GRACIELA LESCANO, Argentina
Pujllay, the Carnival Devil
With the permission of Pachamama (Mother Earth), Pujllay was dug up and the carnival began. The Carnival Devil, the spirit of the festivities, is on the loose and joy, fun and revelry reign in northwest Argentina. He will reign until the end of the week, until Temptation Sunday, when, amid cries and implorations, he will be returned to the earth – to the pit that represents the mouth of Pachamama – along with coca, streamers, chicha and cigarettes, so that next year the great carnival celebration can be will reawakened once again.
Materials: Polypropylene strings and silk strings, gauze, jute thread, nylon and cotton stockings, plastic sequins, gauze
Techniques: weaving, embroidery
She was born in 1940 in Salta, Argentina. She is a biologist by training. She developed as a scientist until 1995. She studied visual arts for many years with renowned tapestry masters, before specializing in contemporary jewelry. Since 2008, she has coordinated the contemporary jewelry collective Fwiya. She is a curator for Joyeros Argentinos and a member of the selection juries of the 1st and 2nd Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry, organised by Joyeros Argentinos (MAP 2016 and 2018). In recent years, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions, including: in 2024 Al Hueso, Caracú Collective, Pasaje 17 Gallery, Buenos Aires; in 2023 Fabulaciones, Fwiya collective, Museum of Costume History, Buenos Aires. In 2023 An infinite path, Joyeros Argentinos, Sarmiento Historical Museum, Buenos Aires. In 2022 Breathe, think, do, Joyeros Argentinos, José Hernández Museum, Buenos Aires. In 2021/22 Cabinet of Curiosities, Fwiya Collective and guests from Argentina and Chile, Museum of Costume History, Buenos Aires. In 2020 What Is Left Unsaid, Athens Jewelry Week, Caracú Collective, Athens.
Website: gracielalescano.com.ar
Instagram: @gracielalescano_
