The Hummingbird Paints Fragrant Songs

Though now in her seventies, Sara Flores is a rising star in the global art world. Her geometric-design paintings are celebrated in international galleries and were adapted by Dior for an exclusive handbag. It’s a rare opportunity for any artist, but it’s especially unique for Flores, a member of the Indigenous Shipibo-Konibo community from the Peruvian Amazon who has been perfecting her artistry since age 14.

Filmmakers Èlia Gasull Balada and Matteo Norzi have been in creative collaboration with Flores for over a decade. They document her travels from the interior of the rainforest to the urban centres of New York and Paris. Her artistic practice is called Kené, an ancient and mesmerizing visual language, passed down through women. The work has a spiritual dimension to unravel harmful patterns in the world and replace them with orderly designs. 

Alongside Ayahuasca, the íkaros — the mystical songs of the plants — are the agents that trigger the transformation. The phrase “the hummingbird paints fragrant songs” is a line from a shamanic song heard in the film, referring to the bird as a helper spirit.

The juxtapositions between the worlds Flores moves in are stark. At home, her community is waging an existential battle against illegal loggers. She joins local patrols armed with bows and arrows. When she’s being fȇted in art capitals, she quietly accepts praise from admirers while sipping champagne and making small talk. The filmmakers practice a poetic and experiential style, leaving viewers to draw their own interpretations. While honouring Flores’ talents, they’ve made their own work of art.

THOM POWERS