“POITIKÓ KILOÁZ”
(Poetic Collage)
Collective Eje Central, at “Galeria de Arte de Solidariedad”
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, curator Estebán Galán.
I was honored to be one of 40 artists selected to take part in Poesía en Collage, a group exhibition held at Galería de Arte de Solidaridad in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México.
The show invited us to explore Poetry through collage, responding to six critical and deeply human themes:
(Des)Amor
Muerte / Vida
Ciencia Ficción
Espiritualidad
Libertad
Autorxs Latinoamericanxs
Artists from across Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and the UK were selected by a panel of experienced collagists from Mexico and Colombia, along with local artists from the Riviera Maya.
It was a joy to contribute to this poetic and visual dialogue, and to see how collage continues to build bridges between words, images, cultures, and emotions.
"Preparing the Collage" tries to capture the essence of creative preparation and transformation. Set against a black background, a large piece of paper from an old magazine takes centre stage. The paper, weathered and aged with time, bears the marks of its journey, its once vibrant white hue now softened by the passage of time. A small figure stands at the bottom of the composition, equipped with protective clothing and a machine. This figure appears to be cleaning or decontaminating the surrounding area, as evidenced by the machine's white and green smoke or dust billowing. The cleansing efforts extend beyond the boundaries of the frame, suggesting a meticulous dedication to the task at hand. "Preparing the Collage" invites viewers to contemplate the transformative process inherent in the act of creation. As the space is cleansed and readied for artistic endeavor, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for the creative journey that lies ahead.
"The Revelation Process" is an analogue collage that narrates the unveiling of a supposedly beautiful woman, layer by layer. An intense white hue dominates in the initial layer, revealing only the woman's closed eyes, shrouded in smooth plaster. Below, a smaller figure resembling a sculptor delicately chips away at the plaster, depositing the fragments outside the frame in three small mounts. This action symbolizes the gradual unveiling of the woman's features. The second layer is revealed as the plaster layer is dismantled, revealing a sensual mouth and the edges of the woman's face. These details were previously hidden, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery. This artwork tries to visually represent the essence of discovery and transformation, inviting viewers to ponder the layers of hidden beauty waiting to be revealed.
"Emerging Depths" is a testament to the interplay of simplicity and complexity. Crafted from layers of delicately held paper, each rolled outward, the piece beckons viewers to explore its depths. Torn edges add texture and authenticity to the composition. As the layers unfold, the final layer reveals a mesmerizing depiction of marble, with swirling patterns and intricate details starkly contrasting the layers above. This portrayal of marble symbolizes the beauty and complexity that can be revealed from chaos, inviting viewers to ponder the layers of human experience and emotion. "Emerging Depths" captures the essence of life's complexities and the journey of discovery that awaits us all.
