El Conquistadork
El Conquistadork: Captain's Log
Wood, cotton, plastic poop, and audio components.
2004
A Manila galleon made primarily of Manila file folders was successfully sailed by the artist in Tomales Bay, California to commemorate the famed trade route of 1565 through 1815 between Mexico City, Manila, and California. Based on one of the first intercontinental trade routes, the performance and installation is a humorous critique on contemporary and historic issues of colonialism and cultural exchange.
This audio piece recalls the maiden voyage of El Conquistadork in Tomales Bay, California. Performed in a pseudo Spaniard accent, the narrative is ornamented by sound effects with actual accounts of the adventure.
Photo: MCASD, Pablo Mason