| Description: | The scene depicted in this arpillera is interesting because, while it contains elements of a traditional arpillera, it is set in an airport rather than the traditional Chilean village. Still, one may note the traditional backdrop of the mountains and sky.
This is a busy scene. In the foreground, women are carrying their suitcases, preparing to leave the country. During the dictatorship, forced exile was a recurrent theme. An estimated 200,000 people were forced to leave Chile. Others fled for their lives and for the sake of their loved ones. Others in this scene have come to say goodbye to those who are leaving. The women carry suitcases in one hand, in their other hand they carry handkerchiefs, waving goodbye to their family and their country.
This piece is sad, but it is also challenging. In the midst of the women with suitcases are two people holding a banner which says, "For the Right to Live in Our Homeland. No to Exile!" Though they are sad to see their loved ones go, they are still defiant. They want to be heard. |
