Amazonia Açu
Amazonia Açu provides a kaleidoscopic overview of the aesthetic, cultural, and material diversity found in Amazonia as a means to upend flattening generalizations typically associated with the region and to reframe discourse on the subject within a contemporary context.
For an exhibition about the cultural production of Amazonian communities to be organized around principles of Western statehood involves a contradiction that we acknowledge and hope to directly address. Given that our institution is housed in a policy center, our art program is uniquely situated to think through such paradoxes and consider what the role of cultural diplomacy should be in shaping art historical discourse.
Amazonia Açu as a nine-faceted prism which “stands as an invitation to unravel colonial myths and clear spaces for different epistemologies. Each curator in this exhibition is one face of the prism, radiating their unique and indispensable perspective to help take account of Amazonia’s immensity.” By highlighting the different intellectual and artistic approaches implemented by artists from the Amazon, the exhibition places emphasis on and celebrates the multiplicities found throughout the region. Together, the artworks reflect how the artists engage with a variety of topical questions, including methods of artistic production, modes of knowledge sharing, community engagement, land rights politics, cultural heritage, and spirituality, and how they relate to our current moment.
Americas Society New York City, New York September 3, 2025 to April 18, 2026
The artists and collectives participating in this exhibition include: Danasion Akobe, Angélica Alomoto, Pablo Amaringo, Johan Amiemba, Lola Ankarapi, Chonon Bensho, Darrell A. Carpenay, Elías Caurey Caurey, Colectivo TAWNA, Comunidad Weenhayek, Estela Dagua, PV Dias, Sara Flores, Dawa García, Sheroanawe Hakihiiwe, Shaundell Horton, Sri Irodikromo, Carlos Jacanamijoy, Wilfrido Lusitande Piaguaje, Thiago Martins de Melo, Hélio Melo, Mary Morales Barrientos, NouN, Claudia Opimí Vaca, Bernadette Indira Persaud, Javier Puunawe, Abel Rodríguez (Mogaje Guihu), Aycoobo (Wilson Rodríguez), Nancy Santi, Nelly Sheimi, T2i, Agustina Valera and Oliver Agustín, Gê Viana, and Santiago Yahuarcani.
Co-Curators: Keyna Eleison served as curatorial advisor and the exhibition was cocurated by Grace Aneiza Ali, Christian Bendayán, Elvira Espejo Ayca, Diana Iturralde, Miguel Keerveld, NouN and T2i, Mateus Nunes, Luis Romero, and María Wills.
Installation view of Amazonia Açu. Courtesy of Art at Americas Society. Photos by Arturo Sanchez.
Press
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The exhibition proves "that there is much more to the region than meets the eye," says AQ about Americas Society's show on Amazonian communities. Read the full article.
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An ambitious survey of contemporary practices," says the website. "Amazonia Açu is as beautiful as it is polite and diplomatic. See the full review.
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Hyperallergic includes the Exhibition Amazonia Açu on Its Fall 2025 Art Guide: "Americas Society presents a pluralistic image of the Amazon rainforest," says the art publication about the new show. Read the full article.