Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia
FAIN: GI-269686-20
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles, CA 90036-4504)
Diana Magaloni (Project Director: August 2019 to present)
Implementation of a 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibition on the art of Colombia from 500 BCE to 1600 CE.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) respectfully requests a $400,000 implementation grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support "Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia," a traveling exhibition on view in Los Angeles (October 31, 2021-February 20, 2022) and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (June 20-September 19, 2021). Portable Universe will be the first comprehensive exhibition and in-depth investigation into the art of ancient Colombia in 20 years and will bring together approximately 400 objects spanning all major pre-Columbian cultures of Colombia from 500 BCE to 1600 CE. Curated by Dr. Diana Magaloni, Deputy Director, Program Director & Dr. Virginia Fields Curator of the Art of the Ancient Americas, and Director of Conservation,and Dr. Julia Burtenshaw, Assistant Curator, Art of the Ancient Americas,it will be accompanied by a catalogue and an array of interpretive humanities and educational programs.
Media Coverage
New show in Los Angeles keeps an ancient culture alive by ‘nourishing’ its objects (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Karen Chernick
Publication: The Art Newspaper
Date: 5/27/2022
Abstract: An exhibition of Colombian ceramics and other artefacts at the Los Angeles Museum of Art was informed by advice from an Arhuaco spritual leader.
URL: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/05/27/how-to-keep-an-ancient-culture-alive-nourish-its-objects
Review: An engaging LACMA show delves into how Indigenous Colombian cultures think about gold (Review)
Author(s): Christopher Knight
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Date: 6/6/2022
Abstract: The Portable Universe exhibition review.
URL: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-06-06/the-portable-universe-indigenous-colombia-exhibit-lacma
LACMA hosts The Portable Universe of Colombia’s indigenous cultures (Media Coverage)
Author(s): The City Paper Staff
Publication: The City Paper Bogotá
Date: 6/8/2022
Abstract: Media coverage of the exhibition.
URL: https://thecitypaperbogota.com/culture/lacma-in-los-angeles-showcases-colombias-pre-hispanic-cultures/
Les Arhuacos de la Colombie s’invitent au Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ismaël Houdassine
Publication: Radio Canada
Date: 3/17/2023
Abstract: Media coverage of the exhibition.
URL: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/espaces-autochtones/1944821/exposition-arhuaco-colombie-mbam
CAA 2023 Awards for Distinction (Media Coverage)
Author(s): CAA staff
Publication: CAA website
Date: 2/6/2023
Abstract: CAA announces the 2023 recipients of Awards for Distinction. By honoring outstanding member achievements, CAA reaffirms its mission to encourage the highest standards of scholarship, practice, connoisseurship, and teaching in the arts. With these annual awards, CAA seeks to honor individual artists, art historians, authors, museum professionals, and critics whose accomplishments transcend their individual disciplines and contribute to the profession as a whole and to the world at large.
URL: https://www.collegeart.org/news/2023/02/06/caa-2023-awards-for-distinction/
Associated Products
Explore Indigenous Colombia Across Space and Time in The Portable Universe (Blog Post)Title: Explore Indigenous Colombia Across Space and Time in The Portable Universe
Author: Alexander Schneider
Abstract: Advance exhibition outreach about the methodology behind the exhibition.
Date: 03/24/2022
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2022/03/24/explore-indigenous-colombia-across-space-and-time-portable-universePrimary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: Explore Indigenous Colombia Across Space and Time in The Portable Universe
Website: lacma.org
The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia (Catalog)Title: The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Author: Héctor García Botero
Author: Diana Magaloni
Author: María Alicia Uribe Villegas
Author: Wade Davis
Author: Luis Cayón
Author: Francisco Chimontero Nuibita Dingula
Author: Juan Fernando Cobo Betancourt
Author: Tom Cummins
Author: Ana María Falchetti
Author: Santiago Giraldo
Author: Ariel James
Author: Carlos David Londoño Sulkin
Author: Carlos E. López
Author: Santiago Muñoz Arbeláez
Author: Carlo Emilio Piazzini Suárez
Abstract: Spanning all major pre-Columbian cultures of Colombia, and featuring some of the most remarkable artworks ever made in this region—from intricately cast gold pendants and ceramic effigies to modern Indigenous stools, barkcloths and featherworks—The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia radically recasts how we approach ancient Colombian art.
Featuring an innovative cover design with tip-on images, the book is arranged so as to envelop the works with life and meaning, and guide readers to different ways of understanding the world and our place in it. It includes insightful contributions by Indigenous Colombians, historians, ethnographers, archaeologists and art historians.
The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos recaptures some of the knowledge of Indigenous American cultures and presents new historical findings, drawing heavily on contemporary Indigenous understandings to evoke a worldview in which these ancient pieces make sense and have power today.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://worldcat.org/en/title/1295405656Primary URL Description: Worldcat link.
Secondary URL:
https://www.thelacmastore.org/products/the-portable-universe-el-universo-en-tus-manosSecondary URL Description: LACMA store link.
Catalog Type: Exhibition Catalog
Publisher: Los Angeles County Museum of Art ; DelMonico Books/D.A.P.
Prizes
Alfred H. Barr Jr. Award
Date: 2/6/2023
Organization: College Art Association
Abstract: The Alfred H. Barr Jr. Award for museum scholarship was established in 1980, in honor of the founding director of the Museum of Modern Art and a scholar of early-twentieth-century painting. This award is presented to the author or authors of an especially distinguished catalogue in the history of art, published in the English language under the auspices of a museum, library, or collection. Catalogues of public or private collections or significant portions thereof and exhibition catalogues are eligible.
The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia (Exhibition)Title: The Portable Universe/El Universo en tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigenous Colombia
Curator: Julia Burtenshaw
Curator: Diana Magaloni
Abstract: Comprising approximately 400 works, including an unprecedented number of loans from the Museo del Oro in Bogota, this groundbreaking exhibition presents the diversity and materiality of ancient Colombian cultures and reframes how we approach ancient Colombian art.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/portable-universePrimary URL Description: Exhibition website.
Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition
Writer: Alexa Oona Schulz
Director: Agnes Stauber
Director: Alexa Oona Schulz
Producer: Agnes Stauber
Producer: Amanda Law
Abstract: Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition is a documentary series that follows the six-year journey of LACMA’s curators Diana Magaloni and Julia Burtenshaw researching, developing, and installing The Portable Universe / El Universo en tus Manos. The series allows us to be transparent about how the team facilitated a collaborative process with the Arhuaco community in Colombia and curators at different institutions and kept this spirit of collaboration alive in the way the exhibition was installed.
Among many topics, the documentary features scenes of breathtaking landscapes and archeological sites; conversations with Mamo Camilo Izquierdo and Jaison Perez Villafaña regarding the Arhuaco worldview and how this relates to contemporary social and environmental issues; and behind-the-scenes footage of preparing the exhibition, including new initiatives around museum stewardship of Indigenous works.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJy-HLfC3xxCue9_kM1GRNcnPEaNvi_aWPrimary URL Description: YouTube series link
Access Model: open access
Format: Web
Prizes
Award for Excellence for Best Digital Program
Date: 5/9/2023
Organization: Association of Art Museum Curators
Abstract: This category will honor a single, stand-alone online program or a series of programs, that was created specifically for the digital realm and was hosted between January 1, 2022 and December 1, 2022. The original, curatorial content recognized in this category must be timely and responsive to current events, and explicitly in service towards community building. Nominations may be part of a series, but only one episode may be submitted for consideration. This does not include practicing art or craft classes or relaunching existing content.
Competitive nominations in this category should look to contain the following elements that are included within our vetting criteria:
A clearly presented theme and goals that are well-researched and comprehensible.
Responsive to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within museums and arts organizations, seeks to challenge and change traditional understandings of art and history, and contributes to art organizations as places for meaningful and t
Anthem Award in Education, Art & Culture
Date: 1/30/2024
Organization: Anthem Award
Abstract: The Anthem Awards were launched in 2021 to celebrate and highlight the incredible social impact work happening across the globe. They were founded by The Webby Awards in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, GLAAD, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.
Art & Music: The Portable Universe (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Art & Music: The Portable Universe
Abstract: Colombian musician Luis Fernando Franco Duque played music with ancient Colombian ocarinas in the galleries of The Portable Universe, a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the materiality
and knowledge of ancient Colombian cultures from an Indigenous point of view. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Attended by 110 people.
Author: Luis Fernando Franco Duque
Date: 05/29/2022
Location: LACMA galleries
Primary URL:
https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/icon-upload/date%3Acustom%3AY%5D-07/6.23.22_THE_GUIDE_SUMMER_FINAL.pdfPrimary URL Description: LACMA's Education guide Summer 2022 edition.
On the Hunt for Answers: A Curatorial Trip to Bogotá (Blog Post)Title: On the Hunt for Answers: A Curatorial Trip to Bogotá
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Abstract: Post about collection research with Museum del Oro, Bogotá, Colombia.
Date: 08/17/2016
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2016/08/17/hunt-answers-curatorial-trip-bogot%C3%A1Primary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: On the Hunt for Answers: A Curatorial Trip to Bogotá
Website: Unframed
A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 1 (Blog Post)Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 1
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Abstract: Post describing the beginning of the relationship with the Arhuaco community in Colombia.
Date: 09/24/2019
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2019/09/24/quest-knowledge-curatorial-research-colombia%E2%80%94part-1Primary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 1
Website: Unframed
A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 2 (Blog Post)Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 2
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Abstract: Post describing the beginning of the relationship with the Arhuaco community in Colombia.
Date: 09/30/2019
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2019/09/30/quest-knowledge-curatorial-research-colombia%E2%80%94part-2Primary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 2
Website: Unframed
A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 3 (Blog Post)Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 3
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Abstract: Post describing the beginning of the relationship with the Arhuaco community in Colombia.
Date: 10/10/2019
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2019/10/10/quest-knowledge-curatorial-research-colombia%E2%80%94part-3Primary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: A Quest for Knowledge: Curatorial Research in Colombia—Part 3
Website: Unframed
What Happened Next? A Sacred Ceremony After "Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition (Blog Post)Title: What Happened Next? A Sacred Ceremony After "Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Abstract: Post describing the visit of leaders from Arhuaco community to Los Angeles.
Date: 12/11/2022
Primary URL:
https://unframed.lacma.org/2022/12/11/what-happened-next-sacred-ceremony-after-unpacking-universe-making-exhibitionPrimary URL Description: LACMA's Unframed blog.
Blog Title: What Happened Next? A Sacred Ceremony After "Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition
Website: Unframed
Art + Meditation: Indigenous Colombian Art (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Art + Meditation: Indigenous Colombian Art
Abstract: A special meditation session with Jaison Perez Villafaña, spiritual leader from the Arhuaco Indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Presented on Zoom. Attended by 103 people.
Author: Jaison Perez Villafaña
Date: 06/09/2022
Location: Presented on Zoom.
Screening of Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Screening of Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition
Abstract: Screening of Unpacking the Universe: The Making of an Exhibition as a feature film format followed by a post-screening conversation with the curators, filmmakers and special guests. This event took place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ted Mann Theater. Attended by 105 people.
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Author: Diana Magaloni
Author: Agnes Stauber
Author: Alexa Schultz
Date: 09/14/2022
Location: Ted Mann Theater, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Evening for Educators series (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Evening for Educators series
Abstract: Evening for Educators series highlighting The Portable Universe. Through this program, LACMA integrates arts and professional development for K–12 teachers presenting strategies for incorporating the visual arts into the classroom. Educators attended a lecture by co-curator Julia Burtenshaw and participated in discussions and artist-led workshops. Attended by 87 people.
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Date: 09/20/2022
Location: LACMA
Primary URL:
https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/icon-upload/date%3Acustom%3AY%5D-07/6.23.22_THE_GUIDE_SUMMER_FINAL.pdfPrimary URL Description: LACMA's Education guide Summer 2022 edition.
Talk with Arhuaco leaders (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Talk with Arhuaco leaders
Abstract: An in-person program in which Indigenous collaborators from the Arhuaco community in Colombia, Jaison Perez Villafaña, Mamo Camilo Izquierdo, and Danilo Villafaña Torres, shared their knowledge and perspective on Ancient Colombian artworks in the collection, and reflected on their experience of working with LACMA in developing the exhibition. Attended by 85 people.
Author: Jaison Perez Villafaña
Author: Mamo Camilo Izquierdo
Author: Danilo Villafaña Torres
Author: Diana Magaloni
Author: Julia Burtenshaw
Date: 09/29/2022
Location: LACMA
Primary URL:
https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/icon-upload/date%3Acustom%3AY%5D-07/6.23.22_THE_GUIDE_SUMMER_FINAL.pdfPrimary URL Description: LACMA's Education guide Summer 2022 edition.
The Portable Universe: Collaboration | Working with Indigenous Colombians to create a groundbreaking exhibition (Course or Curricular Material)Title: The Portable Universe: Collaboration | Working with Indigenous Colombians to create a groundbreaking exhibition
Author: Lara Schilling
Abstract: Story map describing the major exhibition themes and collaboration, with discussion questions and vocabulary sections.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/d8e3cc1058a04f19ac916a69485c2fa7?item=26Primary URL Description: Story map curriculum designed for Evenings for Educators series.
Audience: K - 12
The Portable Universe: Thinking | How the Arhuaco use thinking to maintain balance in the universe (Course or Curricular Material)Title: The Portable Universe: Thinking | How the Arhuaco use thinking to maintain balance in the universe
Author: Lara Schilling
Author: Amanda Wada
Abstract: Story map describing the major themes of the exhibition and Indigenous forms of knowledge, with discussion questions and artwork examples.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/d8e3cc1058a04f19ac916a69485c2fa7?item=27Primary URL Description: Story map curriculum designed for Evenings for Educators series.
Audience: K - 12
The Portable Universe: Balance with Nature | How maintaining balance with nature ensures the survival of all beings (Course or Curricular Material)Title: The Portable Universe: Balance with Nature | How maintaining balance with nature ensures the survival of all beings
Author: Lonnie Goodwin
Author: Lara Schilling
Abstract: Story map describing the major themes of the exhibition and Indigenous perspectives on ecological balance, with discussion questions and artwork examples.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/d8e3cc1058a04f19ac916a69485c2fa7?item=28Primary URL Description: Story map curriculum designed for Evenings for Educators series.
Audience: K - 12