Kamari Kuna: Future Ancestral Offerings

"Kamari Kuna: Future Ancestral Offerings" is a groundbreaking art exhibition that reimagines Andean traditions through a futuristic lens. Directed by Jonathan Villamar and inspired by the award-winning short film Kaya, the exhibition explores an alternative reality where Andean technology, spirituality, and iconography evolved independently of colonial influence.

The exhibition’s title, Kamari Kuna, meaning "offerings" in Kichwa, reflects the dialogue between ancestral wisdom and contemporary innovation. It challenges folkloric stereotypes and offers a bold reinterpretation of Andean heritage.

What to Expect

As a visitor you’ll experience an immersive showcase of props, costumes, jewelry, and ceramics designed specifically for Kaya. These pieces are the result of collaborations with artisans and creators, including Joyeros del Sur, Maquisupay, the Cuenca Embroidery Center, Aguilar Confecciones, Arca Art Factory, and ceramicist María José Ledesma.

The film, shot in Nabón, tells an Andean sci-fi story that blends advanced technology with indigenous spirituality, presenting a vision of an uncolonized future.

Cultural Mediation and Creative Insights

Over the course of three months, the exhibition will feature cultural mediation activities that unveil the creative processes behind the displayed works. These events aim to deepen public understanding of Andean culture while fostering a contemporary and inclusive perspective on its roots.

A Collective Vision

This exhibition is the culmination of a year-long effort by a multidisciplinary team, including art director Santiago Caldas and costume designer Michelle Gutiérrez. According to Gianella Vintimilla, producer of Kaya, the goal is to inspire visitors to imagine how Andean traditions could have flourished freely, transcending folkloric boundaries and embracing innovation.