GABRIELA NIRINO, Argentina/USA
Chuspa to carry an emptiness
The jewelry is part of the Chala Project, a research project that aims to value corn husk (chala in Quechua language). Corn is a foundational crop of the Americas. Its husks are apparently waste, that, when placed in the field, invisibly generates energy. In this sense, it is comparable to populations that have been silenced throughout history: indigenous people, women, the poor, black and brown people. It also symbolizes food sovereignty and the fight of the indigenous seeds against the invasion of transgenic corn. For native cultures, it is an inseparable part of their beliefs – it represents territory, body and community. The design is inspired by the pre-Columbian bags (chuspas). It is part of series The Petates, in which I explore my experience as a migrant and the meaning of my practice from the perspective of South American identity.
Material: nylon thread (warp), corn husk fibres (weft and cord), suede leather
Technique: hand weaving, knitting, sewing
She holds an MA in Linguistics and an MA in Textile Design from the University of Buenos Aires. She has participated in textile art residencies in Italy, Canada and the USA. She trained as a jewelry designer in the workshop of Fabiana Gadano. Her awards include:
2025 / 1st Prize, Inaugural Postmark Biennial, Postmark Center for the Arts, USA; 1st Prize Acquisition, Tapestry Biennial Sívori Art Museum, Argentina; Mary Molineaux Grant, Pratt Fine Art Center, Seattle. 2024 / Especial Mention, 4. Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry.
2023 / Best of The Show and 1st Fiber Art Woven, International Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, USA.
2021 / Argentine Jewel Prize, 3. Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry.
2020 / New Growth Award, Growth & Evolution International Contemporary Jewelry Exhibition, China. Her work was included in Volume XIII of General History of Art in Argentina 2000–2020, National Academy of Fine Arts.
Website: www.gabinirino.com /
Instagram: @gabi.nirino
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GNLar
