New ‘Something Beautiful’ Artist Commission By Jorge González Santos In East Harlem

February 14, 2024

Opening on February 22, 2024, Guatú Nakán is a significant new commission by Jorge González Santos for the exhibition Something Beautiful: Reframing La Colección.

Its title, meaning “in the middle of the fire” in the Taíno language, encapsulates its profound significance.

González Santos collaborated closely with Iboguaní Acosta and a network of skilled ceramicists to bring this project to life.

Together, they organized a series of communal pottery workshops across Borikén (Puerto Rico), utilizing ancestral methods to create contemporary vessels.

These workshops served as platforms for cultural exchange and the sharing of knowledge, positioning ceramic production as a means to strengthen Indigenous cultural autonomy.

By engaging in dialogue with the Taíno ceramics showcased in Something Beautiful, Guatú Nakán seeks to honor tradition while exploring innovative approaches to artistic expression.

Through their collaborative efforts, González Santos and his team aim to foster a deeper understanding of Taíno heritage and its relevance in contemporary society.


“… the importance of preserving … future generations …”

Guatú Nakán serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural practices for future generations.

Get Tickets >

El Museo del Barrio,1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, East Harlem, 212.831.7272, info@elmuseo.org, www.elmuseo.org

Photo credit: Process photos from Jorge González Santos, Iboguaní Acosta and collaborators, Guatú Nakán, 2023. Photographs by Jordán Coaturey Acosta and the artist.


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