RETABLO. RETAMA FLOWER

Flor de Retama. Year: 1986. Dimensions: Open: 40.5 x 75.5 x 13.5 cm / Closed: 40.5 x 38 x 13.5 cm. The authorship of a song often fades as it travels from voice to voice and ear to ear, becoming a symbol of collective identity. This is what happened with "Flor de Retama" by composer Ricardo Dolorier. This piece passed from song into the sculpting hands of Edilberto Jiménez, who created this retablo motivated by the strength and vitality the piece conveys. Composed in 1969, the huayno was recontextualized in later periods. Edilberto senses that the force of the climax of "Flor de Retama" caused it to regain great vitality during the period of violence, and that it was adopted by students, police officers, and Shining Path members alike. The piece was created in the context of the Ayacucho people's struggle and protest for free public education. Many killings occurred during these confrontations between the Sinchis and the civilian population. The retablo is one large, dramatic, and complex scene in which many actions occur simultaneously. It has no internal dividers within the box and continues onto the crown and the interior of the doors. In the plaza of Huanta, in front of the cathedral, we see the retama flower, which seems to preside over the struggle of students and peasants. A river of blood flows; to the right of this river we see the Sinchis surrounded by the civilian population and firing at point-blank range. From both sides, peasants descend from their villages in the mountains, protesting with signs and flags, armed with sticks and machetes and with their fists raised. The fierce representation of the women stands out — they are in the front lines, bravely brandishing their machetes against firearms, defending their student children.