Pedro Reyes

 


Amnesia Atómica, 2022

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Times Square, The Sheed - Frieze NY

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 has envisioned a 30-foot-tall inflatable sculpture designed in the image of an atomic mushroom cloud, titled ZERO NUKES, as the centerpiece of Amnesia Atómica. ZERO NUKES calls for a full worldwide nuclear disarmament, supporting organizations dedicated to the prohibition of nuclear weapons. ZERO NUKES focuses on the “zero” as a graphic, visual, and conceptual element common to all languages. The structure stands as a symbol of global unity for a single non-controversial cause: to avoid the destruction of all life on earth. 

In collaboration with Times Square Arts, Amnesia Atómica was presented in Times Square, the heart of New York, from May 17-24, 2022. The project was also exhibited at the Frieze New York Art Fair, displayed a portable Anti-nuclear memorabilia museum, as well as Stockpile – a work consisting of missile-shaped balloons, representing the over 12,000 existing nuclear weapons, distributed to the public. 

As the title implies, Amnesia Atómica deals with the public having forgotten about nuclear threat and the renewed sense of fear due to the failure of experts, leaders and the public to contain it. Reyes re-imagines the horrific symbol of nuclear Armageddon intending to raise public awareness and revitalize the once vibrant anti-nuclear community. While simultaneously acknowledging the surprise and horror that millions across the globe are facing as the realization that the possibility of nuclear conflict has re-emerged from obscurity due to Russian aggression and Putin’s threats to deploy nuclear arms. 

Amnesia Atómica was developed with experts in the nuclear realm. The partners include the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, among others. The large-scale inflatable sculpture functioned as a beacon to bring experts, political leaders, and engaged citizens to address nuclear threat. It was accompanied by related activities to encourage proactive engagement and direct participation by the public. Including the new participatory work by Pedro Reyes, Stockpile. The robust public programs included, Mobilization for Survival, a public activation highlighting leading disarmament organizations; Cancel Nukes a performance series, produced by The Tank, featuring emerging artists who presented storytelling, spoken word, poetry and musical performances beneath the mushroom cloud and Artists Against the Bomb, a social media campaign featuring the work of distinguished artists disseminated during the run of Amnesia Atómica.  

Curator: Pedro Alonzo

Curatorial Assistant: Inés Maldonado Cabañas

Proposed Project Venues And Tour Schedule

Completed

Mynttorget, Estocolmo, Suecia

IG @zeronukes

Photos: Hexagon