Amnesia Atómica

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 

Mexico City, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, 2020

Commissioned by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as a means to revive and reintroduce the issue of nuclear threat into the public narrative, artist Pedro Reyes created a large-scale inflatable sculpture in the image of an atomic mushroom cloud that became forever memorialized in mass media during the 1940s and 1950s. As the title implies, Amnesia Atómica deals with the public having forgotten about the nuclear threat and the failure of experts and leaders to contain it. Reyes re-imagines the horrific symbol of nuclear Armageddon in the form of an inflatable sculpture, a medium traditionally associated with advertising, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and bouncy houses. The artist intends to raise public awareness, revitalize the once vibrant anti-nuclear community, and most importantly, put pressure on political leaders, policymakers and global citizens by reminding them of the consequences of inaction. 

The approximately 30-foot-tall, inflatable sculpture will function as a beacon that brings experts, political leaders, and engaged citizens together to address nuclear threat. It will be accompanied by related activities to encourage proactive engagement and direct participation by the public. The Bulletin will help convene events in each proposed site to include local partners in workshops and panel discussions about the issues of nuclear threat, global diplomacy, future military spending, and the important role of art activism to change the current apathetic discourse. It is critical to raise awareness and a sense of urgency in order to rebuild the groups that promoted non-proliferation and disarmament not so long ago. The Cloud is a centerpiece to allow for community organizations and civic-actors to bring their voices and talents to these issues in a way that until now has seemed inaccessible.

Partners
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Chicago
Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico City
Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Mexico City
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Time Square Arts, New York
NSquare, San Francisco
International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Geneva

Curator: Pedro Alonzo

Curatorial Assistant: Inés Maldonado Cabañas

Project IG
IG @_pedro_reyes_ / pedroreyes.net

Media

Amnesia Atómica Teaser

Amnesia Atómica Intro

PopTech - Amnesia Atomica: A Virtual Nuclear Mixer