Hola Mola – A Cultural Milestone in Textile Art

Hola Mola was the first exhibition of its kind in Australia, showcasing the intricate textile art of the Cuna women from Colombia. Held at the Central TAFE Showcase Gallery in Perth as part of my graduation project for the Art Event Management course, the exhibition brought to light the rarely seen "molas"—vibrant, hand-stitched panels that reflect the cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the Cuna people.

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The exhibition held deep cultural and anthropological relevance, not only preserving the craftsmanship of one of Colombia’s smallest Indigenous communities (with only 600 members in Colombia) but also challenging widespread stereotypes by highlighting the rich artistic traditions of Latin America. Each mola, made using the reverse appliqué technique, represents personal and ancestral stories, and has historically served both as decoration and cultural narrative.

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Over 10 months of curatorial research, international networking, and logistical planning culminated in the successful transport and exhibition of the molas in Perth. Despite limited funding and solo project management, the show was well received, attracting over 400 visitors and media attention from the arts section of The West Australian newspaper.

Hola Mola not only served as a platform for cross-cultural exchange but also stood as a celebration of resilience, artistry, and tradition—bringing the heart of Latin America to Australian audiences for the first time through the vibrant language of textile art.

The designs of the molas are deeply inspired by the natural world and the geometric patterns the Cuna people observe in their surroundings. These vibrant textiles are more than decorative pieces—they are visual expressions of a profound spiritual connection, embodying the harmony between body, spirit, and nature. Each mola reflects the Cuna worldview, where patterns, symbols, and layered fabrics communicate ancestral knowledge and belief systems. The molas showcased in Hola Mola were ethically sourced through Artesanías de Colombia, the country’s leading nonprofit organization supporting traditional artisans. By acquiring the molas through this organization, the exhibition directly contributed to the preservation of Cuna craftsmanship and the social and economic empowerment of their community.