Paine Memorial, Human rights memorial in Paine, Chile
The Paine Memorial stands beside the Autopista Central in Paine, Chile. Its design by visual artist Alejandra Ruddoff with architects Jorge Iglesis and Leopoldo Prat sets 897 wooden poles on a stone base covered with grey and beige pebbles, forming a timber forest. Seventy empty spots hold ceramic mosaics made by relatives, one for each of the 70 detained-disappeared and executed peasants of the commune.
The memorial was established in 2008 to document events from Chile's past when the state exercised violence against its population. It preserves memories of how this period affected individuals and their families.
The memorial's name, "Un lugar para la Memoria", is the one used by the Corporación Memorial de Paine, the non-profit founded by Decree No. 118 of 10 January 2005 and first chaired by the human rights lawyer Andrés Aylwin until the 2008 inauguration. The corporation runs the site and promotes human rights awareness and cultural and artistic activity in Paine.
The site is located about 30 kilometers south of Santiago and offers guided tours where visitors can learn more about the documented events. It is helpful to allow time for your visit, as the exhibits deserve thoughtful attention.
The memorial was co-created with artist Alejandra Ruddoff, who used her artistic skills to visualize memories. This creative approach makes the place one where mourning and remembrance are expressed through artwork.
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