Miguel Angel Ríos

The Ghost of Modernity Lixiviado

Miguel Angel Ríos’s The Ghost of Modernity (Lixiviado) examines the residual impact of modernity on contemporary Latin American society. Using special effects, the video follows a floating transparent cube through a barren landscape in Latin America. Juxtaposing the corrupt politics of the region and the lingering influence of modernity, the work is characterized by its striking visual composition and layered textures that evoke a sense of decay and transformation. “Lixiviado”, meaning leached or washed out, suggests a process of erosion and depletion. Ríos’s artwork captures this concept through fragmented imagery, symbolizing the destabilization of modernist ideals. The ghostly figures, raw landscape, and abstract forms in the film convey a haunting sense of loss and the enduring presence of the past. The work challenges viewers to consider how modernity’s promises of progress and innovation have been diluted over time, leaving behind remnants that continue to shape our present reality. The work is a poignant critique of the transient nature of cultural and societal advancements, emphasizing the need for reflection on our historical legacy.