At the age of 12, Claudia Alarcón learned the yica stitch, a loop of yarn that holds deep significance in the Wichí tradition. Passed down through generations, Wichí women in Argentina and Bolivia have taught their daughters and granddaughters the art of creating these stitches. Alarcón learned this skill from her mother and grandmother and continues to make yica-based weavings to this day.
To an outsider, yica may seem simple, creating weaves that are loose yet taut, like a well-worn sweater. But for the Wichí community, these stitches are essential, present in the clothes they wear and the bags they use to carry fruit or goods. Alarcón describes yica as carrying immense importance in their culture.
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“Our yica are always with us,” Alarcón shared in a recent Zoom call. “We cannot be without them.”
Alarcón’s yica-based art made a significant impact at the Venice Biennale last year. Her weavings, created in collaboration with the all-female collective Silät, held their ground against larger installations. Critic Barry Schwabsky praised the works as „unforgettable.“ This collaboration is now showcased in various exhibitions globally, from New York to Brazil, and later this year in England, Spain, and the United States.
Image of Claudia Alarcón and Silät’s works at the 2024 Venice Biennale, featuring „Mujeres estrellas / Star women,“ depicting Wichí women’s design on chaguar threads.
Photo by Marco Zorzanello
Alarcón’s success is seen as a breakthrough for the Wichí community, who have been marginalized by the Argentine government. Her art has challenged the perception of Indigenous art as merely crafts, with her work being recognized as fine art. Despite these achievements, Alarcón remains humble, quoting her mentor Margarita Ramírez: “Excuse my delay. It took a while to get here, but here we are.”
Her determination to showcase the ancestral weaving knowledge of her community has been supported by curator Andrei Fernández, who has helped elevate Alarcón’s art on the global stage. Together with Silät, they aim to redefine Indigenous art as a form of modernity, rooted in centuries-old patterns and traditions.
Image of Claudia Alarcón and Silät’s work „Nosotras, hijas de las estrellas [We, daughters of the stars], 2025.“
Photo by Izzy Leung
Alarcón’s weavings, reminiscent of Western fiber art, feature bold colors and geometric shapes. While comparisons to modernist artists like Anni Albers are inevitable, Fernández emphasizes that Alarcón and Silät’s work is a unique expression of their cultural heritage. Their use of patterns and abstractions reflects a timeless language that transcends specific periods or styles.
According to Wichí legend, women descended from the sky to earth on fibers made from the chaguar plant, which has since become an integral part of Wichí life. Alarcón highlights the importance of this plant in their culture, stating, “It is a vital plant for women.”
Wir schätzen diese Pflanze – wir kümmern uns darum und behandeln sie so gut wie möglich.