Alejandra

Aristizábal

Born in Colombia, Alejandra Aristizabal aims to take the audience on a visually appealing journey back to Mother Earth, emphasizing the need for conscious decisions in the face of global consequences.

The artist seeks to connect and create an empathic visual space for reflections. With a belief in art with a purpose, there is a call to drive a transition towards a sustainable global future.

Alejandra’s focus lies in promoting natural resources like Fique, a main symbol in the artist's work, elevating indigenous practices and giving voice to crafters.

Fique is a natural fiber obtained from the leaves of the Furcraea andina plant, which is native to the Andean region of South America. The fiber has various applications and is traditionally used to create textiles, ropes and other handicrafts. In Colombia Fique is recognized as one of the national fibers, and artists and artisans often use it to produce a variety of products, contributing to sustainable and locally sourced materials in their work.

In our interview, the artist discusses their commitment to elevating ancestral traditions by amplifying the voices of crafters and indigenous communities, aiming to empower small producers through global exposure of their products and crafts.

Alejandra emphasizes the importance of ethical labor practices, advocating for fair pay and working conditions that allow producers to sustainably cover their costs.

Through Alejandra’s art, the narrative shifts from past struggles of Colombia to generating new opportunities, exemplified by substituting coca crops with sustainable legal plantations, re-educating farmers and fostering an agricultural environment around peaceful politics.

Alejandra stresses the significance of collaborating with social entities and craft masters to uphold sustainable practices rather than exploiting nature as a finite resource.

Through initiatives such as #RopesExperience, the artist strives to bridge the social, economical, geographical and racial gaps providing immersive encounter with Colombia's natural landscapes and traditional customs.

These experiences aim to link participants with the origins of the artwork, fostering a deeper connection between observers and the artistic process.