Kickstarter

Last night was the final install of La Luz at Qorikancha. The sky was clear, the moon was nearly full and there was a ton of constellations we can't see from North America above us. After two weeks of hauling over 600 kilos worth of soda around one of the most incredible sites in Peru, it was a relief to watch it disappear in less than an hour. Many happy locals snatched up the golden soda pop - some carried away up to six 3-liter bottles at a time!  It was a beautiful night and I especially want to thank Carolina, Willy, Vera and each and every one of you for all of your help and support to help make this crazy dream a reality.

I am still sorting through photos and video footage, but in the meanwhile you can find some great photos of the installs on my blog and updates at c-monster.net.

Muchas gracias from Cuzco!

Celso

I just wanted to let everyone know that I recently landed in Cusco, Peru - the former capital of the Inca empire - and have finally adjusted to the altitude (over 11,000 feet!). This is a bustling and amazing city, with an incredible history and some absolutely amazing architecture.

I'm excited to announce that La Luz will open this Thursday at Qorikancha, the site of the former Inca sun temple. The installations will run through August 29th and will be capped by an evening event in which all the bottles will be given away.

I want to thank you all once again for your kind words and support. I could not be here without you. I'll follow up with images of the installations. But for now, here is the banner text that will appear on-site at the museum:

La Luz (The Light) is a contemporary art installation by Mexican-American artist Celso and curated by Vera Tyuleneva. It is composed of a series of small-scale structures, designed specifically to fit this architectural context, crafted from bottles of popular Peruvian sodas. Using light and the golden color of these beverages, the artist pays tribute to the brilliant light that once emanated from the legendary gold ornaments of the Qorikancha temple. The installation will be moving between different locations within the museum from August 16 to 29. On August 29, 2012 - the last day of the exhibition - the primary elements of the installation (sealed 2-litre bottles of soda) will be handed out to the public. Take a piece of La Luz home with you! Everybody is invited, FREE ENTRANCE.

* La Luz does not employ construction materials and will not alter or damage this important site in any way. After it is dismantled, no vestige of its existence will remain.

Anyway, I hope all is well with you and that you are having a great summer. And thank you once again for all of your support!

Saludos,

Celso

P.S. I have posted a thank you page on my blog and we had a sweet write up in the summer edition of the International Art Newspaper.

Watch this space!

Qorikancha (2012)

We have reached our goal!

La Luz will open on August 10, 2012 at Qorikancha in Lima, Peru!

Thank you to our wonderful backers - we could not have done this without you! I am overwhelmed and amazed!

Each of you are part of this artwork and your generous support will help make La Luz shine in an ancient Inca Sun Temple - how cool is that?

Cheers to you all!