Artista: ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de ver una pintura? - Mariela Scafati | #82

What is the Concept?

Introduction to the Concept

• The concept is described as a mode of thought, organization, or way of living that transcends identity.

• The speaker expresses excitement about hosting artist María Lascapati, who recently completed her residency at Colegium in Arévalo.

Artistic Exploration

• Lascapati's work is noted for its connection to both intimacy and collectivity. She discusses how her art seems to have a life of its own and extends beyond traditional boundaries.

• The artist reflects on her use of ropes and pulleys to suspend paintings from ceilings, challenging conventional viewing distances for art. She emphasizes that "the painting has to survive any space."

Arte en Diálogo: A Platform for Contemporary Art

Overview of the Show

• Lorena Pérez Jácome introduces "Arte en Diálogo," a platform aimed at exploring contemporary art and connecting with artists' stories and processes.

• The show also serves as a bridge for galleries in Spain, allowing them to showcase their artists and works effectively. Artists or gallery owners interested in participating are encouraged to reach out.

Featured Gallery

• This week's featured gallery is Luis Adelantado, showcasing the work of Irma Álvarez Laviada; further details can be found in the episode description.

María Lascapati: Background and Artistic Journey

Early Life and Education

• María shares her origins from Bahía Blanca, Argentina, where she studied graphic design and visual arts before moving to Buenos Aires in 1997/98. Her transition was marked by being pre-selected for an important scholarship on her first day there.

Scholarship Experience

• The scholarship program she joined was unique as it included various disciplines beyond painting—such as fashion design and photography—and fostered community learning among participants through dialogues with mentors like Guillermo Quitka. She highlights the importance of peer relationships during this formative period.

Community Engagement Through Art

Founding a Serigraphy Workshop

• In 2002, María co-founded a popular serigraphy workshop after engaging with local assemblies formed post-economic crisis in Argentina (December 2001). This initiative allowed community members to express themselves through art while addressing social issues collectively.

Collective Learning Experience

• Participants began creating printed t-shirts with messages reflecting their community's memory ("Santelmo tiene memoria"), illustrating how art can serve as a medium for collective identity and activism within neighborhoods during times of crisis. This experience emphasized learning through action in public spaces rather than traditional settings alone.

Exploring Artistic Identity and Collective Expression

The Context of LGBT Pride March in Buenos Aires

• The discussion begins with the context of an LGBT pride march in Buenos Aires, highlighting a call for collective gatherings among artists.

• The speaker expresses a desire to move away from a closed collective format, indicating past conflicts but emphasizing the importance of street serigraphy as a form of collective art.

Connection to Art Festivals and Individual Exhibitions

• An invitation to an art festival led to the discovery of the term "queer," which resonated with the speaker's artistic identity.

• Recent exhibitions include their first solo show at MASPI in São Paulo, showcasing their work under the theme of queer artistry.

Balancing Intimacy and Collectivity in Art

• The speaker discusses how their artwork embodies both intimate and expansive elements, often perceived as opposing forces.

• They reflect on how their political engagement intertwines with personal expression, revealing complexities in balancing these aspects within their career.

Personal Journey Through Painting and Community Engagement

• The artist identifies primarily as a painter but acknowledges that many know them through serigraphy or other roles, illustrating a multifaceted identity.

• Their journey includes various community engagements beyond painting—such as organizing archives and participating in educational reforms—demonstrating a commitment to broader social issues.

Transformation Through Clothing as Artistic Medium

• A pivotal moment occurred when they began organizing clothing from their wardrobe by color, leading to unexpected artistic expressions.

• This act was not initially intended as performance art; however, it evolved into significant installations showcased at academic settings.

Emergence of Performance Art from Everyday Actions

• A performance involving wearing multiple t-shirts became revelatory for the artist, marking a shift towards recognizing everyday actions as valid forms of artistic expression.

• Invitations followed for performances related to sexual education and poetry events, further integrating personal narrative into public discourse.

Conceptualizing Paintings Beyond Traditional Boundaries

• The artist describes an experience where adding personal clothing to paintings transformed them into living entities rather than static objects.

• This realization prompted deeper inquiries into how artworks can exist outside conventional frameworks, leading to new practices around suspension and attachment within their work.

Exploring the Intersection of Body and Art

The Relationship Between Body and Identity

• The speaker emphasizes the connection between bodies and art, suggesting that understanding this relationship requires viewing their work, which transforms the body into a canvas.

• Although the speaker enjoys dancing, they clarify that they do not possess formal dance skills; instead, their connection to movement stems from clothing and identity exploration.

• Participation in collective actions with queer artists has influenced the speaker's perspective on different bodies and identities, integrating these themes into their artwork.

Defining Queerness

• The concept of queerness is described as a way of thinking about the world differently—dislocated and playful—rather than being confined to specific identities or categories.

• Queerness opens up possibilities beyond established norms, allowing for fluidity in thought and existence. The speaker acknowledges that this definition may be imprecise but reflects its inherent nature.

Artistic Inspirations and Techniques

• A quote from the speaker highlights how their artworks stem from ideas generated by painting itself, expressing a desire to engage physically with their creations.

• The importance of knots in their work is discussed; knots symbolize connections between canvases, clothing, and furniture while also representing crucial elements in artistic expression.

Introduction to Shibari

• Shibari is introduced as a Japanese bondage technique that evolved into an aesthetic practice. The speaker shares how they became interested in it through personal experiences related to dressing others.

• They describe an emotional experience akin to caring for a painting as if it were a delicate body when engaging with art materials.

Exploration of Care Through Art

• The speaker began researching practices related to body care while exploring risk-taking within art. This led them to discover images of women tied up, which sparked intrigue regarding materiality.

• Their initial use of ropes was linked to practical aspects of displaying paintings; however, it evolved into deeper explorations concerning visibility and space within artistic contexts.

Learning Shibari Techniques

• After discovering shibari imagery's beauty, the speaker sought out expertise from someone knowledgeable who guided them through practical applications without formality or pressure.

• They emphasize that shibari transcends eroticism; it's rooted in trust and care—a sentiment echoed throughout their learning process involving adrenaline-fueled experiences.

Exploring the Art of Suspension and Maternal Themes

The Journey into Suspension Art

• The speaker discusses their initial experiences as a serigrapher, which led to a network of friendships and experimentation with suspension art.

• They describe the sensation of being suspended, emphasizing that it does not cause pain but rather a feeling of lightness and surrender.

• This experience influenced their approach to creating art, leading them to treat their paintings as living entities connected to people they know.

• The speaker reflects on transitioning from abstract concepts in art to more concrete representations involving human forms, culminating in a project for the Berlin Biennale featuring 65 bodies representing friends.

• They explain how they incorporate personal measurements from friends into their artwork, treating canvases as extensions of those individuals.

Material Choices and Community Connections

• Discussion about the types of ropes used in suspension art; preference for soft fibers like cotton or hemp for comfort during suspension.

• The speaker shares an experience sourcing materials in Madrid, highlighting the importance of using quality fibers for artistic expression.

• They mention discovering a community while learning knot-making, which sparked reflections on motherhood and its implications for their life choices.

Reflections on Motherhood

• The conversation shifts towards motherhood; previously unconsidered questions arise regarding the possibility of becoming a mother amidst artistic pursuits.

• The speaker recounts how societal expectations around stability influenced their views on motherhood but ultimately decided to embrace this new path at age 47.

Artistic Expression and Maternal Themes

• There is an exploration of whether maternal themes are present in their artwork; despite others perceiving it as maternal, the artist does not see this connection clearly.

• They discuss how care in crafting artworks parallels maternal instincts but also intertwines with eroticism, suggesting complex layers within their creations.

• Their works invite multiple interpretations—balancing elements of playfulness, mystery, and eroticism alongside potential maternal themes.

Impact of Motherhood on Artistic Approach

• Reflecting on changes brought by motherhood, they note that some shifts in creative processes occurred even before becoming a parent.

• Despite these changes influencing construction methods in art-making, they believe that direct connections between motherhood and their work may not be overtly visible.

Exploring the Impact of Motherhood on Artistic Creation

Changes in Perspective Post-Motherhood

• The speaker reflects on how motherhood can lead to noticeable changes in artists, suggesting a shift in perception and emotional connection.

• There is an acknowledgment that becoming a mother alters one's viewpoint, potentially influencing artistic expression, though this connection requires further analysis.

Time Management as an Artist

• The speaker notes a significant change in time management post-motherhood, feeling more focused and productive compared to before when they had more free time.

• This newfound concentration leads to less procrastination and a more concrete approach to their work.

Creative Process and Environment

• The artist shares their creative routine, emphasizing the importance of listening to Radio con VZ while working, which helps them stay connected with current events.

• They mention balancing their assistant's preference for music with their own need for news, indicating how external stimuli influence their creative environment.

Experience at Documenta 15

• The artist describes the challenges faced while attending Documenta 15 with her baby, highlighting the difficulties posed by travel and social climate.

• Despite these challenges, participation was enriching due to interactions with other artists and collective experiences.

Community-Centric Art Practices

• Documenta 15 emphasized community collaboration over individual recognition; the artist's group was invited due to shared values around collective work.

• Their approach aligns with the concept of "lumb," symbolizing communal resource sharing akin to harvesting crops together.

Reflections on Political Climate

• The artist discusses how resources were redistributed within projects at Documenta 15, allowing continued support for local initiatives back home.

• They express concern about rising tensions during their visit, noting feelings of being accused unjustly amidst political strife.

Lasting Impressions from Documenta 15

• The experience left a bittersweet taste; it highlighted Germany's complex issues while also reflecting broader global polarization trends.

• The artist sees parallels between events at Documenta and current societal divisions worldwide, emphasizing the need for unity through art.

Art and Community: The Political Nature of Well-Being

The Role of Collective Experiences in Art

• The speaker emphasizes the political aspect of creating spaces for joy and well-being through shared meals and moments, highlighting the importance of community.

• There is a call to maintain alliances and engage in simple acts of connection, contrasting this with current cruel policies that promote isolation.

Perception and Impact of Artistic Work

• The artist reflects on how they wish their work to be perceived by audiences, expressing a desire for laughter and positive reactions as indicators of success.

• They share personal experiences where audience engagement—like smiles or comments—has been more meaningful than any predetermined message they intended to convey.

• A notable moment occurred when their works were replicated by students in schools, exceeding the artist's expectations and demonstrating the impact of art on community engagement.

Residency Experience at Collegium

Connection with Local Culture

• The artist discusses their residency experience in Arévalo, describing it as an opportunity to step outside their routine and connect with local culture through various crafts.

• They appreciated the slower pace of life outside urban settings, which allowed for deeper connections with people and stories from the area.

Personal Growth Through New Environments

• Living in Maribel's house provided insights into her life and history, enriching the artist’s understanding of place through personal narratives.

Reflections on Radio Experience

Building Community Through Communication

• The conversation shifts to radio experiences; both speakers share a background in amateur radio, emphasizing its role in connecting communities despite physical distances.

Creative Endeavors Beyond Traditional Art Forms

• They recount building a radio station that fostered creativity within limited means while also exploring streaming technologies later on.

Education Insights: What Should Be Taught?

Importance of Real-world Engagement

• In concluding remarks about art education, there is a strong advocacy for teaching students to engage with the world outside academic confines.

• The speaker reflects on their own journey as an artist who initially sought only to paint rather than teach or fit into traditional roles within academia.

Artist Identity and Experience

Embracing the Artist Label

• The speaker reflects on their early acceptance of being an artist, stating they have never felt shame in identifying as one since 1994. They highlight a contrast with peers who were hesitant to claim this identity.

Influence of Art Institutions

• The speaker shares experiences of visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Art Museum during free time, which exposed them to diverse artists and perspectives that differed from their school environment.

Redefining Artistic Expression

• Initially feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of art, the speaker later discovered a simpler approach: expressing personal experiences rather than adhering to rigid academic standards.

Connection Between Life and Art

• The importance of linking art to life is emphasized; whether teaching or creating, understanding life's pulse is crucial for genuine expression.

Advice for Young Artists

• The speaker encourages young artists to engage in collaborative projects with friends and prioritize enjoyment in their creative processes, suggesting that joy leads to further artistic development.

Gratitude and Collaboration

Acknowledgments

• The conversation concludes with expressions of gratitude towards Mariela for sharing her insights about her work and contributions to education, highlighting the value of collaboration within artistic communities.