Inspired by my personal heritage from the ancient Inca Empire, my thesis project, Sumaq Quipus, brings together tradition and contemporary art in a unique way.
I embarked on this journey by exploring the Incan administrative system known as Quipus or Khipus, which led me to think about how I could modernize this ancient design. During my research, I discovered that it’s still uncertain whether the Incas had a written alphabet. So, I decided to incorporate the English alphabet into my project, creating a distinctive color-knotted alphabet made from yarn.
To make the design even more accessible, I created a digital postcard version of Sumaq Quipus. This allows people to take home a piece of my design and keep the message of positivity and Incan culture alive in their everyday lives.
Sumaq Quipus is more than just a linguistic experiment; it’s a vibrant message of positivity that encourages viewers to delve into and appreciate the richness of Incan culture. By blending heritage with modern design, this project celebrates the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire and showcases the transformative power of creative expression.
