The Art Lab is an interactive interpretive space in the Museum that encourages active engagement with the art and artists featured in our exhibitions. Visitors are invited to explore educational resources and express themselves creatively with the hands-on activities available there.
Inspired by Guatemala from 33,000 km: Contemporary Art, 1960–Present, the Art Lab features activities central to Guatemalan art and culture:
- Explore the mind map and learn about the rich culture and history of Guatemala.
- Make a kite (barrilete) in the Guatemalan tradition of the Day of the Dead.
- Add to a community installation by sharing how you keep traditions alive in your life.
- Watch videos that illustrate life in Guatemala.
- Browse the iMac for additional information on featured artists and the country.
- Relax and enjoy books in our art library for adults and kids of all ages.
For Guatemala from 33,000km: Contemporary Art, 1960–Present, the Art Lab has been made possible in part through the generous support of The Towbes Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the Susan E. Bower Engagement Fund, as well as Director’s Circle and Curator’s Council members.
Mind Map
Explore the history of Guatemala as defined by the country’s rich culture and landscape, key historical events, and contemporary art scene.
Open PDF of the mind map
Kites (barriletes) – A Guatemala Tradition
Flying kites for the Day of the Dead is a tradition practiced by many Maya communities in the central highlands of Guatemala over the last two centuries. What originally started as folkloristic craft is now often considered a form of artistic expression as the giant kites are becoming a means of political and social expression.
Open PDF of the Kites handout
Community Installation: How do you keep traditions alive?
This installation - and the overall look of the Art Lab - is inspired by the rich Maya tradition of weaving and the art of Antonio Pichillá (Guatemala, 1982), which uses sacred and ritual elements (candles, baskets, stones, threads) to show an intercultural abstraction of traditional symbols.
Open PDF of the above slideshow.
Open PDF of the Traditions Inquiry handout.
Videos
Watch videos illustrating life and culture in Guatemala:
"Guatemala"
“Café Armonía”
“How to make tortillas”
“Weaving Tradition”
Spotify Playlist
Playlist created by curator Emiliano Valdés and exhibition designer Juan Brenner to accompany the exhibition