Dragon 青竜

Ecuador, nestled along the northwestern coast of South America, is a country of remarkable geographic and cultural diversity. From the towering Andes mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest and the Pacific coastline, Ecuador’s varied landscapes have nurtured a rich tapestry of civilizations for millennia. Before Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the region was home to several advanced indigenous cultures, including the Caranqui, Quitu, and Cañari peoples. These groups developed intricate agricultural systems, built ceremonial centers, and maintained complex social structures. The Inca Empire eventually expanded into Ecuador in the late 15th century, integrating local societies into its vast network, though resistance from groups like the Cañari was fierce and enduring. Today, Ecuador’s indigenous heritage remains vibrant and influential. Over a dozen distinct indigenous nationalities live throughout the country, including the Kichwa in the ...

La Capilla del Hombre, or The Chapel of Man, is a powerful cultural monument located in the Bellavista neighborhood of Quito, Ecuador. Conceived by the renowned Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, the chapel was designed to honor the struggles, dignity, and resilience of Latin America's people. Construction began in 1995 but was completed in 2002, after Guayasamín’s death. The building itself is a striking architectural space, purpose-built to house large-scale murals, sculptures, and symbolic installations that reflect themes of human suffering, social injustice, and hope. Unlike traditional museums, La Capilla del Hombre is intended as a contemplative space—a place where art and architecture merge to provoke reflection on the human condition. Guayasamín’s work spans pre-Columbian history, colonial oppression, and modern-day inequality, with vivid imagery that evokes both pain and perseverance. The chapel includes a central flame that burns et...