Minga & Memory: Andean Philosophy: Metaphysics, History, and Symbology

On Friday, October 17th, 6:00–7:30 PM, join us for Session 2: Andean Philosophy: De-indigenization & ReIndigenization. Session two will focus on an introduction to Andean history, philosophy, key figures, concepts, and symbols that make up the Andean world: from ‘what is the world?’, ‘what is the soul?’, to ‘what are the powers that govern nature?’ in Quechua and Aymara. Such symbols and concepts also appear in the works included in the exhibition, and we will break down a few of them. 

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“Minga & Memory” is a free, public, educational program focused on Andean philosophy, visual language, and immigrant movement-building. Five 90-minute workshops facilitated by PES Artist in Residence Layqa Nuna Yawar and collaborators will coincide with the exhibition “La Voz del Anonimato / The Voice of Anonimity”. As a starting point for conversations around Andean enduring cultural concepts, they explore the current realities of diasporic existence under an oppressive, anti-immigrant government.

These workshops are intended for anyone interested in Andean migration, history, philosophy, art, culture, or language—and particularly for Newark’s growing community of Ecuadorian and Andean immigrants of all ages.

Layqa Explains: “These workshops are a natural extension of my practice. They combine the public and collaborative nature of muralism with the inquiry and research of studio painting. My goal is to amplify the narratives of people who have been historically oppressed and silenced, people who are currently being kidnapped and expatriated, people who look like me, who come from the lands I come from, people who share my ancestral legacy. We have been separated by time, geography, and colonialism, and I aim to create a space where we can find each other in the now, while thinking and talking about our shared past. This work is rooted in shared liberation and welcomes all.”

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Layqa Nuna Yawar

Layqa Nuna Yawar is an Ecuadorian-born and Newark-based muralist, painter, and multidisciplinary artist known for his large-scale public artworks that combine portraiture, symbolism, and storytelling, creating powerful visual narratives that explore issues of displacement, migration, and social equity. Made collaboratively on site, these social sculptures celebrate immigration, cultural heritage, and social justice struggles. His work aims to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge dominant historical narratives.

Arnold Arnez

Arnold Arnez will lead educational sessions within the program. Arnold is a Quechua-Aymara educator in indigenous philosophy and history, with a deep understanding of ancestral knowledge systems and decolonial frameworks. His focuses are on Andean philosophy and a hemispheric conception of North-Latin American indigeneity. His teachings provide crucial cultural and historical context, grounding the program in lived indigenous experience and cosmology.

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