social engagement

absent echoes

Photo: Daniel Angarita

Absent Echoes is an art installation created in response to the 2021 Colombian national strike, during which many protestors were killed or went missing. The installation honors these victims and brings attention to the human cost of violence and oppression. This work aims to evoke the collective grief and resilience of communities affected by state violence, while also reflecting on the universal struggle for justice and human rights.

Location and Meaning: The installation was placed in Freedom Square, Tallinn, a symbolic location for struggles for independence and freedom. This added a powerful layer to the artwork, connecting local and global struggles for human rights.

Elements of the Installation

Names on threads: We asked people to handwrite the names of those who disappeared or were killed during the protests. These names were hung on threads, creating a web of memory. The threads were tied to a central table.

photo: Daniel Angarita

Seeds in a wicker basket: On the table, a basket filled with seeds symbolizes new life, hope, and the idea that even after death, life can be renewed. The message is simple: "One life taken, one life saved."
Sound: The installation featured sounds from the Colombian protests mixed with voices repeating the phrase "We are getting killed" in four languages: Spanish, Estonian, English, and Russian. These voices played through a speaker, creating an emotional backdrop for the visual elements.

Message and Interaction: A QR code attached to the installation gave visitors more information about the situation in Colombia, a story that many official news outlets had ignored. The goal was to invite people to learn more about the reality of the protests and reflect on the violence that took place.

Invitation to Reflect: Visitors were invited to connect with the installation by reading the names and listening to the audio. The installation aims to raise awareness of violence and loss, while also offering a message of resilience and hope.

photo: Daniel Angarita

Gathering for Solidarity: People were invited to gather at a specific time to express their solidarity and raise awareness about what was happening in Colombia. This gathering helped unite people in showing support from afar.

Audiovisual Component: The material gathered from this project—both the visual setup and the audio recordings—was also used to create an audiovisual piece shared on social media. This allowed the message of remembrance, resistance, and renewal to reach a wider audience, spreading awareness beyond the installation’s physical location.

The project was developed by artists Claudia Días and Gabriel Solis and is the result of a collective effort. It includes those who donated their voices, those who took the time to edit, translate, or offer support by being willing to listen to other voices. Special thanks to Kätlin Armei, Jaan Kadak, Sabina Triana, Juulia Mikson, Maria Rakitina, Carlos Lesmes, Harry Tenenbaum, Jose Aldemar Muñoz, and others who prefer to remain anonymous.

photos: Diego Barajas, Kätlin Armei

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