The Interview Doris Salcedo, Colombian artist - giving voice to victims of violence
May 18, 2025
Doris Salcedo, a renowned Colombian artist known for her poignant sculptures, discusses how her childhood amidst Colombia's political violence shapes her compelling work. She recounts her mission to amplify the voices of war victims, especially children affected by conflict. Salcedo reflects on her transformative experiences and the importance of community engagement in healing through art. Despite her battle with declining eyesight, she continues to create impactful installations, exploring themes of loss and trauma while advocating for peace and remembrance.
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Shoe Niches Represent Disappearances
- Doris Salcedo interviewed families of disappeared persons who kept personal items like shoes as shrines.
- She created niches sealed with stitched pigskin using these shoes to highlight the social tragedy of missing people.
Embroidery with Hair and Wood
- Salcedo visited orphanages monthly and built trust with children who witnessed their parents' murders.
- She embroidered wood with human hair from these children, symbolizing their poverty and loss.
Weapons Flattened by Survivors
- Salcedo transformed 37 tons of surrendered weapons into floor tiles in Bogotá with raped women's help.
- The act empowered victims by reversing the power dynamic, letting them reclaim their bodies and histories.