Futurismo Ancestral: An Offering to Peru by Sixe Paredes, Somerset House

Led by Spanish graffiti artist Sixe Paredes, Somerset house gets in touch with the art and culture of  Peru. 

The more observant amongst us, equally blessed with good memory, may recall back in 2008 when a group of graffiti artists covered the façade of Tate Modern in colourful murals. One such artist, Barcelona-born Sixe Paredes, makes his return to London with a six day residency at Somerset House. This project is equally ambitious but couldn’t be more different. Entitled Futurismo Ancestral: An Offering to Peru, Sixe’s expansive take-over is a celebration of the vibrancy of Peruvian and Andian culture. Sixe is inspired by Folk Art and Art Brut , but seeks to reinterpret these genres for the modern age, which he has summated in his term ‘ Futurismo Ancestral ’ – a link between past and the future, coming through the contemporary.

The Artworks

The core exhibition will consist of tapestries, totem sculptures, ceramics and quipus (a system of knotted cords developed by the Incas to communicate and record information) as well as smaller-scale works such as masks all created by Sixe. Most astonishingly though these will all be displayed in the atmospheric (and expansive) vaults underneath Somerset House’s iconic neoclassical courtyard. This explosion of colour in an eerie setting is sure to spark something unique.

Education and Sensation

Whilst Sixe was not born in Peru, he has spent extended periods  in the region over the past 5 years, collaborating with creative communities. To London he brings knowledge of local traditions and crafts, so this looks set to be educational as well as sensational.  Alongside the installation, Futurismo Ancestral will also feature free daily, interactive events on all aspects of Peruvian and Andean culture from food and film, to music and performance. This really offers the opportunity to get fully immersed.