Doris Salcedo Traces the Shape of Memory
The Colombian artist reflects on the state’s attempts to erase history, and the people’s continued refusal. Also: How should artists decide whether to participate in documenta 16?
On October 15, Colombian artist Doris Salcedo learned of the removal of over a dozen objects from the Museo Nacional in Bogotá. These pieces, bearing relevance to LGBTQ+, leftist, and feminist movements, were ordered to be taken down by the far-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella. The artworks included materials tied to the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, as well as the campaigns of assassinated left-wing leaders, Carlos Pizarro and Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa.
After two weeks, the court ordered the return of these objects, but the incident ignited outrage, with thousands protesting and facing police repression. Doris Salcedo, a prominent voice in the Colombian art scene, expressed her thoughts on the significance of such resistance, the lasting impact of political violence, and the path forward for artists in Colombia.
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