ALICIA MARTÍN
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Alicia Martín is fascinated by the book, an everyday object that she loves for its formal qualities (colours, smells, textures) as well as its symbolic charge and many possible interpretations. The book is universal. It’s a vehicle for transmitting culture, memory and knowledge, as well as a means of expressing human creativity. Her piles of books in public spaces reflect the power of literature to push back the boundaries of the imaginary.
A wall of books stands in front of the guns of the Royal Battery, echoing the shapes and proportions of the fortifications that date back to the 17th century. As an emblem of peace, the literary barrier obstructs the artillery’s trajectory. However, the title CUL-DE-SAC, referring to dead-end situations, adds a level of nuance to the artist’s pacifying image. However, the title CUL-DE-SAC, referring to dead-end situations, adds a level of nuance to the artist’s pacifying image. This truncated defensive structure remains powerless in the face of intense global conflict.
Photo credit: Conciencia. OpenArt 2015 @Alicia Martín, VEGAP.
OUTDOOR ARTWORK
Royal Battery, Quebec City
Alicia Martín lives and works in Madrid. She uses materials imbued with symbolism to develop paradoxical metaphors that reflect our complex relationship with reality. The artist collects thousands of used books and assembles them into architectural installations in public spaces.
Depuis 2001, l’artiste a présenté des expositions et réalisé des interventions contextuelles en France, en Italie, aux Pays-Bas, en Autriche, au Mexique, en Colombie, en Russie et en Espagne. Her works can be found in the permanent collections Her works can be found in the permanent collections of the Museo Nacional Centre de Arte Reina Sofía, the Library of Alexandria, the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art and the Museum Voorlinden in The Hague.
Photo credit : Erea Azurmendi
