Abel Rodríguez, also known as Mogaje Guihu or Don Abel, was a revered Nonuya and Muinane sage and ecological artist whose vibrant ink-on-paper drawings captured the lush flora and fauna of the Amazon basin. He was not only an artist but also a repository of ancestral knowledge about endemic plants and their medicinal properties. Rodríguez, one of the last speakers of the Nonuya language, passed away peacefully in Bogotá on April 9, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in La Chorrera, Colombia, Rodríguez was designated as a “Plant Name-Giver” at a young age and learned extensively about tropical plants from his uncle, a knowledgeable man in the community. His expertise in identifying hundreds of plants, understanding their properties, growth patterns, and ecological relationships with the environment was unparalleled. His knowledge was instrumental in the conservation efforts of the Fundación Tropenbos Colombia, where he worked as a guide and scout for researchers in the Amazon basin.
In the 1990s, Rodríguez and his family were displaced from their ancestral land due to the conflict in Colombia. They settled in Bogotá, where he began his artistic journey with the support of the Fundación Tropenbos. Using succulent green inks, he meticulously depicted the flora and fauna of the Amazon, translating his memories onto paper with intricate detail.
Rodríguez’s artwork, ranging from botanical studies to large-scale compositions, offered a glimpse into thousands of years of ecological and cosmological knowledge. His talent was recognized internationally, leading to exhibitions in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Santa Fe, Pittsburgh, and prestigious events like documenta 14 and the Sao Paulo Biennial.
Despite his success, Rodríguez humbly rejected the title of “artist,” citing that such a concept did not exist in his native language. He believed that his work was a reflection of knowledge, intelligence, and craftsmanship rather than mere artistry. Instituto de Visión’s Artistic Director, Beatriz Lopez, penned a heartfelt poem in memory of Rodríguez, capturing the essence of his generosity, wisdom, and profound impact on those around him.
Abel Rodríguez’s legacy lives on through his art, which continues to inspire and educate people about the rich biodiversity of the Amazon basin. His work serves as a tribute to his ancestral knowledge and deep connection to the land, leaving a lasting imprint on the art world and beyond.
