Ambactia Memoria

About

The presented works deconstruct notions of Hispanicness and collectively imagine its future transformation. Developed by Vanesa Peña Alarcón in the framework of a SomoS Curatorial Residency, her curatorial project boldly explores this theme at the intersection between feminism, transculturalism, decolonization, and (post)migrant approaches. 

Including the work of artists spanning three continents, Ambactia Memoria presents an international critique of the stereotypical representation of Hispanic identity. In the curator’s view, this representation of the Hispanic is patronizing, merely offering a one-sided perspective of history and collective memory. Instead,  Ambactia Memoria presents alternative perspectives on the traditions, geography, identity, tropes, and culture associated with the Hispanic. 

The artists in this exhibition have taken the representation of Hispanic identity into their own hands, producing work that both contends with and deviates from western artistic conventions and pan-Hispanic tropes. Some examples of works include Solivella’s traditional woven works petrified through marine salinization, Candía’s skulls printed with photographs of indigenous Selk’Nam faces, and an exploration of generational trauma by Gomar Vidal in collaboration with the Association of Franco's victims of Paterna. Also included in Ambactia Memoria is a sound performance by artist Miguel Buenrostro.  

Other artists in Ambactia Memoria include Peruvian painter Andrés Argüelles Vigo, Münich-based textile artist Constanza Camila of Chile, installation artist Adriana Bickel of Guatemala, sound artist Carlos Gárate, writer Virginia Lázaro, visual artist Abel Azcona, and politically-charged collective Homo Velamine of Spain.  

In a global environment still dealing with the effects of war and colonialism, now more than ever it’s important that overlooked, misunderstood, and reimagined alternative perspectives are brought to the forefront to broaden our understanding of history, tradition, identity, and the global community. Don’t miss Ambactia Memoria, on view at SomoS September 7th-19th. 

Ambactia Memoria is realized with the kind support of the Comunidad de Madrid, Ville de Lausanne, and the Government of Peru.

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About the Curator: In her work, Spanish curator and cultural manager Vanesa Peña Alarcón aims to widen the margins of the field of Art History, through the inclusion of diverse viewpoints and an interdisciplinary approach to discussing and presenting art. Vanesa Peña Alarcón earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Complutense University of Madrid and a Master of Research in Cultural Theory and Criticism from Carlos III University, graduating with distinction and earning scholarships at both universities. She has been awarded fellowships from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Government of Spain to develop her work internationally in China (Instituto Cervantes), the U.S (Embassy of Spain) and Germany (SomoS Arthouse). She also co-founded art history associations and has given public lectures in Spain and China.

AMBACTIA MEMORIA – Group exhibition showcasing work from ten artists reimagining Hispanic identity  

September 7th-19th, 2021, Tuesday – Saturday, 14 - 19 h

SomoS, Kottbusser Damm 95, 1.0G, 10967 Berlin (U8 – Schönleinstraße)