Artists in the region of El Chaco in occidental Paraguay have begun portraying their surroundings, their legends and history especially in ballpoint pen drawings – the same pens given to them by anthropologists and missionaries eager to learn about indigenous culture. El Chaco is a semi-arid region that comprises almost 60% of the territory of Paraguay, home to 10% of its population, and which is being rapidly de-forested. Osvaldo Pitoe (1957-) is originally from the Guaraní community Pedro Pablo Peña and currently lives in the Nivacle community of Cayin ô Clim (both near Boquerón). The subject matter of Pitoe’s drawings ranges from the flourishing flora and fauna of the territory, as well as quotidian images of collective gatherings and labour. We may be cognisant of the destruction of the environment witnessed in these areas, as well as the social and political hardships experienced by indigenous communities who live on the margins of the system. Yet, artists such as Pitoe, do not consider themselves as victims of the colonial process. Instead, their works bring forth processes of transformation, of community building, of co-existence with the natural environment, expressing the creative and productive will of their makers.
If you have a few minutes, see this documentary about Osvaldo Pitoe and others here.
Artists in the region of El Chaco in occidental Paraguay have begun portraying their surroundings, their legends and history especially in ballpoint pen drawings – the same pens given to them by anthropologists and missionaries eager to learn about indigenous culture. El Chaco is a semi-arid region that comprises almost 60% of the territory of Paraguay, home to 10% of its population, and which is being rapidly de-forested. Osvaldo Pitoe (1957-) is originally from the Guaraní community Pedro Pablo Peña and currently lives in the Nivacle community of Cayin ô Clim (both near Boquerón). The subject matter of Pitoe’s drawings ranges from the flourishing flora and fauna of the territory, as well as quotidian images of collective gatherings and labour. We may be cognisant of the destruction of the environment witnessed in these areas, as well as the social and political hardships experienced by indigenous communities who live on the margins of the system. Yet, artists such as Pitoe, do not consider themselves as victims of the colonial process. Instead, their works bring forth processes of transformation, of community building, of co-existence with the natural environment, expressing the creative and productive will of their makers.
If you have a few minutes, see this documentary about Osvaldo Pitoe and others here.