Aesthetic microregions: Disputes and indigenous visual resistance in the contemporary amazon region

Abstract

Based on the study of contemporary Amazonian art, this research reveals a series of artistic micro-regions in the river basins, in which it is possible to determine the production, circulation and commercialization of Amazonian paintings, impacted by the globalization process entering the Amazon macro-region in the sale of works in two ways: as souvenirs, to the tourist market, and in the departure of indigenous artists who leave their habitat to migrate to large cities. The intrinsic meaning of indigenous people's artwork is at risk in art markets that decontextualize said meaning and commercialize local productions in national and international spheres based on their interests. This research shows theoretical elements regarding the work of contemporary Amazonian artists, some themes of those works, and their challenges to survive in an art market marked by inequality in the knowledge of indigenous art.