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You are here: Home / LACE / 2020-Current Year / Tanya Aguiñiga: Memoria

Tanya Aguiñiga: Memoria

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Memoria, 2020–21
Un proyecto de Tanya Aguiñiga en colaboración con AMBOS, para Intergalactix: against isolation/contra el aislamiento.

En la tarde del 13 de noviembre de 2021, Tanya Aguiñiga y el equipo de AMBOS instalaron el primer copalero de doce en la frontera de los Estados Unidos y México en Playas, Tijuana. En diciembre se planea colocar el resto de los copaleros en puntos estratégicos a lo largo de toda la frontera, de oeste a este de los Estados Unidos. La quema de copal (una resina aromática) es una  práctica espiritual ancestral que evoca memorias, cura  y celebra la vida y la muerte. Tanya Aguiñiga diseñó varios prototipos de copaleros de terracota mexicana. Con este modelo, los estudiantes del taller de cerámica del Jardín de las mariposas (una organización de migrantes LGBTQ+), crearon los doce únicos copaleros que serán distribuidos en la frontera desde Tijuana/San Diego hasta Matamoros/Bronsville. Los copaleros serán colgados a lo largo de la frontera México-Estados Unidos como un ritual colectivo para celebrar los largos viajes marcados por la frontera. Se quedarán para quienes necesiten un momento para meditar y recordar.

En colaboración con Daniel, Ari, Rachel, Sharys, Wendy, Martiza, Kevin, Juan, Beatriz, Dayanara, y Marvin de Jardín de las Mariposas en Tijuana, Mexico.


Memoria (Memory), 2020–21
A project by Tanya Aguiñiga in collaboration with AMBOS for Intergalactix: against isolation/contra el aislamiento.

On the afternoon of November 13, 2021, Tanya Aguiñiga and the AMBOS team installed the first copalero (a copal incense burner) of twelve on the border of the United States and Mexico in Playas, Tijuana. There are plans to return in December to place the rest of the copaleros at strategic points along the entire border, from west to east of the United States. Burning copal (an aromatic resin) is an ancestral spiritual practice that evokes memories, cures celebrations of life and death. The copaleros presented here include four prototypes designed and made by Aguiñiga using Mexican terracotta and twelve unique clay copaleros created in Tijuana by a group of students from  Jardín de las Mariposas, a LGBTQ+ migrant organization. The copaleros will be hung along the US-Mexico border as a collective ritual to celebrate the long journeys marked by the border. They will be left for those who need a moment to mourn and remember.

Photo by/Fotografïa de Gina Clyne.

Filed Under: 2020-Current Year, LACE Tagged With: 2021, AMBOS, border, border crossing, copaleros, Intergalactix: against isolation/ contra el aislamiento, LGBTQ, memoria, Mexico, site specific installation, site-specific, Tanya Aguiñiga, united states

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Photos by Angel Origgi. (@angeloriggi)
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 🌟 LACE’s new Communications + Event Coordinator, Ida Tongkumvong is a Los Angeles-based arts administrator and marketing professional with a passion for expanding access to the arts and fostering inclusivity within creative spaces. She holds a B.A. in Communications from UCLA. Her previous roles with Sounding Point, the LA Phil, and CAP UCLA deepened her commitment to broadening arts access through strategic partnerships, inclusive programming, and dynamic storytelling. With a keen interest in public art and community-based initiatives, Ida brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to audience development and creative event planning within L.A.’s contemporary arts landscape. Outside of work, you’ll often find her at a flea market or estate sale, always on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind find.

 🌟 LACE’s new Production + Operations Coordinator, Johnny Young began making his mark on the Los Angeles arts scene as Gallery and Programming Manager for the Juicy Beats Artist Exchange Lounge in 2000. He has worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), where he played a key role in production and management for their First Fridays program; he was also selected for the prestigious Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP) at The Broad, a competitive initiative aimed at training the next generation of museum and gallery professionals from underrepresented communities. Johnny brings a sharp eye for detail, a commitment to equity in the arts, and a dedication to amplifying voices that challenge the boundaries of convention.
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Held on the rooftop of the historic Bendix Building, performances will be presented with a 180 degree view of downtown Los Angeles. See performances by: @0ll668, @perras.bravas, @lapovertydepartment, @michelelorusso, @pacoimatechno, @jakioeoeo. 

Behind-the-scenes photos by @andreuuua  @selene__preciado and @abwyman
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Support LACE’s future, free public programs by making a donation at the link in our bio.

Performers pictured, in order of appearance: Hirokazu Kosaka, Awilda Sterling-Duprey (@awildasterling), Sheree Rose (@msrosebush), Sharon Kagan (@sharonkagan), Anna Homler with David Javelosa and Jeff Schwartz, Gloria Enedina Álvarez, Oguri, The Dark Bob, Barbara T. Smith and Ulysses Jenkins, Alice Bag (@alice_bag), Kid Congo Powers (@kidcongopowers), and Kamau Daáood.
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