Entre las imágenes terrenales: entre las imágenes divinas

Abstract

The thesis examines the representation of death and its associated rituals, focusing on the Choachí cemetery as a space of cultural and symbolic significance. It explores pre-Columbian conceptions of death, particularly those of the Muisca culture, and how these manifest in funerary practices and art. The analysis includes observation of different types of tombs, their deterioration, and reflection on the objects found within them, seeking to understand the reasons behind their abandonment. The importance of elements such as light and shadow in creating an atmosphere that connects the world of the living with that of the dead is highlighted, as well as the influence of religious beliefs on the understanding and management of life processes and death. Furthermore, the work describes the creative process of an art installation inspired by these observations, using wooden boxes with gelatin and pre-Columbian figures to symbolize life and death. The number nine is presented as a key symbol related to aspects of the universe in pre-Columbian cultures. The artwork seeks public interaction, allowing chance and human intervention to enrich the artistic experience. The main objective is to raise awareness about death, promoting a reflection on its meaning and what might exist beyond. Elements such as the materials used, the arrangement of the boxes, and the incorporation of gelatin as a representation of life and decomposition are analyzed.