Radio Liberación
Commissioned for a private collection in Atlanta, this 5’x6’ painting attempts to archive traumatic histories from Latin America. In an effort to avoid retraumatizing the affected communities, an abstract database format highlights the information, rather than creating a visual figurative monument, creating a conversation between the artists two countries of origin. The library style archive is a functional living digital object, ephemeral, aging, and iterating. Gómez hopes to imply that these are active narratives with present-day characters and real-world implications. The main goal of the work is the facilitate access to information, archive forgotten histories, and inspire present-day conversations surrounding the subjects. Painted during the COVID era, the now quotidian QR code serves as the primary vehicle for access. The stories are then interpreted through curated playlists, demonstrating the existence of the subject matter throughout the years in popular culture, and simultaneously referencing the Radio Liberación CIA operation that altered the political history of Guatemala. While the playlists are the most humble facet of the piece, it is one of the most important. They demonstrate how important and versatile transforming trauma can be, first, as a means of survival. And secondly, as a celebration when thriving.
Namesake.
“In 1954, the C.I.A. conspired with the U.S. State Department to get rid of the democratically elected President of Guatemala. To do so, they created a step-by-step process for using fake news to divide a nation. Sixty-five years later, we tracked down all that old propaganda, plus radio recordings that previous historians had never found. Below we share the details and the data behind this incredible story.”
- SNOW Media
New York // Medellin
QR Code Map.
The adjacent figure is a map of the QR codes placed along the border of the painting. Following indigenous practices of storytelling and bold pattern filled framing techniques. For the legend and a deeper breakdown of the content click below.
AR Documentation.
Music, lyric, and dance have long been vessels for syncretism in the face of colonization and oppression. Hidden in the black framing bars surrounding the main windows, lie lyrics in conversation with one another. The right side holding space for island nations in bruised blues and reds, and the left mainland Latin America, in a golden fade.
Lyric Map.
Music, lyric, and dance have long been vessels for syncretism in the face of colonization and oppression. Hidden in the black framing bars surrounding the main windows, lie lyrics in conversation with one another. The right side holding space for island nations in bruised blues and reds, and the left mainland Latin America, in a golden fade.
Link Collections.
Using the OneTab browser app, two link collections were made to provide a wider understanding of the colonial context and economic manipulation surrounding Latin America. The collections center around American Fruit and Sugar industries.