TINKUY, Seven Acts for the Beginning, End, and Beginning of Time, is an exhibition that emerges from a live performance of the same title, in which Koyoltzintli and an ensemble of artists play an array of ceramic instruments that were meticulously reconstructed based on pre-Columbian sonic artifacts. This ambitious performance is a sonic journey through Earth's evolution, reflecting a time when humanity has deeply interfered with the planet's balance. In the final act, the audience joins in by clapping rocks, the same rocks displayed at the gallery.
The exhibition follows this arc and extends into Koyoltzintli's expansive practice including notations of her exploration of sound in pre-American societies. At the heart of her research lies the Chorrera culture (1300–300 BCE) from the Pacific coast of what is now Ecuador. As Koyoltzintli writes:
“When we think of cultures in the Americas renowned for their technological and cultural achievements, many come to mind. Yet the Chorrera Culture—one of the most sonically sophisticated societies of the ancient world—remains shrouded in obscurity, as if the creation of complex sound instruments were not itself a form of technology.”
This reflection calls into question dominant systems of value and attention, urging us to reconsider what we recognize as innovation and cultural legacy.
The exhibition, designed by the artist herself, is rich with symbolic detail. Ceramic sound objects rest upon platforms arranged to evoke the Andean cosmological mountain—its form facing west, casting a shadow into the surrounding negative space. Black and white paper, shaped like Mockingbird wings—the artist’s favorite bird heard during rehearsals—envelops the bases of some pieces. A text inscribed on glass reveals the artist’s meditations on sound—on how listening becomes a form of remembering and reclamation. In one wall is a large, beaded work from a new series of works on ritual encounters, acoustics and chance.
“Tinkuy,” from the Quechua/Kichwa language, speaks to the meeting of opposites that births a third—a new entity forged in the crucible of tension and union. It evokes encounters, often conflictual, that ultimately restore balance: the mingling of saltwater and freshwater, the convergence of star clusters, the coming together of people.
The River Center, Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, 8 Long Dock Road, Beacon, NY. Hours Thurs-Sunday 12pm-6pm or by appointment: soonisnowarts@gmail.com
We will hold a reception on Friday, June 27th, 5-7pm.
Koyoltzintli will give a workshop on building instruments with clay on JUNE 28th, 10am-1pm. Registration HERE
Performances were filmed and the video is on display in the exhibition:featuring Koyoltzintli,Dan Blake,Bel Falleiros,Theresa Bear Fox,Ricardo Gallo,Cristina Mejía,and Mar Parrilla
The River Center, Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, 8 Long Dock Road, Beacon, NY. Hours Thurs-Sunday 12pm-6pm or by appointment: soonisnowarts@gmail.com
With support from Anonymous Was a Woman in partnership with The New York Foundation for the Arts with additional support from Soon is Now thanks to a gift from The Jerome and Marlene Brody Foundation.
Use of The River Center has been provided by Scenic Hudson (scenichudson.org)