‘Life cannot be repaired, but recreated by a return to the sources, and the source par excellence is the prodigious burst of energy, life and fertility that took place during the Creation of the World.’ Mircea Eliade (1991)

The relentless destruction of forests and the privatisation and scarcity of water are the premises behind the exhibition “Itzalpean. Spectrum of Darkness” by artist Pilar Soberón at the Sala Portalea in Eibar (Spain). These are causes that accelerate the destruction of the planet and, consequently, the extinction of humanity, as life on the planet would not exist without water and vegetation. Through installations, videos, sculptures and photographs, the exhibition ‘Itzalpean’ offers a reflection on the serious problem of humanity’s separation from nature. 

At first glance, the landscape of Eibar reveals the profound alteration of the territory and the disappearance of the native forest. Similarly, on a planetary level, the exploitation of water resources, industrial pollution, the extinction of species to the detriment of biodiversity, etc., are leading to the massive and unprecedented destruction of the most valuable thing we have: life in nature. In an approach that highlights the states of water and vegetation, different installations are on exhibit, most of which were created specifically for the Portalea Exhibition Hall. The ephemeral installation Metamorphosis (2022) is presented as a large igloo-like structure covered with seeds that emerges from under a translucent dome. The public has spontaneously activated the work through group meditations by the local yoga group and children’s life drawing sessions.

Various samples of water, minerals and videos create immersive spaces that submerge the public in a vibrant sound and sensual universe, as is the case with the video installations Uraldia (2019) and Itzal (2022). As a manifest for the preservation of the largest living organism in existence, the forest, the series of photographs ‘Haritz’ (2022) highlights the oak tree, a symbol of power and freedom in Basque culture, which has largely disappeared from our landscape.

Exhibition hall, Casa de Cultura Portalea, Eibar (Gipuzkoa)

Curator: Ana Salaberria

In collaboration with: Kutxabank Foundation, San Telmo Museum, Donostia, and Irun Town Council 

Photography: Iñigo Royo and Pilar Soberón

Installation: Equipo 7 

23.09.2022 – 23.10.2023

Mediation activities: Meditations (local yoga group), life drawing sessions and talk by the artist

 

listado de la obra

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