhibition “healing. Life in Balance”, which presents a range of voices exploring healing, transformation and balance.