Nebula, Eduardo Portillo, Venezuelan, b. 1966, Mariá Dávila, Venezuelan, b. 1966,
Museum purchase through gift of Suzanne Tick, Dorothy Waxman, and Maylene M. Syracuse and Michael Trenner in memory of Richard M. Syracuse
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
2 East 91st Street
New York, NY
Since Pre-Hispanic times the cochineal insect has been used as a natural colorant by indigenous peoples from the Americas. This installation explores the enduring legacy of the cochineal and its innovative use among contemporary designers from across the Americas through a variety of medium including lacquered furniture, textiles, and works on paper.
