Exploring Aesthetic Anxiety and Pre-Columbian Futurism

Catalina Lotero discusses her journey from aesthetic anxiety to becoming a design researcher in Japan. She explores the influence of Japanese aesthetics and reflects on the lack of similar cultural elements in Latin America due to colonization. This leads her to develop 'pre-Columbian futurism,' a speculative design project that reimagines Latin American culture without colonial interruption. She draws inspiration from pre-Columbian rituals and symbols, like the coca leaf and jaguar, to create modern designs. Catalina also highlights a broader movement of creators exploring similar themes, emphasizing the need for Latin Americans to envision their own future.

What is Catalina Lotero's unique form of anxiety related to?

• Fear of flying

• Fear of snakes

• Public speaking

• Aesthetic imperfections

What did Catalina discover about Japan's aesthetic traditions?

• They have evolved over at least 1,000 years

• They are mostly modern

• They are influenced by Western culture

• They are not well-documented

What major historical event does Catalina attribute to the loss of pre-Columbian knowledge?

• The European conquest of Latin America

• The Renaissance

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Cold War

What is the main goal of pre-Columbian futurism?

• To promote Western aesthetics

• To revive and integrate pre-Columbian cultural elements into modern design

• To create futuristic technology

• To focus solely on ancient rituals

Which ritual did Catalina explore as part of her pre-Columbian futurism project?

• The sun worship

• The coca leaf ritual

• The tea ceremony

• The rain dance

What design element did Catalina find particularly inspiring from pre-Columbian cultures?

• Metallic structures

• Jaguar motifs

• Circular tables

• Glass sculptures

What unique feature does Catalina's futuristic earring design include?

• GPS tracking

• Water filtration

• AI capabilities

• Solar panels

Who is Charles Michel and what is his contribution to pre-Columbian futurism?

• A musician exploring ancient sounds

• A chef educating about ancestral foods

• A painter reviving ancient art styles

• A writer documenting historical events

What is Orly Anan known for in the context of pre-Columbian futurism?

• Designing futuristic architecture

• Writing historical novels

• Mixing pre-Columbian tradition with modern pop culture

• Creating traditional pottery

What is the main message Catalina conveys about the future of Latin American design?

• It should be dictated by Western trends

• It should ignore past influences

• It should incorporate ancestral knowledge

• It should focus on technology alone