︎
artists     stories    image-search     news    contact

Ekeko

© Nick Ballón

In Ekeko, drawing upon his Bolivian roots and close ties to the region, Nick Ballón examines the complex cultural inheritance of El Alto’s indigenous Andean people through the material objects of their aspirational self-expression. At the centre of this visual study is the centuries-old Alasitas festival and its poncho-clad patron, Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundanceand fortune to whom miniature incarnations of buyers’ desires for the coming year are annually proffered. Ekeko, also purchasable in miniature, is permanently outfitted in traditional Andean garb, but the range of modern miniatures that adorn him and are lain at his alter suggest the ancient god is not incompatible with the spirit of modern consumerism and globalization (indeed, the Aymara have always been active traders and El Alto is still considered a ‘dryharbour’ through which all nature of goods pass from the Far East to the rest of the country).

click to view the complete set of images in the archive

Institute Artist is redefining how stories are produced and told. Representing auteur-driven storytellers, we bring together talent across commercials, photography, fine art, and film. Founded by Matt Shonfeld and Frank Evers. Institute Artists multiplatform production expertise, and established global relationships in entertainment, fine art, and journalism make for unmatched reach and cross-pollination of creative work. Institute Artist has been a leading advocate of the power of underrepresented talent and is fully committed to bringing these authentic voices to our clients by helping them tell compelling and entertaining stories that better connect with their audiences.