Cecilia Vicuña’s Art Reflects on Democracy and Resilience

Cecilia Vicuña’s latest exhibition at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, titled Reverse Migration: A Poetic Journey, captures the enduring impact of democracy and the fragility of human experience. The exhibition, which runs until July 5, 2026, interweaves Vicuña’s personal narrative with her artistic vision, reflecting on the tumultuous events of her youth in Chile.

In 1973, while studying at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, Vicuña received the devastating news of a military coup back home. The CIA-backed overthrow of the democratically elected government led by Salvador Allende resulted in the rise of General Augusto Pinochet. For Vicuña, this marked the end of a participatory democracy that had allowed her, as a teenager, to flourish creatively. “When that was removed from me, it was like the end of the world,” she reflects.

The exhibition features a poignant collection of materials, including fragments of pencils, seeds, and fabric scraps, symbolizing both loss and resilience. Vicuña’s work embodies her belief that within the small and seemingly insignificant lies the potential for change. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to write wishes for peace, reminiscent of similar themes explored by artist Yoko Ono in her own work, Wishing Tree.

Vicuña’s artistic philosophy, termed “arte precario” or precarious art, emphasizes the transience of life and the importance of nurturing hope amidst adversity. She aims to challenge the cynicism often found in contemporary art, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal inequalities and the sacrifices necessary for a better world.

A notable feature of the exhibition is Vicuña’s quipus, installations made from knotted cords inspired by a pre-Columbian communication system. These pieces serve as a reminder of the cultural heritage that was nearly lost during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. At the Irish Museum, her installations include Foraging Quipu, a vibrant assembly of twigs and plants, and Aran Quipu, crafted from native Irish wool, symbolizing the interconnectedness of cultures and histories.

Vicuña views time as non-linear, a perspective she embraced during her studies in architecture. This understanding of time influences her artistic practice, leading to the creation of works that resonate with ancestral knowledge and future possibilities. “There are certain things you feel as if it were commands,” she explains, emphasizing the deep connections between past and present.

The collaborative nature of the exhibition is enhanced by Vicuña’s partnership with James O’Hern, an American poet with whom she shares a profound connection. Their joint exploration of shared heritage has led to a deeper understanding of identity and belonging, bridging the gap between their respective cultures.

Vicuña’s film, What Is Poetry to You?, showcases her ability to engage with diverse communities, capturing the essence of poetry as a form of resistance and expression. Through interviews with individuals from various walks of life in Bogotá, Colombia, she reveals the transformative power of art and language, underscoring her belief that creativity thrives even in the face of oppression.

Reflecting on her early life in Chile, Vicuña laments the cultural cataclysm caused by the military coup. “It was a cataclysm for the culture of Chile. And Chile has never recovered from that,” she states, highlighting the importance of preserving memory and storytelling in the aftermath of trauma.

Vicuña’s retrospective at the Irish Museum, curated by Miguel A Lopez and expanded by Mary Cremin, invites audiences to engage with her life’s work, offering a multi-faceted perspective on resilience, creativity, and hope. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and foster a shared sense of humanity.

In a world still grappling with conflict and displacement, Vicuña’s message resonates with urgency. “Together we can wish for a better life,” she asserts, inviting all to partake in the collective hope for peace and understanding.